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Government disburses $115M in COVID Relief Grant to Coastal Amerindian Villages

A total of $115 Million in COVID-19 Relief Grants, were on Friday disbursed by the Government through the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, to coastal Amerindian villages. This is in keeping with the Government’s promise to mitigate the negative economic impacts of the pandemic.

The grant is aimed at assisting residents in coping with the long-term effects of covid-19. Furthermore, it focuses on creating opportunities for livelihood, youth development, and enhancement of village infrastructure.

Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Honorable Pauline Sukhai, in opening remarks, elaborated on the purpose the COVID-19 relief grant is intended to serve. A total of $1.73 billion was allocated to be disbursed in all Amerindian communities across the country. Minister Sukhai also encouraged Toshaos and residents of the various communities, villages and settlements to take the coronavirus pandemic seriously.

“Today, the Government is making another significant support initiative to ensure that the Hinterland and the Amerindian communities are able to place a strong foundation in ensuring that their population will remain stable. And in doing so, our government has allocated $1.73 Billion to ensure that the Amerindian leaders, council and the villagers take and make use of this financial support to put themselves in full preparation mode,” the Honorable Minister stated.

Meanwhile, Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Honorable Anand Persaud, who jointly distributed the grants, stressed in his feature address that each member of the community must benefit from these funds through sustainable projects.

The Honorable Minister posited, “Please be advised that each Council is required to conduct a village meeting, observing all Covid-19 protocols, and consult your village, in order to approve a project or projects that will be beneficial to the village… In determining the project/projects to be undertaken, the council will need to mobilize the village resources to complement any project embarked upon to ensure completion and village support.”

Villages from Regions 3, 4, 5, and 6 received the COVID-19 Relief grant ranging in amounts from $3M to $15M.

These Villages included Santa Mission, Caria Caria, Lower Bonasika, Saxacalli in Region 3(Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), St. Cuthberts, Swan, Wiakabra, Long Creek in Region 4(Demerara-Mahaica), Moraikabai in Region 5 (Mahaica-Berbice) and Orealla, Siparuta (Orealla), Cashew Island in Region 6 (East Berbice-Corentyne). A total of $105 Million in COVID-19 Relief Grants, were on Friday disbursed by the Government through the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, to coastal Amerindian villages in keeping with its promise to mitigate the negative economic impacts of the pandemic especially those in the hinterland region.

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