Prime Minister Mark Phillips on Monday handed over a $5 million cheque on behalf of the Government to the St Ignatius Village, in Region Nine, for the construction of a Benab.
The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) said Phillips made the presentation to the village at the St Ignatius Community Cen-tre ground after delivering the opening remarks at its Heritage Day celebrations.
According to a statement from the OPM, during his speech at the event he re-emphasised the government’s unwavering commitment to the advancement of Amerindian rights and development.
“You have a government that remains committed to supporting your heritage, you have a Government that respects you as our first people, and a government that is committed to your development under the concept of ‘One Guyana,’ bringing development to all your communities here in Region Nine and across Guyana,” he was quoted as saying.
Phillips added that as Guyana’s development enters a new and rapidly expanding phase, the government remains committed to including Amerindians in the national development agenda.
“We took an early decision that the revenue from oil will be utilised for the development of all the people of Guyana. It doesn’t matter whether you live on the coastland or whether you live in the hinterland, development must come to you and your community,” he said.
He also noted that efforts to bridge the digital and energy divides are ongoing while stating that hinterland education, health, and infrastructure are being re-positioned to help eliminate inequalities and ensure Amerindians’ continued development.
