Hon. Pauline Sukhai, Minister of Amerindian Affairs

To seek an appointment with the Minister of Amerindian Affairs, please call 227-5067, 225-8412, 225-8416 or email minister@moaa.gov.gy

 

Pauline Sukhai began her political involvement in the early 1990s with the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C). She was first elected as a Member of Parliament in 1992, representing the interests of Guyana’s Indigenous communities.

In 2006, she was appointed Minister of Amerindian Affairs, a role she held until 2015. During this time, Sukhai played a key role in implementing policies and legislation aimed at improving the living conditions and securing the rights of Amerindian communities. Her efforts included the expansion of land rights, better access to education and healthcare, and promoting economic development in Indigenous villages.

After the 2015 elections, when the PPP/C was in opposition, Sukhai continued to serve as a Member of Parliament, advocating for Indigenous rights. With the return of the PPP/C to power in 2020, she was reappointed as Minister of Amerindian Affairs, a position she currently holds.

Contributions and Achievements:
Throughout her career, Pauline Sukhai remains a steadfast advocate for the advancement of Indigenous rights and development. Some of her significant achievements include:

  1. Amerindian Land Titling Project: Sukhai was involved in the Amerindian Land Titling (ALT) project, which aimed to address land ownership issues and ensure that Amerindian communities received legal titles to their ancestral lands.
  2. Community Development Projects: Under her leadership, the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs implements numerous community development projects focusing on infrastructure, education, healthcare, and access to clean water in Amerindian communities.
  3. Advocacy for Indigenous Rights: Sukhai consistently champions Indigenous rights, representing Guyana in regional and international forums to highlight the challenges faced by Indigenous communities and to seek support for their development.
  4. Cultural Preservation: Sukhai supports initiatives to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of Guyana’s Indigenous peoples, including the teaching of Indigenous languages and the preservation of traditional practices.