Hinterland Highlights Newspaper Issue#1 2015 Edition

Issue No:1 /2015

September

INSIDE President Granger puts forward 10-Point Strategic Plan for Hinterland Development Page 2

Indigenous Peoples’ Culture Alive in Guyana

200 homes to be constructed under Hinterland Housing Project Page 5

Hinterland areas to benefit from water supply Page 9

Focus on Hinterland Development

Toshaos attend first National Indigenous Rights and Resources Conference Page 23

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Hinterland Highlights

President Granger puts forward new ten point strategic plan for Hinterland development

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ndigenous leaders from around the country met at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre from August 17-22, 2015 for the National Toshaos’ Council meeting. The meeting was declared open by President David Granger.

During the opening ceremony, the President, in his address, clearly outlined a 10-point strategic plan for Hinterland development. The overall plan will see the communities becoming thriving economic units. Also, the aim is to eradicate extreme poverty and facilitate youth employment. “The first such meeting was held 46 years ago in 1969 and its continuation today is a mark of respect for representatives of Indigenous peoples of this great country. Your Government aims at deepening national unity,” President Granger told the gathering.

Further, the President said his Administration is committed to building bridges among all communities and groups, in order to enhance the wellbeing of citizens, in addition to working to bring about inclusionary democracy. With regard to Hinterland communities, President Granger pointed out that the frontier layout of many Hinterland communities put them at risk of becoming “corridors for illegality.”

He added, “The Hinterland’s forest and pristine waterways are under threat of damage and contamination, its physical infrastructure is inadequate for such a vast territory, its people for the most part are poor, its small scattered population must bear the burden of high cost of living.”

Cognisant of these issues, President Granger reassured the Indigenous leaders that the Administration will ensure livelihood will be sustained, that the environment will be protected and that there will be a new approach to Hinterland and regional administration.

“Your Government, as a start, iterates its commitment to upgrade the four regional administrative centres: Mabaruma, in the Barima Waini Region; Bartica, in the Cuyuni/Mazaruni Region; Mahdia, in the Pataro Sipuruni Region; and Lethem, in the Rupununi Region.”

These areas will achieve

township status before Guyana celebrates its 50th Independence next year, and will be governed by their own Mayor and Town Councils.

Moving forward, President Granger said the Administration is proposing a new partnership between the National Toshaos’ Council, which represents 72,000 Guyanese and the Central Government. “We propose to work together for the improvement of the quality of life for all Indigenous Guyanese.

Your Government is committed to the development of the Hinterland and the Indigenous communities. We desire to see development with dignity, not with dependency,” the President reaffirmed, even as he outlined the new ten-point plan.

Government’s New Ten Point Plan of Action Hinterland Education Support ProgrammeThis plan will seek to address the issue of the broken public education system, which is now a priority for the new Administration, as it will ensure that every school age child get a sound education. “We shall ensure that every child be able to attend school,” President Granger said. This programme, the President explained, will ensure too that every child will be provided with a nutritious breakfast upon arrival at school, while provision will continue to be made for text books, and school uniforms. Over the next five years, the President said his Administration will ensure that every school child will be transported to school by bicycle, boat or bus. “Our priority will be to

ensure that everyone get a sound education, to prepare him or her for satisfactory employment,” the President stated.

are still classified as very poor, with an expenditure level that is below what is required to purchase a daily minimum low cost diet,” President Granger said. It is expected that with the implementation of this plan and good governance, poverty in Hinterland communities will be reduced and eventually eradicated. The policies to be crafted under this programme will ensure increased wealth in Hinterland H.E President David Granger communities.

Hinterland Employment Hinterland Infrastructure and Youth ServiceExtension ProgrammeThis will replace the Youth This initiative is intended Entrepreneurship and Appren- to bridge the gap between the ticeship Programme, which ex- standards of living on the Coastpired in April 2015. Under this lands and the Hinterland. “We programme, a new scheme will want economic development be established that will provide for you. We want to see rapid sustainable jobs for youths in economic conversion between Hinterland communities. “We the two zones; the Hinterland do not wish to promote a culture and the Coastland. In order to of hand-outs. This is demeaning. achieve this conversion, we We will ensure that although must improve the physical injobs are scarce, young school frastructure within the Hinterleavers will be provided with land, where the vast majority of skills to equip them for the world our Indigenous people reside,” of work,” the President outlined. the President stated. This proThis initiative will also ensure gramme will be led by the pavthat persons who were employed ing of the road between Linden as Community Support Officers, and Lethem, followed by better (CSO) will be employed and so bridges, aerodromes, stellings, continue to receive stipends. roads, ferries and other forms of The Hinterland Poverty transportation.

Reduction ProgrammeHinterland Energy Devel“We are aware that social opment Programmeprotection is in crisis. Too many “Your Government is comyoung and very old persons mitted to ensuring energy security in the Hinterland,” the President said. This programme, instead of distributing solar panels, will ensure that all communities be powered by solar farms, ensuring that all homes and public facilities in hinterland be supplied with solar power, to cater to the needs of those communities.

Hinterland Happy Household ProgrammeThis programme is intended to ensure that investments in economic projects yield substantial and sustained benefits and create long-term job opportunities in Indigenous communities. “We Government plans to bridge gap between Hinterland and also, will under this initiative, Coastal communities promote the safety and security

of your communities, free from crime free from harassment,” President Granger explained.

This initiative will also address other crime related matters and bring to an end the exploitation of indigenous people. Another component of this programme will cater to boosting economic activities.

Hinterland and Indigenous People Lands Commission-.

“Land is life for the Indigenous people, and we are aware that over the last 49 years, there have still arisen many unresolved land claims and issues. Your Government is aware of this problem,” the President said. This Commission will address all issues relating to land titling and land demarcation.

Hinterland Public Service Provision SchemeThis initiative will ensure that the Public Service be extended to all corners of the country, including remote Hinterland communities. “We want to make your communities and your people better served by the Central Government,” President Granger told the Indigenous leaders. Under this progamme, citizenship registration will be made available to all Hinterland communities.

Hinterland Language Cultural and Sport ServiceThis programme will ensure that the cultural traditions of indigenous people be preserved, while ensuring improved access to Information and Communication Technology. It will also facilitate the construction of state of the art sport facilities in Hinterland communities.

Hinterland Tourism Service“Your government intends to established eco-tourism on a sound economic footing. Guyana’s tourism product is under exploited. We want to establish a real Hinterland zoological park,” President Granger said. Under this initiative, we will ensure that the many tourism products in the hinterland communities be utilised for the benefit of these communities.

This year’s National Tosahos’ Council meeting was held under the theme “Steadfast Indigenous Leadership towards Territorial Integrity and Sustainable Livelihood”.

Hinterland Highlights

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Venezuela’s Decree Spurious-lacks legal and historical support 1. Many offers seem to start from fictitious provisions in the Geneva Agreement or unsubstantiated assertions like those of Mr. Mallet-Provost about the circumstances surrounding the Arbitral Award which established the borders.

Many reports are obviously untrue, including one today (Saturday, August 8th) to the effect that Venezuela has been challenging the boundaries since 1899 or that the dispute has run for over 100 years. In fact, Venezuela participated in the demarcation of the border between 1901 and 1905 and made no challenge to that boundary until 1962 and 1966 as Guyana was about to become independent. In other words, that border had been unchanged and unchallenged for over 60 years.

2. Over the last few days there have also been reports to the effect that Venezuela approached the United Nations Secretary General to have the Good Offices process implemented in keeping with the Geneva Agreement whilst Guyana has refused to do so and wants to go straight to the International Court of Justice. In fact, the Geneva Agreement makes no mention of the Good Offices process. Obviously therefore, the Good Offices process neither requires the agreement of both parties in order to end its use.

3. Actually, the Good Offices process has been in place for 25 years following other attempts at resolution, including a moratorium under the Protocol of Port of Spain. The latter was unilaterally brought to an end by Venezuela in 1982.

Trying to resolve an issue with such disparate actors, well-wishers and complex fora is a recipe for confusion and is unhelpful.

4. Guyana will continue to work with the United Nations and the United Nations Secretary General as set out in Article IV (2) of the Geneva Agreement. It has always done so and has never attacked Venezuelan civilians or seized vessels

operating in Venezuelan waters or territory. It has never published any maps that are inconsistent with international treaties and law.

5. The Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has been campaigning across the world with a message that Guyana has been committing acts of aggression against the Bolivarian Republic. As ludicrous as this may seem to Guyanese, some listeners take this seriously. Some offers to mediate start from that position – keep the rhetoric down. Some offers to mediate have been prompted by that concern. However, neither in English nor Spanish is a speech defined as a more aggressive tool than the actual use of a corvette or gunboat. The recent Decree issued by Venezuela has not been issued out of the blue, it is part of a well rehearsed Venezuelan cycle of combined illegal and diplomatic actions.

In 2013, without the presence of Exxon Mobil as an excuse, in Guyana’s exclusive economic zone off the North West coast of Guyana, Venezuelan gunboats seized a seismic survey vessel carrying out peaceful survey work. The Government in office at the time was the PPP. The fact that our protest about Venezuelan actions which are clear breaches of international law can be regarded as aggressive should tell observers and Guyanese about how the Venezuelan Government regards the people of Guyana and their rights under international law.

What the Geneva Agreement does not do: • It does not pronounce on the rightness or wrongness of the 1899 Arbitral Award • It does not change any land boundaries that existed before 1966 or thereafter, whether the Essequibo or the estuary of the Orinoco to Guyana.

• It defines no territory and its people as being disputed and therefore not deserving of development.

• It makes no mention of any maritime borders or EEZ, as claimed by Venezuela • It gives Venezuela no right to send military vessels or quasi-military groups or anyone else to occupy space that is part of the sovereign territory of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and reaffirmed as Guyana’s by the 1899 Award.

What the Geneva Convention does do: • It does require the parties to deal with the controversy that has been brought about by Venezuela’s unilateral and unsubstantiated contention that the Arbitral Award of 1899 is null and void.

It needs to be said therefore, that the controversy can only be resolved if Venezuela either makes a legally acceptable challenge on the nullity of the Arbitral Award or drops it.

If it is able to make its case, it would not follow that it

would now be awarded the Essequibo. What it means is that the entire case will then have to be adjudicated since just as Venezuela claims territory that is fully part of Guyana today, the British – with evidence – prior to 1899 claimed territory that is part of Venezuela today.

Therefore it would need to be acknowledged, on Venezuela’s part, that Guyana would then have the right to have British claims to parts of the territory now controlled by Venezuela, also considered.

The fact that in 58 years Venezuela has never seriously attempted to support its claim which gave rise to the controversy is a clear indication that having pressed for arbitration and gained the mouth of the Orinoco and much else, it has subsequently, on reflection, after gorging itself on the riches of that grant decided to secure more territory by other means – essentially by attempting to keep a dead controversy

alive and using those riches to prevent development in Guyana.

Three further points need to be noted: 1. The present tensions between Guyana and Venezuela are neither the making of the present Government nor the previous administration of Guyana.

It is a tension of Venezuela’s own creation because there can be no doubt that the concession being operated by ExxonMobil and other concessionaires under license from Guyana, are in territory that is Guyana’s under any correct interpretation of international law.

2. The ExxonMobil license dates back to 1999 and its search for hydrocarbons predates this current administration. It cannot therefore be part of any new aggression plot under this Government.

3. While Venezuela takes the position that the

Secretary General cannot choose another means of settlement of the controversy without the agreement of both Guyana and Venezuela, there is no support for that interpretation in the Geneva Agreement.

Article IV (1) of that agreement clearly spelt out the options from which Guyana and Venezuela could choose if the Mixed Commission fails to resolve the controversy.

Article IV (2) clearly States that in the event of failure to resolve the controversy under Article IV (1), the Secretary General is mandated to select a means of finding a solution – that is one of his choice.

It was in anticipation of the current position in which Guyana and Venezuela cannot agree on a means of settlement that Article IV (2) was included. That latter provision would be unnecessary if Venezuela’s position were correct.

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Hinterland Highlights

All steps will be taken to promote, preserve and promulgate indigenous culture and languages-President David Granger at the launch of Indigenous Heritage Month 2015

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ut of respect and sensitivity for Guyana’s first peoples, what was known as “Amerindian Heritage Month” has now been redesignated ‘Indigenous Heritage Month”. This was announced earlier this evening, as President

the President spoke of the importance, which his administration places on safeguarding every aspect of the Indigenous peoples’ way of life.

Against this backdrop, the President announced that the administration will recommence

digenous languages.

President Granger told a packed auditorium, that the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Indigenous peoples needs to be safeguarded, even as modernisation and penetration by other cultures are threatening many of the

President David Granger arriving for the launch of Heritage Month- 2015 David Granger, declared the 2015 Heritage Month celebration opened at, the Sophia, Exhibition site.

“We are pleased to be associated with Indigenous Heritage Month, which is dedicated to events and observances to highlight aspects of Indigenous life and showcase their contributions to national life,” the President stated. In keeping with this year’s theme, “Preserving Indigenous customs and traditions”,

the Amerindian Languages Project, at the University of Guyana.

However, it will be renamed, the Indigenous Language Project.

This follows an announcement by President Granger at the National Toshaos Council Meeting, two weeks ago, on the establishment of the Hinterland Language, Cultural and Sports Commission. This Commission, among other things, will promote the preservation, through documentation and recording, of in-

something that has been neglected for well over 40 years and we look forward to everything this administration can do. They have taken a very bold first step in changing from Amerindian to Indigenous, which gives us a different platform under various inter-

Audience paying rapt attention during launch of Heritage Month -2015

traditions and values.

With specific focus on the preservation of Indigenous languages, President Granger pointed out that provision for this, is made for in the Constitution. The Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana prescribes, in Article 149G, states, “Indigenous peoples shall have the right to the protection, preservation and promulgation of their languages, cultural heritage and way of life”.

Highlighting traditional costumes and dance at launch of Heritage Month

President Granger reaffirmed that as leader of the country he is obligated to fulfill what is in the Constitution.

“The heritage of our Indigenous peoples is the patrimony of all of Guyana; languages speak to your heritage. The languages of

our Indigenous peoples contain the wisdom passed down through the ages by their ancestors. The loss of languages, therefore, constitutes a form of cultural loss to the entire nation,” President Granger said.

Meanwhile, the President’s message on the importance of maintaining Indigenous language was well received as it was welcomed by some prominent indigenous figures present at the opening ceremony. Brethnol Ashley, Regional Chairman of Region one, in an invited comment, told the Ministry of the Presidency, that in his view, the announcement is very timely one. “…This year’s theme reflects on preserving customs and tradition. I think having the languages preserved in Guyana is something very important and something that our government should foster in helping our Indigenous brothers and sisters to remember their identity and find their identity.”

Lennox Shuman, the Toshao of St. Cuthbert’s Mission, who also spoke with the Ministry of the Presidency, lauded the announcement by the President and deemed it a bold step.

“It’s a great initiative. It’s

national organisations to address those issues.” Shuman added that the Indigenous communities will be looking forward to even bolder moves such as seeing the languages being incorporated into the school’s curriculum.

There are nine Indigenous languages; Arawak (Lokono), Akawaio, Arekuna, Carib (Karina), Makushi, Patamona, Wapishana, WaiWai and Warau. However, to date, dictionaries have only been produced for seven of the nine, leaving the Carib (Karina) and the Patamona languages still to be completed.

Over the next four weeks, Guyana’s indigenous people will showcase their, cuisine, culture and talent in their respective villages as well at the Sophia Exhibition site. Others events that will coincide with this month’s celebrations will include the Indigenous Heritage Month Pageant, the Stephen Campbell Educational Lecture, fashion shows, a cultural extravaganza and much more.

This year, Santa Aratak Village, Region three has been designated the official Heritage village.

Hinterland Highlights

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Another 200 homes to be constructed under Hinterland Housing Project -Minister Keith Scott

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he Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) has been able to obtain a further US$3.1M to expand the Hinterland Housing Pilot Project, which was a component under the Government of Guyana (GOG)/ Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Second Low Income Settlement Programme.

Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Keith Scott, told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that the project profile is currently being finalised for approval by

Minister Keith Scott the IDB. He said that this new Project will see the construction of approxi-

mately 200 more houses in the Hinterland. The homes will have rainwater harvesting systems.

Work is expected to commence early in 2016, the

Minister said.

The Hinterland Housing project was started in 2009 and is aimed at providing housing for vulnerable Hinterland households, through a community partnership approach, involving novel participatory approaches to project design and the actual provision of affordable housing.

The objective of the pilot project was to address the housing needs of eight communities in Regions One and Nine. This objective was supported by a subsidy arrangement involving the disbursement of 208 subsidies for the

completion of 500sq. ft. houses and the replacement of defected roofs with zinc roofs, complete with a rainwater harvesting system.

Eight communities are participating in the pilot.

The successes of the Hinterland Housing Project include reduced overcrowding in Hinterland homes, improved access to safer drinking water for Hinterland households, improved sanitary conditions for Hinterland families, increased social cohesion within participating communities, employment for over 100 persons in participatory communi-

ties, reduction in labour intensive work on women, overall improvement in improved housing conditions of Hinterland house-

holds, and mutual learning between the implementing agency and beneficiary communities.

Core Homes given to Hinterland residents

Eleventh Moruca Expo held - Better coordination and planning of the event needed

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he eleventh Moruca Expo, held July 25-26, prompted calls for better coordination, planning and management of the event.

Held under the theme, “One Culture: Many Livelihoods,” the event was expected to highlight the culture and traditions of the Indigenous peoples.

Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, along with Junior Minister Valerie-Garrido Lowe, who visited the subregion to participate in the Expo, expressed concerns on the down-turn of the event.

“I am a little concerned that much more local stuff is not visible, the craft etc… too much emphasis is on the political differences, and this has resulted negatively on the Expo,” Minister Allicock said.

As regards the presence of the products of the residents, Minster Lowe explained that “I don’t know what happened, I saw a flyer for this activity, inviting people to come and enjoy a Moruca weekend getaway, I don’t think that this is an Expo.”

To this end, Minister Allicock urged the new

Ministers Sydney Allicock and Valerie Lowe with Ms. Moruca 2015 and the runners-up after the pageant Toshao and his Council to commence work immediately on strengthening this activity.

“It is for the new Council to get organised and stop this division, and get on to doing the business that would mean a lot to the people, and to improve the livelihood of the people right here,” he said.

It is believed that the Expo has lost its focus, since there was an absence of the various local handicrafts, dishes and other products of the Indigenous peoples. It is against this

background that the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) intervened to conduct a survey as to the effectiveness of the Expo.

Minister Allicock issued a call for the return of unity and cooperation among the Indigenous population. “We need to get back to the old days of the Indigenous peoples working together,” he said.

The Minister pointed out that work in the education and social sectors needs to be done, and the Ministry is collaborating with the Indigenous Peo-

ples’ Commission (IPC) and Ministry of Communities, to work closer with

the people, listen to their issues and share ideas in an effort to improve their lives.

According to GTA’s Director, IndranauthHaralsingh, who was also present at the Expo, plans are in place to improve this Expo from the tourism aspect. The GTA will establish a committee to strengthen the event and to ensure its effective management and coordination.

Meanwhile, the highlight of the event was the widely anticipated Miss. Moruca Pageant.

Five young ladies from the communities of Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Kwebanna, Manawarin and Assakata competed for the title of Ms. Moruca. Hav-

ing gone through, the various segments, talent pieces and intelligence segment, Ms. Santa Rosa, in the person of Amanda Daniels, was crowned Mss. Moruca 2015. Sashing of the new queen was done by Minister Allicock, while the presentation of prizes was done by Minster Lowe.

Other activities at the Expo included an archery competition, crab quakemaking and the pepper sauce eating competition.

Residents also took part in a football game and canoeing.

The objective of this Expo was to showcase the talents of the people and rich flora and fauna of this rural Indigenous community.

Moruca 2015 Beauty Pageant was well attended

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Hinterland Highlights

The necessity of broadcasting in Indigenous languages

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he Indigenous Peoples of Guyana, commonly referred to as the Amerindians, for too long, have been at best, ‘simply accommodated’ or ‘allowed to fit in’ in relation to main stream Guyana. Too many times, they are like an after-thought.

They have been around long before anyone came to this shore; in fact, they have always been here. In that sense, they not only ‘belong’ to, but ‘own’ the country.

They comprise just below 10 per cent of the population of Guyana, inclusive of four main tribes, namely the Warraus, Arawaks, Wapishana and the Caribs; these include several sub tribes: Arrecunas; Akawaios; Patamonas; and Macusis. The Wai-wais are also included in the Caribgroup. These colourful people are quite visible, yet their pronounced presence is not translated in a commensurable manner in day-to-day life in Guyana.

One example that highlights this anomaly is reflected in the reality that even songs and poems celebrating ‘Amerindianness’ are perpetuated in English, and they are not a major thrust of the happenings in main stream media. In a compensatory manner, there is ‘Heritage Month’ that seeks to place sporadic, even though quite heavy emphasis on things Indigenous; but this admits the fact that the Indigenous peoples are really just accommodated for a while and then forgotten and shelved. Even when the emphasis is so prominent for the lone month, it creates a scene that suggests that Amerindians are the ‘other’ people; they are not normal-not in dress, food and notably language.

Interest agog-Broadcasting in Indigenous languages It is now known that in the Annai area, broadcasting is done mainly in Macushi and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Sydney Allicock firmly stated that “If our (Indigenous Peoples’) culture is going to survive, language

is the root of the stabilisation of our culture, our identity, because we could be nobody else but our selves, and if we lose that, then we are nobody.”

And Vivian Marco, Mathematics Lecturer at the Cyril Potter College of Education, lent his support

has a passion for things Indigenous, said, “We are Guyanese and, as Guyanese we need to respect each and everyone’s culture -cultural habits, cultural norms. We do it for Christian, we do it for Moslems, we do it for Hindus, (so)-why can’t we do it for Amerindians,

Radio Paiwomak-Guyana to Minister Allicock’s position. Marco, who speaks his native Wapishana fluently, stated that Indigenous radio stations are vital as, “the young people today (in the Interior) are not much exposed to their own languages, so having access to a radio in the original language, will help the young people to learn the language by listening to original pronunciations. This will help their grasp for the language, even though not the spelling as yet.”

Implicit in the words of Minister Allicock and Lecturer Vivian Marco is that inextricable link of language and culture. And we need to realise too that by ‘culture’we are not positing mere habits and mannerism, particularly those that are not salubrious, and which we create embarrassment.

In terms of positive perpetuation, culture really refers to the arts and other manifestations of human intellectual achievement regarded collectively. Its focus is on the quality in a person or society that arises from a concern for what is regarded as excellent in arts, letters, manners, and scholarly pursuits.

Value of Native/Mother tongue Michael Khan, who lectures in Arts at the University of Guyana, and who

as our brothers and sisters, whose first language, their native language was suppressed and taken away at times, and they were taught the English Language as a second language?”

Khan tells stories in Guyanese Creolese and if these are to be replicated in English, they lose effectiveness and stifles imagination. We all know that Guyanese are required to function in the Standard English Language;witch is the Official language of the land, but not its native or Mother tongue, as this happens to be Creolese, into which we are immersed almost exclusively until we attend school.

Even for the educated in Guyana, language contact and enforcement are that of that Creolese. We do notice the gap that exists between the common man on the street and the working professionals, who at least have a high school level of English proficiency.

It should be noted that our local radio and television broadcasters who deejay in ‘street talk’ are much more popular and even more celebrated than the ones who do so in ourLanguage of Instruction-English, and that is what English really is in Guyana-it is the tool for officialdom, learning and academia, and this captures just a few,

leaving the rest to a creole culture, shaped mainly by our Creolese.

Indigenous broadcasting is seen by Anthropologists and Linguists as crucial for the preservation and promotion of Indigenous culture and languages.

“Radio Paiwomak is the only means of information within the North Rupununi and it is very vital to (informing the people there) about what is happening in the rest of the country,” Minister Allicok said.

His hope is that similar radio stations, like Radio Paiwomak, would be established in the other regions of the Interior “for that very need of disseminating information and connecting people.”

We know too that human languages form a distinct and largely independent class of cultural replicators with behaviour and fidelity that can rival that of genes.

Language is a unique human ability and is the most distinctive feature of humans.

Humans actually learn their culture through language, and linguistsare concerned about the last 5% of the world’s languages which are in danger of disappearing, and with it, the very cultures they embody.

While we may inherit physical features such as brown eyes and dark hair from our parents, we do not inherit their language.

We acquire a language in a culture with other speakers and not from parental genes. Many are the cases of children born to parents in a place with a language, but who grew up from infancy in a new language setting-these pick up the language and culture from that new and different environment.

We learn from the study of Linguistics that the general pattern in animal communication is that creatures are born with a set of specific signals that are produced instinctively, no matter if we take them from their nest and domesticate them. History is replete with examples of man’s effort to teach language to

higher animals-they did not quire the language, and at the same time, never lost any instinct to communicate with fellow species, once release into the animal world.

Human infants, growing up in isolation, however produce no ‘instinctive’ language. Many are the children who were discoveredin various places, after being missing from infancy; to reset them in human society proved a daunting task, as they were bereft of human language and culture as well.

Referred to as ‘feral children,’ these people lacked the basic social skills that are normally learned in the process of ‘enculturation.’They were unable to use a toilet, had trouble learning to walk upright after walking on fours all their life, and displayed a complete lack of interest in the human activity around them. They were deemed to be mentally impaired and had almost insurmountable trouble learning human language.

This ‘impaired ability to learn a natural language,’ after having been isolated for so many years, is often attributed to the existence of a ‘critical period’ for language learning. Feral children are often hampered with cognitive and behavioural disabilities as well.

construction of reality.

Language is not simply a tool for communication, it is also a guide to what [Edward] Sapir terms social reality. Language has a semantic system, or a meaning potential which enables the transmission of cultural values. Therefore, while the child is learning language, other significant learning is taking place through the medium of language. The child is simultaneously learning the meanings associated with the culture, realized linguistically by the lexico-grammatical system of the language ((Halliday 1978: 109).

“Our language (then) is like a pearl inside a shell.

The shell is like the people that carry the language.

If our language is taken away, then that would be like a pearl that is gone.

We would be like an empty oyster shell.” (Yurranydjil Dhurrkay, Galiwin’ku, The role of Indigenous languages 2.1).

The ability to communicate clearly is a key function for all people. Being able to communicate effectively in an individual’s first or home language connects people to their ethnic group and helps to shape persons’ identity.

Cultural heritage and knowledge is passed on throughout each generation by language. Language

Annai Village Home of Radio Piwomack According to George Yule, “Cultural transmission of a specific language is crucial in the (general) human acquisition process.”(George Yule, The Study of Language, 4th ed. Cambridge University Press, 2010).

“One of the most important functions of language is its role in the

is integral in affirming and maintaining wellbeing, self-esteem and a strong sense of identity.

If we are going to show a non-discriminatory attitude to our Indigenous peoples, then we must promote their language, and a good way to do this is to facilitate their quest for Indigenous radio stations.

Hinterland Highlights

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Budget 2015 addresses needs of Region Eight: MP Bancroft

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ising in support of the 2015 Budget, A Partnership for National Unity+ Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Member of Parliament (MP), Rajcoomarie Bancroft, reminded the House that Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) was often described by the previous administration as the most difficult region in Guyana to administer.

She recalled that despite its richness in gold and diamond, the region was purely funded by the past Central Government.

Bancroft, in commending the 2015 Budget, expressed the view that the allocations for the region would see an improved quality of life for the residents.

Bancroft said the 2015 Budget allows for the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Eight, to be fully empowered and equipped, to fulfill its mandate, including “enhancing the earning capacity of the residents, having free and open consultations with the public, solving the many social ills that they experience, and changing their

frowns to smiles.”

Looking at specific allocations, Bancroft said the Budget provides for the upgrade to several Health Centres in the North Pakaraimas. She noted that given that the region mostly comprised miners, and that accidents are likely to occur in these environments, then it is vital to offer the best health services.

The Budget also makes provision for several interventions in the education sector, to be implemented in the region. These include collaboration with the Ministry of Social Protection,

to increase the presence of school welfare and probation officers, in the region, Bancroft pointed out.

There is also a provision for increased access to potable water in the Region. Bancroft recalled that under the previous administration, millions were spent for a water project in Paramakatoi that today remains unsuccessful. She pointed out that access to potable water is essential to the region, which for too long has been heavily dependent on nature (rainfall). She explained that this has proven to be very

difficult during the dry season, when the creeks dry up and when the miners work the rivers and the water becomes contaminated.

The exceptions are a few villages like Bamboo Creek, that gets water from the mountain, Bancroft said.

Budget 2015 also caters for several public infrastructure projects for the region. Bancroft recalled that in the past, bridges were built in North Pakaraima, but were poorly done, and in time, washed away.

“This showed that the past government settled for less

than acceptable work, so monies went down the river,” she said.

She said the new Government would examine all works completed in the region and not make final payments on these projects, until it had been determined that value for money has been obtained.

On road works for the region, Bancroft said that the new Government should look at having allweather roads. “As it is now, we only have trails, and when the weather is grim, they become impassible,” she said.

Education Ministry to check Education needed to readiness of Kato Secondary preserve Indigenous traditions-Minister Allicock O

pening of the Kato Secondary School was rescheduled to January 2016.

This was in order to have the school fully furnished and then be handed over to the Ministry of Education.

According to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Delma Nedd, the building is “practically completed,” but it has not yet been handed over to the Ministry.

Additionally, the school has not yet been furnished or staffed. The Ministry had advertised for contractors to tender for the supply

of furniture.

Construction of the Kato Secondary School came as a result of the growing Hinterland population in that community.

Parents, students and teachers had complained of overcrowding and lack of access to secondary education in Region Eight. The school will cater for chil-

dren from communities including, Kato, Kurukubaru, and Monkey Mountain.

The main structure of the school was estimated to cost $780M, but the additional cost of furnishing, lighting, fencing, and security was expected to take the final figure to around $1B.

Kato Secondary School

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hile the academic aspect of education is important for the development of a people, their community and country, for the Amerindians of Guyana, learning about the environment is critical for their survival. As such, 4th Vice President and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, will be pushing programmes that provide the education needed to preserve Indigenous cultures and traditions.

For us, as a people, we need to be given the opportunity to be educated in our ways and have the opportu-

nity to share with the rest of Guyana,” Minister Allicock told the Government Information Agency (GINA).

He further noted that it is important that the youths

Minister Sydney Allicock have a better understanding of the natural environment, so that they will be able to survive, even after obtaining the highest level

of education.

The Minister noted that youths must never lose track of their history and traditions. “For many years, young people leave the community to pursue higher levels of education and return with degrees and doctorate, and forget about their traditions and way of life,” Allicock said.

In this regard, the Ministry will be looking at establishing educational institutions in every Hinterland region, that will facilitate such programmes, and where Indigenous youths can have a better understanding of the environment in which they live.

Public Procurement Commission awaiting Opposition PPP/C Government announces reduction

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overnment is ready to fast track the establishment of the constitutionally required Public Procurement Commission (PPC), as it has identified its nominees to the Commission. However, this process is stymied by the People’s Progress Party.

Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman, has advised that the establishment of the Procurement Commission must be given two-third support of the National Assembly. “We can’t, as a Government, put in place a Public Procure-

Finance Minister Winston Jordan told the national Assembly that the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) system is “broken” and needs to be fixed quickly ment Commission the way it is designed in the Constitution, without the support or assistance of the Opposi-

tion,” he said.

The establishment of this Commission is one of the 21 listed items the APNU+AFC committed itself to fulfilling, within the first 100-day in office as Government. Justifying the delay in executing this, Minister Trotman explained that it was the belief of the APNU+AFC that the Opposition would have accepted its role as Opposition and would have joined with the Government in the National Assembly, to have this Commission established by now.

in gas and diesel prices

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inister of Finance, Winston Jordan, on August 19, announced a reduction in gasoline and diesel prices. Taking effect from August 20, at GuyOil stations, the diesel price was reduced from $174.77 to $168 per liter, while the price of gasoline also saw a reduction of $11, taking it to $199 per liter.

The Minister pointed out that his Government is committed to bringing an ease to the people of the country, and as such, this

step was taken. He said the Government hopes that this benefit will have a trickle-

down effect, benefiting all sections of the population.

Government announces reduction in gas, diesel prices

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Executive Committee of the National Toshaos’ Council elected

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he Executive Committee of the National Toshaos’ Council (NTC) was elected on August 17, 2015, at the official opening of the of NTC meeting, held at the Arthur Chung International Conference Centre, Liliendaal.

The meeting, which is an annual event, facilitated by the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, opened under the theme: “Steadfast Indigenous Leadership Towards Territorial Integrity and Sustainable Livelihoods.” It concluded on August 22, 2015.

The Toshaos (Indigenous Chiefs) were addressed by Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Dawn Hastings, and in her charge to the officials, the Minister highlighted the essential points from the Amerindian Act, as these specifically identify the functions of the National Toshaos’ Council.

“My charge to you today, is to ensure that good governance will prevail in each of our Indigenous villages, and that you as the new elected National Toshaos’ Council, must be able to prepare strategic plans, so that Guyanese in our Hinterland villages will have access to appropriate health and education facilities,” Minister Hastings said.

The Minister explained that Council must be able to fulfill its mandate as an independent body, which would provide advice to the Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs. She advised the NTC to have a listening ear to the various Village Councils and to assist in resolving any issues they might have, in a bid to working and creating developed and sustainable communities.

Meanwhile, in his presentation, Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman, on behalf of President David Granger, congratulated the Toshaos, who were elected to the new Executive Committee. The Min-

ister encouraged the Toshaos to work together for the greater good of the people they represent.

He took to opportunity to dispel political rumors which stated that the new APNU+AFC Coalition Government will disband agriculture and get rid of the Amerindian culture.

“I wish to assure you and reassure you, that we have no such intentions, all I would ask is for you to give us an opportunity to get to know each other better and to win your trust.

We do not stand here demanding allegiance of you.

We ask, however, that you pay allegiance to your people, that you pay allegiance to the Constitution of Guyana and pay allegiance to the Amerindian Act,” Minister Trotman advised.

In addition, Minister Trotman stated that “you are citizens of Guyana and citizens of the world, you

ency. The electoral process for selecting the Executives saw the casting of ballots by every administrative region in Guyana, as this allows for the selections of the Executives, based on a majority vote. From within the twenty Executives elected, they will elect a Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer.

Region One will be represented by Cleveland DeSouza, Vincent Emmanuel and Michael Williams; Region Two-Joel Fredricks and David Wilson; Region Three-Aubrey Samuels; Region Four-Lennox Shuman; Region Five-Colin Adrian; Region Six-David Henry; Region Seven-Norma Thomas, Darnis Larson and Eyon Boyer; Region Eight-Ian Pio, Gideon John and Edward McGarrel; Region Nine-Lenny Moses, Nicholas Fredricks and James George; and Region Ten-Wilbert Hall and

Hinterland Highlights

Government to review investment agreements in forestry sector

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t is the intention of the Government to work with the International Community to develop a comprehensive, equitable and sustainable international regime of compensation, for the provision of climate amelioration/enhancement services by countries such as Guyana. This intention was outlined on August 10, by Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, as he presented his first National Budget.

The Minister explained that the conclusion of the five-year forest agreement with Norway provides the impetus to open discussions on a successor agreement, and, this he said, will be pursued when a team from Norway visits Guyana.

Minister Jordan report-

ed on the forestry sector’s performance in 2014 and the problems and issues it encountered there. “Following two years of negative growth, in 2011 and 2012, the forestry sector rebounded in 2014, growing by 14 percent. Logs accounted for 75 percent of the industry’s output. This is in spite of investment agreements that speak of re-investment into down-

Government working to resolve plight of the Indigenous peoples – Minister Garrido-Lowe

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National Toshaos’ Council (August 17, 2015) saw the election of the Executive Committe (NTC) are entitled to self-respect, to dignity and the right to choose for yourself”.

The elections were conducted by the Guyana Elections Commissions (GECOM) for transpar-

Telford King. The elected Chairman is Mr. Joel Fredricks, with Mr. Eyon Boyer the elected Secretary and Mr. Nicholas Fredricks the elected Treasurer.

stream value-added industries,” he said.

Based on these concerns, the Government has indicated its intention to undertake a thorough review of the Investment Agreements for the forestry sector, aimed at ensuring compliance with regulations and the agreements, and also to ensure sustainable harvesting of the forestry products.

uyana’s Indigenous peoples are assured that the Government is addressing their plight as the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs is working steadfastly to resolve all outstanding matters affecting them. Minister within the Ministry, Valerie Garrido-Lowe, gave the re-assurance during her meeting with residents of the Akawini community, Pomeroon River, Region Two on July 29, 2015.

“Your government understands your plights and is committed to having all applications for land titles and extensions processed, unless it contradicts with land extension policies.

We are also aware that you want better education for your children, we want that also,” she told the residents.

However, noting that these things cannot happen overnight, the minister explained that it is a process that needs an integrated approach to realize success.

Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Valerie Garrido-Lowe The Minister also explained that the Ministry believes in consultation, and as such will not dictate but, engage with the residents in meaningful discussions. “With your help we need to put proper systems in place or we need to review and revamp the existing ones,” she said.

The Minister promised that, Government will ensure that conditions at dormitories for secondary school students in Wakapoa and Charity are improved.

The Minister added that, it is the intention of the

Ministry to hold all teachers responsible for their actions and she thus implored them to stick to the protocols of the education system. “Teachers need to be in school and they need to be teaching during school hours,” she firmly stated.

The residents were also assured of the Ministry’s continued assistance in all areas possible, while at the same time they were urged to play their part in the development of their communities and enhancement of their lives.

Minister Lowe visited the community to participate in the official commissioning of the Akawini Community Development project, an initiative of Food For the Poor Guyana Inc. which saw the construction of 27 houses, provision of four cassava mills and two passenger/ cargo boats and engines to the residents. That community has a population of approximately 900 residents.

Great expectations for the industrial gold mining sector- Trotman Hinterland Highlights

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fter visiting the Guyana Gold Fields Incorporated, Aurora Gold Project and Troy Resources, Karouni Project, both in Region 7, Minister of Governance Mr. Raphael Trotman is optimistic about the prospect for industrial gold mining in Guyana.

Minister Trotman, whose portfolio includes Natural Resources, recently led a team that included Permanent Secretary (Natural Resources) Mr. Joslyn McKenzie, Technical Officer-Mining (Guyana Geology and Mines) Ms. Euilene Watson, Advisor to the Minister of Governance, Mr. Clayton Hall, and other senior officials from the Guyana Geology and Mines Department, on a

familiarization tour of the two entities.

On completion of the tour, Minister Trotman complimented the management of both companies,

Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman and expressed optimism that the future of industrial gold mining in Guyana is full of great potential. The Minister said that “These operations are coming on

stream at the right time, and will have a significant impact on the economy…”

Both Troy and Guyana Gold Fields have invested heavily in the training and employment of Guyanese workers and are contributing to development in the Cuyuni- Mazaruni Region.

Aurora Gold Project On August 9, Minister Trotman visited Guyana Gold Fields Aurora Project.

The Minister and team were met by several high ranking officials of the company, including Country Manager Ms. Violet Smith.

Smith, along with General Manager Mr. Victor Rozon, presented an operational brief and conducted a tour of the mine and plant.

The plant which is already

operational has a capacity to produce 5000 tonnes of ore per day.

Rozon told the team that the mine plan for the Aurora Gold Project was designed to produce 3.29 million ounces of gold, averaging 194,000 ounces per year. The mine is projected to have a 17 year mine-life.

The Aurora project has a probable reserve of 3.48 million ounces of gold. Already Guyana Gold Fields has invested, as initial capital expenditure, over US$200 million. The company, which currently employs more than 800 Guyanese, has set a September 15 official start date for the Aurora operations.

Troy Resources Karouni Project: The same team visited

Troy Resources, Karouni Project on August 6. At that site, Minister Trotman and his team were greeted

by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Ken Nilsson. The team was given a comprehensive operational brief and a tour of the facility.

On January 21, 2014, Troy Resources announced the results of the Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) for development of the Karouni Project. The PEA considered a combination of two open cut and one underground mine, feeding a conventional carbon-in-leach gold plant with a nominal capacity of 750,000 tons per annum.

According to the Chief Executive Officer Mr. Ken Nilsson the plant is sched-

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uled to be fully operational

by September and will have an operational capacity of 137 tons per hour. Nilsson said that the total cost of the project would be US$100 million.

Troy currently employs over 500 employees; approximately 96% of the workforce is Guyanese.

Troy Resources is projecting that a total of 5.2 million tonnes of material will be processed, with a recovered gold production of 633,000 ounces over a seven to ten year mine life.

The CEO claims that with a seven year mine life, the company projects an annual average gold production of 90,000 ounces, with production in the first 12 months of 102,000 ounces of gold.

Green energy is something to be pursued – Minister Patterson Hinterland areas to benefit

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inister with responsibility for energy, David Patterson is passionate about green energy. “We have to stop dependence on mechanical generation…I have a few ideas on solar,” Patterson told a forum for regional Councillors.

He explained that in the hinterland, the overall cost for solar energy is about US$0.7 cents per watt. “The Hinterland Electrification Project is doing 65 watt panels which works out to about $80,000 for a solar panel that will light two 40 watt lamps, a cellular phone charger, and one radio and they’re reasonably accessible”.

The solar photovoltaic (PV) panels usually have a twenty year life span He encouraged Regional Democratic Councilors to budget for the acquisition of some of these solar panels, which will best serve their communities, rather than waiting on Central Government to acquire them. “Do not depend on Government alone to do that,it’s cheaper to put solar on a far flung house rather

than run a line,” Patterson advised the Councilors.

Minister Patterson outlined an additional investment which can be looked at to bring electricity to an entire community.

Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson “We can also look at large panels that can produce 3500 kilowatts, which can power an entire building. With batteries and everything, it could cost the region approximately US$28,000, which will take you off the grid, powering most of your daily consumption. A 1.5megawatt solar panel would cost about Us$12M that would power a small town, for example Bartica…it’s a solar panel,” the minister said.

The Minister added that, considering what is being paid monthly to the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) for power, the investment is a worthwhile one, which will see the region functioning economically over a five year period. It would allow saving much needed cash which can be spent to develop another area of the region. “I’m looking at a new grid system which will reduce the cost on solar panels from US$0.8cents to US$0.3 cents per kilowatt hour…you put up a large solar panel, it powers your battery during the day and at nights you switch it off and utilize power from the line (GPL’s),” he said.

The Minister explained that with this new system, you can be able to sell your excess power to the grid which would be generated from the solar panel.

Minister Patterson indicated that those were some of the issues that he will challenge Regional Councils to examine, as the entire thrust of the Ministry is to remove complete dependence on Central Government.

from improved water supply

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inance Minister, Winston Jordan, on August 10, outlined plans to increase and improve the quality of water supply across the country.

Focus will be on the construction of new treatment plants to supplement existing production capacity, and addressing the gaps in potable water availability, in the far- flung reaches of the deep Hinterland neighbourhoods A sum of $130 million will cover improvement of the water supply systems in areas such as Koko, Mabaruma, and Port Kaituma in Region One, and Mahdia, Monkey Mountain, Princeville and Campbelltown in Region Eight.

As the Minister pointed out, “water is life” and in this regard, Government will work to ensure that “Guyanese have access to reliable, safe and quality potable water in every tap, in every town, and in every rural and Hinterland community.”

But, even as the Gov-

ernment works to establish the infrastructure to deliver potable water, it also recognises that critical to the sustainability of providing a high quality of water service is a change in the national approach to managing water resources in Guyana to one of an integrated water resource

management.

In this regard, Minister Jordan said that the 2015 Budget also makes provision for the re-establishment of the National Water Council and the implementation of a new Non-Revenue Water Reduction Plan and Dakoura Creek Watershed Protection Plan.

A Hinterland water system

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Hinterland Highlights

Improved lives for Region One residents addressed in Budget 2015-Regional MP Alleyne

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ember of Parliament, Richard Alleyne, noted that there will be several areas of improvement in the lives of the people of Region One, primarily an improved education system in the region.

He pointed out that there have been several areas of

neglect under the former Administration as it relates to education in the region.

“This Government will not allow such to happen anymore. There is not only a shortage of math teachers, but in a number of other main subject areas, he stated.

With regard to mining,

the MP noted that miners have personally called him and asked him to thank the Government on their behalf, since the 2015 Budget provides some sort of relief for them.

He added that over the years, miners faced a lot of hardships and received no form of relief from the for-

Indigenous people shortchanged under PPP/C Government- Minister Lowe

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n the first day of the 2015 Budget debate, Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valarie GarridoLowe, said that having ended 23 years of one party domination, the nation has a fresh approach to life, and true personal development

we will not forsake the Indigenous People. A significant portion of the 43,927 beneficiaries are Indigenous Peoples. Under the previous Administration, only 742 benefitted from water and electricity. Under this Administration, sums have been allocated to de-

tion,” she said.

Minister Lowe emphasised that the time is ripe for the personal development of Indigenous People. Indigenous women are to be trained as business entrepreneurs which will see them being more competitive. “When trained, In-

The 2015 National Budget addresses closing the gap between Hinterland and Coastal living can now come to Indigenous peoples.

Minister Garrido-Lowe indicated that the 2015 Budget gives hope to the Hinterland population which suffered under the previous Administration.

Outlining some of the benefits that Budget 2015 has for Indigenous peoples, Garrido-Lowe said that plans are in place to construct all weather roads in Regions Seven and Nine, along with the upgrading of internal roads in the new proposed towns of Mabaruma, Bartica, Mahdia and Lethem. “This is proof that

liver water of good quality to each Indigenous home,” the Minister said.

She added that Budget 2015 will also see the realisation of personal wealth for Indigenous families, as most of those families comprise small scale miners who will benefit from the tax waivers to small miners. “Not just our elderly will benefit, but our men who do small scale mining will benefit from waivers. In terms of agriculture, our Government will place greater emphasis on investments in Region Nine and this will benefit the popula-

digenous women can take advantage of economic opportunities that exist from jewellery making and designing, and much more,” the Minister said.

“The fresh approach, the vision and the ‘one Guyana’ concept is the vehicle that will take the hinterland and our Indigenous people further. This will bring hope to a people who never really benefitted in a sustainable way, because they were thought to be living too far away,” the Minister said as she lent her support to the 2015 Budget.

mer Administration.

In relation to pension, Allyene said, “The previous Administration is saying that the Government has robbed the senior citizens, but (when the PPP/C was in power) no one ever said to take this package into Region One to the pensioners, who don’t receive

the subsidies.”

Also, the MP stressed that in Budget 2014, a large amount of money was allocated to the region, but he questioned the use of the money, pointing out that there was no money for the health facilities in that region. “The people were deprived of proper Health

Care,” Alleyne said.

“Our senior citizens, our children, our people, will receive the best treatment under this APNU+AFC Government. This 2015 Budget is by far the best I have seen over the past decades,” Alleyne told the Assembly.

Minister Broomes and team conduct inspections at Aurora Mines

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inister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Simona Broomes, visited the Guyana Goldfields, Aurora Mines. The Minister was accompanied by the Chief Labour Officer, Charles Ogle, and a

teracting with the workers and conducting the inspections, Minister Broomes indicated that issues such as salary, general living conditions and vacation time were raised.

The Minister explained that the inspection of a

and present it to Cabinet.

Based on the report, Cabinet will make a decision pertaining to how workers are treated and any discrimination they are facing.

While on the visit, Minister Broomes was also appointed an Honor-

Minister Broomes and team of Labour Occupational Health and Safety Officers visiting and inspecting working conditions at the Guyana Goldfields, Aurora Mines team of Labour Occupational Health and Safety Officers.

General Secretary of the Guyana Labour Union, Lincoln Lewis, also made the visit. During their visit, the team was able to interact with workers and conduct inspections in keeping with the mandate of the Ministry of Social Protection, Department of Labour.

Speaking with the Government Information Agency (GINA), after in-

mining camp is new to the labour officers, since they were never exposed to that type of environment. She further explained that under the new Administration, the officers will be exposed to training, where they will be able to promptly identify areas which need to be improved in mining camps.

Since assuming office, the Minister has visited a number of workplaces. According to the Minister, the Ministry will compile a report based on all the visits

ary Member of the Women Miners Group.

Meanwhile, the Chief Labour Officer explained that under the Labour Occupational Health and Safety and the Labour Act, it is stated clearly that labour officers have a right to visit any business or its premises at any time. He said that the Ministry has been holding consultations to educate employers and workers, on the various legislations.

PPP closed CSO programme -Minister Allicock

Hinterland Highlights

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inister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, ‘cleared the air’ on “false allegations” made by the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C), that the Government has dismissed some 2000 Community Support Officers (CSOs).

According to Allicock, it was not the APNU+AFC Government that dismissed the CSOs, but rather, it was the PPP/C which had “shut

down this programme, without letting them (CSOs) know. It is clear from the evidence, that the former PPP/C Government had severed or cut loose the CSOs,”Allicock said.

“I wish to place on the record that my Government has not fired or dismissed the estimated 1,972 CSOs, as is being falsely alleged by the PPP/C Opposition.

The former PPP/C Government had made no financial allocation for CSOs beyond

April 2015,” Allicock said.

According to the Minister, Cabinet had to arrive at a decision to provide a subsidy to the CSOs. “By Cabinet’s decision, dated March 18, 2015, the sum of $234,240,000 was approved for 1,952 Community Support Officers as stipend for the period January to April 2015,” the Minister stated.

He noted that the CSOs were recruited under a political scheme called Youth

Former PPP/C Government deceived Guyana about Amaila-Minister of State

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inister of State, Joseph Harmon, on August 12, informed media operatives that the former PPP/C led Administration had been deceiving the populace, when it came to the Amaila Falls Hydro Project.

The project, which was heavily touted by the former administration, to provide reliable power to meet Guyana’s future needs, was the center of much concern, as the costs for the 165-megawatt hydro venture escalated from the original US$450M to US$858.2M, whilst the costs for the access road skyrocketed from US$15M when the contract was signed in 2010, to US$43.5M in 2014.

The Minister of State said that “The former Minister of Finance had the testicular fortitude to make the statement. There was no project, nothing for the IDB to fund. This does not say there are no investments in the project, money spent on the road and other things.” Minister Harmon added that the project was off from the time the IDB told the then government that they had no client as Sithe Global Group had

withdrawn in 2013. “This the previous administration knew, but they were postulating and deceiving

Minister Of State, Joseph Harmon the Guyanese people, when they knew what was actually the state of things,” Harmon said.

He further explained that “No project was properly placed before the National Assembly. What came before the National Assembly was an extension of the area to be flooded and the conservation concerns, along with the raising of the debt ceiling. The entire project was never placed to the National Assembly.”

Minister Harmon explained that the major concern of the current Administration had always been the final cost that the consumers will have had to pay, which it was explained, would have been significant, if indeed such a project were

embarked upon.

Minister Harmon emphasised that “Furthermore, the concept of Amaila Falls never contemplated delivering electricity to Essequibo or to the Hinterland.

It was never in the contemplation of the project design. We still would have had to look at alternative forms of energy”.

It is the belief of the Administration that a comprehensive look at energy within the framework of the country’s development should be looked at, therefore, taking into account, not only hydro energy, but also wind and solar, which ultimately will push the country’s forward.

Minister Harmon explained that a Potaro Basin Hydro Electricity Plan is rather the best option to go with. This would mean that Amaila would have to fall within several other falls that are located in the area, to have one cohesive hydroelectricity development.

This, it was emphasised, will take the heat off a single fall having to fund the power lines, which go with delivering electricity from the falls to the consumer.

Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship Programme (YEAP). They were not contracted employees or public servants. “All they were offered on a periodic basis was a stipend of $30,000 each month,” Minister Allicock highlighted.

In addition, he said, “It appeared that the former PPP/C Government had shut down the programme and left the CSOs exposed, after using them as political activists in the so-called

‘Red Shirt Brigade’ to join picket lines and campaign for the PPP/C.” Youth development The Minister noted that from September 1, 2015, YEAP will be replaced by the Hinterland Employment and Youth Service Project. This programme is a new scheme, which will provide sustainable jobs for youths in Hinterland communities. This initiative will also ensure that per-

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sons who were employed as Community Support Officers, (CSO) undergo training so that they can be reemployed.

It is also expected to train thousands of other youths, while paying them a stipend, to ensure that they receive relevant skills, allowing them to pursue sustainable livelihoods and a good life.

PPP/C held Amerindians hostage for two decades -Minister Allicock

“It is no secret that the Indigenous Peoples of Guyana have been held hostage to the political machinations of the Peoples Progressive Party (PPP) over the past two decades,” Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs Sydney Allicock told the National Assembly, during his 2015 National Budget debate presentation.

While acknowledging that there were some physical developments, Minister Allicock noted that these developments were premised upon the unconditional support of the communities being pronounced publicly in favour of the PPP. “In other words, those who did not support or pretend to support were ostracised. Those whose communities did not publicly commit to supporting the PPP soon found that their communities were ignored when projects were being implemented,” Allicock said.

According to the Minister, Indigenous Peoples were battered psychologically into submission. “Village leaders were instructed to deny entry into their villages to APNU+AFC

personnel during the 2015 election campaign. Those who did not buckle under the pressure of PPP’s dictatorial directions were

The records will show that the last authorised active date for the Youth Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship Programme (YEAP)

The National Toshaos Executives (front table) along with other Members of the Council (behind) threatened and side lined,” Minister Allicock revealed.

“But as faith would have it, there was a reawakening and the Indigenous communities were not left out, for there came the glorious day when the results of the Regional and General Elections were announced,” he told the Assembly Minister Allicock also sought to clear the air regarding the misconception that the new Administration fired 2000 young people.

“The hard truth is that if these young people were at all employed, it was the PPP who really fired them.

was April 30. We all know that the National and Regional Elections were held on May 11th 2015, almost two months later,” Minister Allicock explained.

Allicock referred to the former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Nigel Dharamlall, as the “chief cook and bottle washer” in the mischief of ‘hood winking’ the Indigenous youths.

According to the Minister, the former PS and the former Minister disbursed the stipend to the young people on a quarterly basis, accompanied by political demands.

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Hinterland Highlights

Scenes from the Launch of Indigenous Heritage Month 2015

Hinterland Highlights

Scenes from the Launch of Indigenous Heritage Month 2015

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Hinterland Highlights

Scenes of Hinterland Village Life

Hinterland Highlights

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Mahdia and nearby villages could be using hydroelectric power by mid 2016 T he community of Tumatumari, home to a defunct 1500kW hydro power plant, could soon return to the renewable power supply, following the reactivation of the hydropower facility in the area.

Tumatumari Hydro Inc., a special process, private sector Company, with a 50-50 partnership between local and regional investors, has sought to invest in the rehabilitation and expansion of the plant, to produce and sell bulk electricity.

Director of the Tumatumari Hydro Inc. Herman Rohlehr disclosed that the Company is set to start initial operations in the second half of next year.

“We look forward to having hydroelectric power, on a modest scale, in place by the end of July of 2016,” Rohlehr informed a leadership forum at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre on July 31. The event was facilitated by the Ministry of Communities.

The Tumatumari Hydroelectric Rehabilitation

Project is one element of the Tumatumari Industrial Development Project. The project is aimed at establishing a natural resource based industrial operations that utilises existing endowments of water, forest and minerals in Region Eight. The provision of clean, relatively inexpensive renewable energy (hydroelectricity) is at the core of the initiative, through the rehabilitation and operation of the existing Tumatumari Hydroelectric Station.

Phase one of the project entails rehabilitation of the hydroelectric plant, to deliver 1.5 megawatts of power, and the construction of two 30 kilometer power delivery lines.

Phase two will see the facility be expanded by the addition of two more 0.75 megawatts turbines.

The primary consumers would be from Mahdia and contiguous communities including Tutmatumari and Micobie, and Troy Resources Guyana Gold Mining operations. It has a projected tariff rate of US18 cents for a kilowatt

of power.

Rohlehr told the forum that the Company intends spend US$5M for Phases one and two. The results of

Mahdia Power and Light (MPL) Limited. The agreement provides for bulk electricity to be sold to MPL which would in turn,

Director, Tumatumari Hydro Inc Herman Rohlehr dressing the leadership forum at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre the investment should see the provision of low cost, renewable energy, for bulk supply, to the communities and to residential distributors, including those that supply electricity to the approximately 600 existing consumers in the Mahdia community.

According to Rohlehr, Tumatumari Hydro Inc., has negotiated a power purchase agreement with the

retail it to consumers.

Rohlehr stated that the Tumatumari Hydroelectric Rehabilitation Project also provides for an additional 300 consumers in the planned Mahdia housing scheme development.

It also caters for another 80 consumers in adjacent communities along the power line extension, including the Amerindian villages of Micobie and Princeville.

He explained that the overarching Tumatumari industrial development also includes two other components; these are the Tumatumari Lumber Inc., which will be engaged in the building, drying and finishing of lumber, and a quarry project that will provide for dimension stones, which will be mined, cut and polished into black granite.

Rohlehr pointed out that these operations are to be adjacent to the hydroelectric power station. He noted that together, their upstream development will bring investment, value added natural resource based industries, underpinned by cheap and reliable energy.

In addition to a projected saving of approximately US$40M on fuel imports into Guyana over the first ten years of operations, based on the average oil prices of US$17 per barrel, the projects are set to enhance the potential for nearby ecotourism, improve the social and economic livelihoods within the Hinterland communities and other

benefits including access to internet services, through the planned introduction of broadband over power line technology.

They will also lead to the creation of up to 30 direct new jobs and an estimated 30 more indirectly and result in the equivalent of carbon dioxide emission savings of 10,000 tonnes per year, Rohlehr said.

The hydroelectric station at the Tumatumari Falls on the Potaro River was the first hydropower station in Guyana. It was constructed by British Guiana Consolidated Goldfields Limited, to power two large dredges for gold mining operations in the mid-1950s. It had an installed capacity of 1500kW and used 2 x 750kW Francis turbines. However, following a prolonged workers’ strike, the operations were closed in the early 1960s. It was put back into use in 1976 by the Guyana National Service (GNS), to supply power to its administrative centre and other activities. Up to 1987, one turbine functioned.

Minister Patterson urges collaboration to fix infrastructure

“Infrastructure plays an integral part in regional development and empowerment. I’m here to ask you to work with us in the areas such as roads, bridges and stellings.” This call was made by Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, while addressing a leadership forum, hosted by the Ministry of Communities for Regional Democratic Councilors. The forum was held at the Arthur

Chung Convention Centre, Liliendaal.

Minister Patterson challenged the newly elected Regional Councillors, to put aside political ill will, and unite with his Administration, to provide a better life to everyone in the region they represent. He explained that since assuming office, he recognized that the limited resources that were available, to bring levels of develop-

ment, were uncoordinated; therefore, duplications at

varying levels occurred.

He said that “I invite

Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson and Engineers, inspect the temporary bridge at Mile 1

you to come to my Ministry to discuss your roads and bridges’ plan before the budget is passed, so as to avoid duplications. I have a representative in every region. See him as a resource person and a direct contact.

We are not trying to tread on your domain, but if you have a problem too big for your region, contact us and we will look at it”.

The Minister further explained that the founda-

tion has been laid for the establishment of a national drainage plan, and advised that Councillors explore alternative means of electrification, specifically solar energy. “A National Task Force is established, and will be visiting every region to host consultations. The aim is to have a unified assorted drainage plan nationally, within six months,” he said.

Indigenous Peoples’Commission members meet with President Granger

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embers of the Indigenous Peoples’ Commission paid a courtesy call on President David Granger on August 28, 2015.

During the brief engagement, the Commission sought the President’s advice on the way forward, since the official life of the body came to an end in April of this year. They

have been advised to continue their work, as efforts will be made to reconstitute the body.

Also Present at the meeting was Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock.

IPC members with Minister Allicock (left) and President Granger (right center)

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Hinterland Highlights

Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs uncloaks Guyana Times’ lies

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he Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs is accusing the Guyana Times of publishing ‘blatant lies.’

This is in relation to an article in the August 26, 2015 edition of the newspapers, headlined “Stranded Former CSO rebuffed by Gov’t” According to the Advisor to the Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Ministry Mervyn Williams, the paper was attempting to defame the Ministry.

Williams noted that the trend to defame the Ministry was clearly visible during the National Toshaos’ Conference (NTC), but called this attempt the nastiest of them all, since it included a young child.

Investigations by the Ministry reveal that Ray

Edmond, who claimed his daughter was snake bitten, is not the person he claims to be. Contact was made with the child’s real father, Lambert Manoel, who is currently staying at the Amerindian Hostel.

According to Williams, Ray Edmond visited the hospital August 25th and spoke with the mother, Philicia Manoel, of the sick child, Elelona Manoel, and promised to go back today in hopes of meeting the father of the child.

Williams said that he spoke with the real father of the two year old child, who said that he does not know Ray Edmond, but was informed by his wife that the man was looking for him.

The father, who has been in Georgetown for about two weeks, expressed that

he feels bad, because he thought he was going to get some help from the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs through the said gentleman.

the Government Information Agency (GINA), that Edmond did visit the Ministry. “He came to the Ministry and asked specifically for me. I spoke with

Eight, since the complaint he made was an issue of nonpayment from a contractor who was based in Paramakatoi, Region Number Eight,” Glasgow told

From L-R - Matheson Williams, Mervyn Williams, Lambert Manoel, Dexter Glasgow

Management Development Officer at the Ministry, Dexter Glasgow, told

him and referred him to the Community Development Officer for Region

GINA. Glasgow noted that the Ministry has an open-door

policy towards Indigenous peoples and always seeks to address their needs.

Advisor to the Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Mervyn Williams, said he may ask the Guyana Police Force to look into the matter, in an effort to locate Ray Edmond for questioning. Also, he asked that Guyana Times desist from publishing absurd stories that attempt to besmirch the name of the Ministry and the Government.

The child, who was bitten on August 16th 2015, was given treatment at the Health Centre in Yurong Paru and was later sent to Georgetown on an aircraft on August 17th, and admitted on the August 18th. The child is said to be recovering very well.

Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs sponsors athletes to attend Goodwill Games in Trinidad

New Hinterland Employment and Youth Service Programme will benefit over 2000

hree members of the Guyana Amateur Swimmers Association were sponsored by the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs to attend the Goodwill Games in Trinidad and Tobago. Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe handed over the cheque.

Minister Lowe said that she was proud of the swimmers, noting that they were talented. The Minister expressed the Ministry’s happiness at being able

Over 2000 young people from the Hinterland are expected to become employable at the end of the new Hinterland Employment and Youth Service Programme.

This is according to Minister in the Ministry of Communities, Dawn Hasting-Williams, who told the National Assembly that the new programme will bring tremendous benefits to the Hinterland youths, who will receive training in appropriate skills, to aid in the sustainable development of their communities.

The youths are set to benefit from training in areas such as carpentry, joinery, masonry, motor mechanics and garment construction, Minister Hasting-Williams said.

She also pointed out that another benefit of this programme is that Hinterland communities will no longer have to rely on external capacities to develop their communities.

The new Hinterland

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to sponsor the athletes, in spite of the short notice the Ministry received.

Full sponsorship for each athlete came up to $168,000, which includes costs for travel, meals and accommodation. In addition, the swimmers were each given $30,000.

According to the Minister, this is the first time that the Ministry was sponsoring swimmers to the Goodwill Games.

The Ministry expressed gratitude to other sponsors who came to the fore.

It was disclosed that Ms.

Mary Rogers and Mr. Andrew Mekdeci of MMC Securities, along with Mr. Abdul of General Marines, all helped in making the trip possible.

The swimmers are Nikita Fiedtkou, Anna Issacs and Kayth Goddette.

President of the Guyana Amateur Swimmers Association Mr. Ivan Persaud thanked the Ministry for sponsoring the athletes.

Mr. Persaud said he hopes sponsorship will continue and in larger numbers in the years to come.

Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs Ms. Valerie Garrido-Lowe along with President of the GASA Mr. Ivan Persaud and the indigenous athletes Nikita Fiedtkou, Anna Issacs and Kayth Goddette

Employment and Youth Service Programme will replace the Youth Entrepreneurial and Apprenticeship

tiative, Indigenous youths, within the age bracket 1840 years in the various Hinterland villages and com-

Programme which was recently cancelled.

Early in July, Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Sydney Allicock had signaled Government’s intention to move away from the project. He had explained that the programme, for which approximately $60M was being expended monthly, did not aid in community development; instead, the beneficiaries were being utilised to undertake political work at the behest of the former government.

Under the YEAP ini-

munities, were supposed to benefit from technical and governance training, to support their performance as Community Support Officers (CSOs) in village development. However, according to Minister Allicock, the programme which had an enrolment of over 850 Indigenous youths was a disappointment. “Our observation was that the young people were doing more political work (rather) than giving support to their Councils and communities,” the Minister had explained.

Orealla/Siparuta to be models for Community Based Disaster Risk Management Hinterland Highlights

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he Civil Defence Commission (CDC), in pursuing their mandate to ensure vulnerable communities become resilient to disasters, conducted training sessions at Orealla and Siparuta during the month of August.

Major Kester Craig, Training and Operations Officer of the CDC, indicated that work is currently ongoing in those communities, with the intention of making them model communities for Community Based Disaster Risk Management Craig explained that training in community leadership and management is important, as it ensures the requisite knowledge and skills are in place to secure the sustainability of any project, and many community members lack capacity in these areas.

“We are hoping that we can partner with commu-

17

nity based NGOs and the Ministry of Communities.

Community based training

the program which is sponsored by United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF),

disaster risk management and emergency response,” Wilson explained.

Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) from Orealla and Siparuta practising how to remove fallen structures.

helps to strengthen the Local Government arms at the community levels,” Craig said.

Anita Wilson, Community Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM) Officer and Volunteer Coordinator of the CDC, in an invited comment, said that

is being implemented by CDC, its Region Six Volunteers and UNICEF in a collaborative effort.

“With the communities having established a committee of persons (one for each community) to lead the process, we are building the capacity of the team for

Wilson added that the CERT training is aimed at having a team of persons identified; these must have the requisite knowledge and skills, and so can respond to emergencies which may occur within the community.

Additionally, the Com-

munity Leadership Training was done to establish Management teams that will be responsible for the implementation of the DRM’s plans for the community and which are being developed through the project.

“Community leadership was specifically done, because a concern was raised by the residents that they have had many committees established. However, persons lack the leadership skills and qualities to continue the work after agencies pull out. The training was done to mitigate and prevent such an instance in this case,” Wilson said.

Orealla and Siparuta were selected because the CDC’s Development of the Regional DRM for Region Six had noted that these communities were highly vulnerable because of their distance and remoteness from the rest of the regional network.

Nigel Hughes to head Steering Committee on Constitutional Reform (SCCR)

“We identified the need to build the community’s systems so that they can be better able to manage and respond before regional interventions are required.

The CDC will continue to work with the communities and hopes to feature them during this year’s International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction,” Wilson said.

As the CDC continues to implement its project within the communities, upcoming missions will include the development and vetting of emergency disaster plans and, equipping the established committees with kits which will have the necessary equipment, uniform and other accessories, to be used by committee members.

In 2016, the Civil Defence Commission will be focusing on Community Based Disaster Risk Management plans in most vulnerable communities in Regions Four, Six and Nine.

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rime Minister Moses Nagamootoo announced that Nigel Hughes was appointed Convener of the Steering Committee on Constitutional Reform (SCCR).

Hughes is a leading attorney and campaigner for constitutional reform. Other members are Professor Harold Lutchman, Mr. Haslyn Parris, Mrs. Geeta Chandan-Edmund and Mr. Gino Persaud.

“I am most pleased that Nigel Hughes has agreed to kick start this stage, to come up with modalities and timeframes for the actual reform process,” said Prime Minister Nagamootoo, at a simple ceremony at the Office of the Prime Minister.

The SCCR will be tasked with the critical work of setting up the framework for a substantive Constitutional Reform Body, which will be broad-based and inclusive of all major stakeholders.

Prime Minister Nagamootoo made it clear that the Steering Committee would not undertake any change to the existing Constitution, but will mainly define the scope of the actual reform process and establish the Terms of Reference and mechanisms for consultation to establish a Constitutional Reform Commission.

The SCCR will have a four month lifespan, commencing on September 1st 2015.

From L-R Hon.Khemraj Ramjattan,Gino Persaud, PM Nagamootoo, Mr. Nigel Hughes, Prof. Lutchman, Geeta Chandan-Edmond, Hon. Raphael Trotman, Hon. Basil Williams, Hon Amna Ally partially hidden Haslyn Parris

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Hinterland Highlights

Kid’s Corner Colour Me

By: nie Shiva d au s r e p Ram

Story time Kanaiman is a bush devil who is very real to many Guyanese primarily in the interior location today. The belief and practice of the Kanaiman are part of the contribution of the Amerindians to Guyana’s culture. The families of Upper Demerara are very familiar with this folklore. It was supposedly a cannibal like bush devil who haunts the deep jungle, stalking preys.

This belief still survives mainly in the riverain

Vendetta. The Executioner is selected by lot from the family of the slain. He indefatigably follows his victim, like a stoat follows a hare until he meets and kills him. One Indian, against whom a Kanaiman had been preached, was followed for two years by his executioner, who at last met him and killed him in front of the Government Building in Georgetown,” he concluded.

Henry Kirke was a former Sheriff of Demerara in the 1870s, and saw many cases of the Kanaiman contract killing. The fear of a Kaniama would become folklore throughout Guyana and took on various characteristics as most do. Rational thought becomes meaningless when the seeds of fear take root.

This goes to show how vital it is to understand your heritage. Generations have misunderstood this actual Amerindian practice and have been plagued by the evil spirit of the Kanaiman who was very real to them

Poem corner areas and deep into Guyana’s Highlands. Henry Kirke wrote, “The Indian Kaniama is like a Corsican

“Ole Higue” by Wordsworth McAndrew.

Ol’ woman wid de wrinkled skin, Leh de ol’ higue wuk

begin.

Put on you fiery disguise, Ol’ woman wid de weary eyes Shed you swizzly skin.

Find de baby, lif de sheet, Mek de puncture wid you teet’, Suck de baby dry.

Whaxen!

Whaxen!

Whaxen! Plai!

You gwine pay fo’ you sins befo’ you die.

Lash she all across she head You suck me baby till um dead?

Whaxen!

Whaxen!

Plai!

You feel de manicole ‘cross you hip?

Beat she till blood start to drip.

“Ow me God! You bruk me hip!

Done now, nuh? Allyou done!”

Is whuh you sayin’ deh, you witch?

Done? Look, allyou beat de bitch.

Whaxen!

Whaxen!

Pladai! Plai!

Die, you witch you.

Die. Whaxen!

Whaxen!

Plai!

Help the Hen to her egg

Cross Word Puzzle

Hinterland Highlights

19

President meets with UN Mission to discuss Venezuela’s claim to Guyana’s sovereign territory

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resident David Granger met with a special team from the United Nations on August 31, to discuss his Government’s position on the strained relations between Guyana and Venezuela. Third Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, and Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, were also present at the meeting.

The team, which was accompanied by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Country

Representative, Khadija Musa included Chief, Americas Division in the Department of Political Affairs, Martha Doggett; Political Affairs Officer, Marylene Smeets; Legal Officer from the UN Office of Legal Affairs, Diana Taratukhina; and Senior Mediation Expert from the Office of the Special Envoy for Syria, Sven Koopmans.

Martha Doggett who is leading the delegation explained that “We are really here to inform ourselves of the views of the Govern-

ments and their views on the next steps, so that we can advise the Secretary General of the United Nations, who will then speak to the Presidents and craft a way forward.”

While the team is yet to visit Venezuela, Doggett said that the UN has had a number of exchanges with both parties in New York and at the recently concluded CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting in Barbados.

At that meeting, President Granger stated that the

Good Officer Process and the Geneva Convention, which have been adopted in the past, have been exhausted, and a better solution is needed to end Venezuela’s aggression, with regard to Guyana’s sovereign territory.

At the same forum, Secretary General Ban Ki Moon gave a commitment that a mission will be appointed and sent to Guyana, with the aim of addressing the matter from a more in depth and informed point of view.

In Early June, Venezuela’s President, Nicholas Maduro, issued a Decree, claiming most of Guyana’s territorial waters on the Essequibo Coast. That Decree was subsequently withdrawn and replaced with a new one that supports and justifies the actions of the Bolivarian National Armed Force (FANB), in defending the newly created Integrated Defence Maritime Zones and Island, which encompasses most of Guyana’s exclusive economic zone, including the

Stabroek Block, offshore Essequibo.

The Decree was issued after United States-based oil company Exxon Mobil announced that it has discovered significant evidence of oil in the Stabroek Block. The company has been conducting exploratory works in accordance with the prospecting contract it has been granted by the Government of Guyana.

decisions by understanding situations.”

The Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Minister stated that there is a need to keep all the Indigenous peoples in connection, and the way to do this is via information, since “without information you are disconnected.”

His hope is that similar radio stations, like Radio Paiwomak, would be established in the other regions of the Interior “for that very need of disseminating information and connecting people.”

The Minister detailed that in the Annai area, broadcasting is done mainly in Macushi and English, as “those would be the two main languages (there) and sometimes in Portuguese too, because you are at the border area that is multi-lingual.”

Promoting the value

of broadcasting in Indigenous languages, Allicock said, “If our (Indigenous Peoples’) culture is going to survive, language is the root of the stabilisation of our culture, our identity, because we could be nobody else but our selves, and if we lose that, then we are nobody.”

He added that in terms of personnel, infrastructure and training, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, who is in charge of communication and information, is already having discussions to expand on the support for Radio Paiwomak, “having surveys done to look at the other regions, to see what possibilities exist for that sort of establishment elsewhere.”

Mathematics Lecturer at the Cyril Potter College of Education, Vivian Marco, who attended the NTC

lent his support to Minister Allicock’s position. Marco, who speaks his native Wapishana fluently, stated that Indigenous radio stations are vital as, “the young people today (in the Interior) are not much exposed to their own languages, so having access to a radio in the original language, will help the young people to learn the language by listening to original pronunciations. This will help their grasp for the language, even though not the spelling as yet,” Marco said.

“We can train our people to do the broadcasting, just a transition period is needed, where the Indigenous people can work with radio stations in Georgetown for a while,” Marco suggested.

Michael Khan, who lectures in Arts at the University of Guyana, and who

has a passion for things Indigenous, said, “We are Guyanese and, as Guyanese we need to respect each and everyone’s culture -cultural habits, cultural norms. We do it for Christian, we do it for Moslems, we do it for Hindus, (so)-why can’t we do it for Amerindians, as our brothers and sisters, whose first language, their native language was suppressed and taken away at times, and they were taught the English Language as a second language?”

Khan said that he is optimistic even though “it is going to be a challenge on the radio stations themselves and the Ministry of Education, but it is a good way to go.”

Indigenous broadcasting is seen by Anthropologists and Linguists as crucial for the preservation and promotion of Indige-

nous culture and languages.

Radio Paiwomak remains a lone warrior in this sphere. It is operated under special terms couched in a Memorandum of Understanding among the National Communications Network Inc., UNESCO, IWOKRAMA and the North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB).

Radio Paiwomak is the sole community radio station in Guyana that provides broadcasting services to the Hinterland communities of the North Rupununi District of Region Nine. It airs via 97.1 FM and helps to keep Indigenous tradition alive, by broadcasting daily, in the local dialect of the people.

The radio station started broadcasting on September 19, 2000.

Renewed Focus on Indigenous Radio Stations

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ndigenous Peoples’ Affairs’ Minister Sydney Allicock is very enthused over the possibility of enhancing Radio Paiwomak and even having more Indigenous radio stations established in the Hinterland regions of Guyana.

The Minister expressed these sentiments in an interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA).

“Radio Paiwomak is the only means of information within the North Rupununi and it is very vital to (informing the people there) about what is happening in the rest of the country,” the minister said.

Allicock explained that, “When you have information, it is education. It helps persons to have an understanding of situations, and it also helps them to make

“Put the stakeholders first”- Minister of State tells GGMC at 36th anniversary lunch

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inister of State, Joseph Harmon, who has responsibility for the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), said that as the Agency celebrates its 36th Anniversary, it must always put the country and its stakeholders first in its operations.

Minister Harmon was speaking to special invitees and staff of the Commission, at their anniversary luncheon on July 31, at the Princess Hotel (Guyana). He said that the GGMC has the responsibility for the country’s natural resources, and as such should ensure that every action taken be in the interest of the country and its citizens.

Harmon noted that the Government had given its commitment to ensuring that the GGGMC operate in an environment which “unshackles all of these archaic rules and regulations and injunctions that ‘tie up’ the Commission and make it an ineffective tool of the State.” The new Administration will be appointing a mining officer who will be responsible for dealing with regulatory issues.

Vast improvements planned for Hinterland villages 20

Hinterland Highlights

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inister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Sydney Allicock, during his 2015 National Budget debate presentation, announced that a programme which takes skills training and life skills to Indigenous youths, will be launched on October 01.

This programme, he said, is designed to equip young people with the skills of a trade of their choice, an opportunity to earn as they learn, and the tools of their trade at the end of their training. They will get an equal opportunity to bid for jobs and projects, even as they are being trained, the Minister explained.

The 2015 Budget allocates $40.5 million to the Bina Hill Institute of learning, to support their programmes, which are geared towards preparing youths for employment in the areas of tourism and hospitality, forestry, agriculture, marketing, accounting, First Aid, management and a number of other areas.

Minister Allicock further noted that this is only

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the first of many such interventions of this nature for Amerindian youths, as the Government will, in the coming years, seek to replicate the Bina Hill Institute model in other Regions.

Further, Government will make available a number of scholarships to the Kuru Kuru Training College (KKTC) and other institutions, which offer a high level of skills training.

This, he said, will complement the other scholarship programmes which, over time, will also be expanded.

Land Titling and Demarcation The Amerindian Land Titling project, which is currently under review, will recommence on September 01, to coincide with Heritage Month. Minister Allicock added that there will be a review downwards of the astronomical salaries of senior officials on the project.

Indigenous peoples who have already been trained in GIS (Geographic Information System) technology and mapping and have

successfully surveyed and mapped their village lands, will be able to get employ-

believe that we are giving them land titles. This is what the People’s Pro-

ment, he added.

“We will be able to accomplish the remaining 80 per cent of deliverables in the remaining life of the project. Less than 50% of the life of the project remains. This is what we inherited, but we have a team which will rise to the occasion and fix the mess,” he said.

“No longer will we give our Indigenous leaders worthless pieces of paper with any signature making

gressive Party did in 2012.

They gave our Indigenous leaders pieces of paper, purporting to be land titles, had them pose for photographs, and then took back the papers immediately after,” Minister Allicock revealed.

Speed Boat operators trained in First Aid

he Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure is ensuring that safety measures be adhered to on the nation’s waterways.

Thirty-two boat operators from the Parika-Bartica service route were trained in First Aid, at a session held in Bartica, Region 7, on July 25. Regional Chairman, Gordon Bradford, at the exercise, explained that with the training received, boat operators are now more equipped to help save lives, should an emergency occur, whilst traversing the waterways.

Director General of the Maritime Administration

Ms. Claudette Rogers, in an invited comment, indicated that safety on the waterways is the number one priority of MARAD, and this it will continue to enforce.

The training, which started in February 2015, saw more than five hundred boat operators being trained thus far. Earlier this year, one hundred and sixty operators from the George-

town/Vreed-en-Hoop service route received training, along with one hundred and twenty eight such operators from the Parika/Supenaam service. This initiative is a collaborative effort between MARAD and the Reliance Health Care Group Inc., which aims to equip all boat operators in Guyana with the requisite First Aid training.

Other Capital projects Mr. Allicock noted that there is provision in the 2015 Budget for the revival, promotion and

preservation of Guyana’s cultures. This includes the commencement of the reconstruction of the Umana Yana at its original site.

There is also provision for the improvement of the electricity distribution systems at Culvert City, Mahdia, Port Kaituma, Wauna, Sugar Hill, Hosororo, among other areas. $700m will be spent on the rehabilitation of roads, linking Indigenous villages and communities in Regions One, Seven, Eight, and Nine, while bridges will be constructed at Sand Creek and Wichibai.

More than half a billion dollars will be spent to fix the North West ferries, MV Kimbia and Barima.

The sum of $160 million was budgeted to rehabilitate the airstrips at Eteringbang and Mahdia.

In the area of education, the villages of St. Ignatius, Aishalton, Mahdia, Waramadong and Sand Creek will benefit from a large chunk of the proposed $1.8 billion dollars to be spent on schools and IT labs.

Schools in Port Kai-

tuma, Warapoka, Falls Top, Hobodeia, Yarakita, Santa Rosa and Mabaruma are also budgeted to receive significant improvements.

The schools at Chinoweing, and Kartabo will also be completed, while the primary school at Agatash will be extended and living quarters will be constructed at Waramadong. There will be a new Nursery/Primary school at Micobie.

A health post will be constructed in Powaikuru and the X-Ray room at the Kumaka Hospital will be rehabilitated. Works will also be done on the Waramuri Health Centre, and the Bartica Hospital will be rehabilitated and extended.

In conclusion, Minister Allicock highlighted that, “The 2015 Budget is the foundation upon which the reconstruction of Guyana will rest. It is the beginning of something good. This Budget is good for Guyana’s Indigenous Peoples, it is good for Guyana. It is indeed a “Fresh Approach to the Good Life in a Green Economy,” he said.

Specialised training in Social Work for Indigenous People

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he Ministry of Social Protection will be taking steps to raise the level of assistance currently available to indigenous Guyanese families. The ministry had discussions with the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs on Inter-Ministry cooperation with a view to collaborating on the implementation and delivery of several of its programs.

According to the Minister of Social Protection, Volda Lawrence, “This initiative includes the training of persons fluent in different indigenous dialects, to acquire competence in the various fields of social

work, so that we can impact this section of the Guyanese community.”

Minister Volda Lawrence According to the minister, the government believes that the time has come for more Indigenous people to become actively

involved and to assume more prominent roles in the decision-making process of the country. “No more handouts, no more dependency!” the minister said.

She indicated that the Ministry has approached several organisations to provide technical assistance in upgrading the skills and other competencies of the Ministry’s staff in vital areas. These include Probation, Welfare, Trafficking in Persons (TIP), Child Protection, and Caring for the Elderly.

Hinterland Highlights

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Time to remove the political fence – Minister Allicock

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he Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, believes that unity of purpose between the Ministry and the Regional Democratic Councils of Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine, is essential in bringing better services to hinterland residents. In this regard, he has pledged to work with leaders in all Indigenous villages, communities and regions, in bringing development.

Addressing a leadership forum at the Arthur Chung International Convention Centre (ACICC) on July 31, which saw representation from the RDCs of Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine, Minister Allicock noted that “Unity is the prescription for success.”

He said that “it is the only way to heal this nation and secure a better life for all Guyanese.”

In his presentation, the Minister noted that following the May 11, General and Regional Elections, as per the will of the people, Regions One and Nine are now managed by

that will bring development to the Region, Minister Allicock said.“This is the way it must be…any other way guarantees certain failure, and so it must be with all of the other Regions across Guyana,” he said.

According to the Minister, “We must see ourselves not as agents of a particular political entity; rather, we must hold ourselves out as one government, work-

ing together to realise the Guyana that we want to bequeath to our successors for generations to come…Let us discuss how we share the load of delivering the desirable goods and services to the people in the villages where they live. Let us monitor and include the villagers in the monitoring of projects in their spaces.

Let us be fair and sincere in our criticism and repre-

sentations in this regard,” he said.

The Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Minister challenged the councillors to improve the capacity of residents in every village, to the level where any resident can rise successfully to the level of Toshao, not simply as a holder of office, but as a successful manager of the affairs of his or her Village.

Minister Sydney Allicock RDCs, headed by the opposition Peoples Progressive Party Civic (PPPC); while the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affair is headed by Ministers of the A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition Government “This is not an opportunity to fight each other for cheap political points. It is, instead, a golden opportunity for us to demonstrate to the nation that, notwithstanding our known political positions, we can and

will work together in the best interest of our people,” Minister Allicock told the RDC councillors.

The Chairman of Region Nine is Mr. Brian Allicock, Minister Allicock’s younger brother. Though the brothers share different political views, they have pledged, not just to each other, but to the people of Region Nine, to remove the political fence which separates them, Minister Allicock noted. The brothers have pledged to building bridges and forging partnerships

Youth involvement critical for agriculture sector development - emphasis placed on training and capacity development

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he involvement of youths in the agriculture sector was the high point of the keynote address by Agriculture Minister, Noel Holder, to the 138 young professionals, who graduated on August 7 from the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA).

The graduates will further enhance the farm, animal health, veterinary public health, forestry, fisheries and agro-processing sectors of Guyana’s total agriculture industry.

Minister Holder, in his call for more youth involve-

Minister Noel Holder ment in this sector, pointed out that this is a growing concern and a prominent topic on the agriculture development agenda, as many young people have become less interested in

the profession.

The Ministry, through agencies such as the GSA is collaborating with other agencies, namely, the Ministry of Education, to strengthen its approach in recruiting youths to participate in the programmes offered at the institution.

The GSA focuses on training and capacity building through its curriculum, farm and enterprise development training and particularly in value added activities such as food processing and packaging.

“It is for this reason that we should focus on the

transformation of this institution with a view to efficiently fuelling the sector with the technical expertise required to achieve this goal,” the Minister told the gathering.

The Minister pointed out that continuous review of the school’s curriculum is needed to keep it in ‘sync’ with the changing demands and challenges of the sector, the national outlook, with emphasis on a sustainable low carbon trajectory and the food security needs of the Caribbean region.

It is against this background, the Minster said,

that there is a need to rapidly commence shifting the nation’s major economic activities away from the rather congested coastal strip, which accommodates more than 80 percent of Guyana’s population.

It should be noted that while agriculture is primarily concentrated on the coast, the potential for agricultural development in the hinterland regions is significant.

Government’s 2015 manifesto has benchmarked development of the hinterland as a priority, with the implementation of

policies for development of the Intermediate Savannahs, as well as the Rupununi savannahs.

“The intermediate savannahs have long been considered as the next frontier for agricultural development and several studies conducted by a number of competent agricultural and related professionals have indicated the vast untapped potential within the region, with corresponding challenges”, Minister Noel advised.

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APNU+AFC 100 Day Plan

Hinterland Highlights

Hinterland Highlights

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Toshaos attend first National Indigenous Rights and Resources Conference

T

oshaos representing the 112 Indigenous communities in Guyana were on August 20, 2015 urged to work together for the development of their individual communities, as this will lead to an enhanced standard of living of their people.

This call was made by Vice President and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, as he addressed the Indigenous chiefs and other stakeholders at the first National Indigenous Peoples’ Rights and Resources Conference, at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

The Minister stated that, “The time has come when we must take our

responsibilities seriously.”

He reminded the Toshaos that when they return home, they have a responsibility to their people to lead and guide them to make the correct decisions for a better life. Minister Allicock called upon the leaders to know the rights of their Indigenous brothers and sisters.

Minister Allicock noted that for many years the Indigenous people, collectively, were fighting for land rights. He stated that “land is critical for our survival,” as he referred to land as ‘life’.

In terms of resources to the Indigenous peoples, Allicock said that human resource is most valuable, and that he was aware of the issues affecting the In-

digenous people, issues such as Trafficking in Persons (TIP), and bad working conditions. He called on the leaders to take on responsibilities and make them apart of their daily chores, to better the lives of their people.

Minister Allicock also called on the leaders to develop strategies to improve the opportunities Indigenous people have to excel. “We need to include our people, regardless of religious or political background,” the Minister said, while noting that it can only happen if they work together and build better communities.

In addition, the Toshaos were asked to take into consideration the Ten Point Plan that was laid out by

Minister Sydney Allicock addressing toshaos at the NIRRC

the President, and to raise issues, and work with the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, regarding the direction they should

take.

Minister Allicock stated that, “the Indigenous Peoples’ Ministry is of great importance to the nation,

to the survival of our people in the interior.” He told the Toshaos that the doors of the Ministry are always open to everyone.

Upper Mazaruni games should be a model activity for other communities -President Granger (Georgetown, Guyana, August 6, 2015)-President David Granger has lauded the Upper Mazaruni District Sports Council for their efforts at sustaining their signature annual sporting event where youths from a number of neighbouring Upper Mazaruni villages are given an opportunity to showcase their athletic skills and be involved in something that is uniquely theirs.

The President accompanied by First Lady Mrs. Sandra Granger today attended the event which commenced on Monday at the Jawalla Community Center Ground.

Minister of Indigenous People’s Affair, Sydney Allicock, Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Ms. Dawn Hastings, Director of Sports, Christopher Jones were also present.

A cheque in the amount of $1M was presented to

arrange this. All I would like to ask you is that ten months from now I would like the 2016 games to be dedicated to the 50th Independence celebration,” President Granger said.

The President said his Administration will be

working to establish proper sporting facilities in all regions so that Guyanese athletes can prepare themselves to compete and excel in whatever discipline they choose.

This year, participating

teams come from villages such as: Arau, Parima, Waramadong, Kamarang, Kako, Quebanang, Jawalla, Imbamadai, Chinoweng, Phillipai and Isseneru.

President Granger hands over cheque for 1 million to Chairman, Upper Mazaruni Destrict Sports Council Rudolph Wellington

the Council by the President who stated that his Government is committing to supporting this event and to making it even bigger since it dovetails his vision for youth development in Guyana.

Granger said the games

should be used as a model for other communities around the country to emulate. He noted how pleased he was with the initiative that was birthed in communities within the District.

“I’m impressed that no government told you to

President Granger greets the players of one of the female teams

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President David A. Granger and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, acknowledging the thousands of Guyanese, who came to witness the swearing-in ceremony of Guyana’s 8th Executive President, at Parliament Building, (May 16 2015).