Introduction to Amerindian Development in Guyana

Indigenous villagers in Guyana. Oil revenues have made it possible for the government to implement many programmes to assist indigenous villagers.

Government Support for Amerindian Villages

Over the past four years, more than 240 Amerindian villages in Guyana have received help through special government programmes. These efforts included more funding and were meant to improve village economies, provide jobs, and offer training. In 2024, the government set aside $9 billion, including money from carbon credits, to improve living conditions and support economic and social development.

Carbon Credit Funding

One project is a $9 million cash-crop farm in Quiko Village, paid for with part of the $4.7 billion in carbon credit money. The government promises that 15% of the money earned through the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) will go to Amerindian development. In 2023, $4.7 billion (US$22 million) went to 242 communities. This became possible through a US$750 million deal with Hess Corporation, which is buying 30% of Guyana’s forest carbon.

Projects and Initiatives

This money is funding over 800 projects in tourism, farming, infrastructure, and arts and crafts. Another $2.7 billion will go to these communities in 2024. Even more money will come when the rest of the carbon credits are sold. Taruka Village used its grant to buy internet access for education and social use.

Presidential Grant Programme

The Presidential Grant programme has also helped economic growth. Since 2020, the grant amounts have increased. Small villages that got $500,000 now get $1 million, and others receive $2 million or more each year. In 2023, villages received $947.6 million in total to support transport, farming, and buying equipment like tractors, engines, and sewing machines.

ADF Programme and Land Rights

The ADF programme focuses on helping women, improving food security, encouraging tourism, and preserving culture. A total of $4.6 billion is set aside for this in 2024. The government is giving $800 million in 2024 to help Amerindian villages get legal rights to their land. Five villages got land titles in 2022, and six more in 2023. Amerindians now live on at least 10% of Guyana’s land.

Job Creation and Training

The government created more than 50,000 jobs, with about 6,000 going to youths and residents in the hinterland areas. Programmes like the Youth Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship Programme (YEAP) have hired 2,700 Community Service Officers (CSOs), spending over $1 billion each year. These workers also get training, including water network maintenance, thanks to a partnership with Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI).

Development and Support

A part-time jobs programme gave income to 3,000 more people. Village Councils also received $5 million contracts to maintain local roads. Leaders and officials were trained in good governance. Amerindian youth also benefit from the ENGAGE project, worth $1.4 billion, supported by the Canadian government and run by the World University Service of Canada. It mainly helps young women in Regions One, Seven, Eight, and Nine.

New Programmes and Initiatives

A new $600 million programme launched in 2024 to help Amerindian villages make long-term development plans. This includes training and support from the National Toshaos Council (NTC) and focuses on climate resilience and economic growth. The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport gave $1 million each to 100 villages for sports development. The Upper Mazaruni District Games received $3 million in funding between 2023 and 2024. Indigenous youths also take part in national sporting events during Amerindian Heritage Month.

Improvements in Education and Healthcare

Villages received support for farming, including shade houses and tractors. So far, 170 tractors and trailers have been delivered, costing more than $700 million. These help with farming and transport in remote areas. Education and healthcare have improved in hinterland regions. Four modern hospitals and 15 new schools are being built. Telemedicine is also helping deliver better healthcare.

Amerindian Heritage Month

The government continues to support Amerindian Heritage Month in September, with $147 million planned for 2024. These programmes are helping improve lives, provide more opportunities, and make sure Amerindians are part of Guyana’s development.

Conclusion

The government of Guyana has made significant efforts to support the development of Amerindian villages, providing funding, training, and infrastructure to improve living conditions and economic opportunities. These initiatives have helped to create jobs, improve education and healthcare, and promote cultural preservation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS)?

The LCDS is a government initiative that aims to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable development in Guyana.

How much money has been allocated to Amerindian development in 2024?

The government has set aside $9 billion, including money from carbon credits, to improve living conditions and support economic and social development in Amerindian villages.

What is the ENGAGE project?

The ENGAGE project is a $1.4 billion initiative supported by the Canadian government and run by the World University Service of Canada, which aims to help young women in Regions One, Seven, Eight, and Nine.