| – Minister AllicockThere is need for a more strategic and integrated approach as it relates to the development of Indigenous communities. This is according to the Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock. He was at the time addressing Indigenous leaders of North Rupununi, Region Nine.According to Minister Allicock, Indigenous people need to move away from collecting handouts. In this regard, the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, is prepared to support any viable community projects.The Minister noted that the North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB) will now have the opportunity to truly fulfill its mandate, as they were given the responsibility to assist in overseeing community development projects in the North Rupununi. The Board will be working closely with the communities to implement sustainable, income generating projects and also provide technical support.“We must have a district that we could manage effectively, have economic strength for our community. All projects we will be looking at should have an economic slant to it and we will support you with your ideas,” Minister Allicock told the leaders. He further noted that the Ministry along with the NRDDB will be closely monitoring the projects to ensure they are sustained. “Over the years, too many projects have been failing,” the Minister noted.Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Sydney Allicock,Wholesale Jerseys Free Shipping, addressing Indigenous leaders at the Annai Institute Building, Bina Hill.The Minister also took the opportunity to highlight the five-year strategic plan for Indigenous development. This plan encapsulates a Hinterland Education Support Programme, Hinterland Poverty Reduction Programme, Hinterland Employment and Youth Service, Hinterland Infrastructure Extension, Hinterland Happy Household and Energy Development Programme, Hinterland and Indigenous Land Commission, Hinterland Language, Culture and Sports Commission, Hinterland Tourism Development Service and Hinterland Public Service Provision Scheme. Minister Allicock urged the leaders to put aside their political differences, and examine those programmes and support them so that there can be development in the Hinterland.To further boost community projects,Cheap NFL Jerseys China, the Ministry will be launching a Youth Skills Training programme on October 01. This initiative will replace the YEAP programme, and will allow Indigenous youths to become certified in areas such as tourism,Wholesale MLB Jerseys, agriculture, mechanical engineering,Wholesale NFL Jerseys, among other areas.In her address to the leaders, Minister Williams spoke of the need to link the Hinterland to the Coastland, not only through road networks and airstrips but, also through communication and education.Hastings reminded the leaders that the Prime Minister, who has responsibility for the information sector, has announced the expansion of the Paiwomak Radio Station. “Gone are the days when Amerindians will be left in the dark. They have their radio station that will allow them to keep up with what is happening nationally,Wholesale Jerseys, and even internationally,” she said.She also noted that most of the Budget 2015 projects have been advertised, and urged the leaders, through their Village Councils, to get involved, by bidding for some of these projects.UNDP Representative, Patrick Chesney who was also at the meeting noted that there is the need for procurement of inputs, training, the promotion of business development and advertising, all of which need to be brought together for a successful project.“We need instruments that will help protect our way of life and create a space where we can take our villages further,Nike Vapor Max Plus Triple Black, and at the same time, better the lives of the residents,” Chesney said.The UNDP is assisting the Government to implement the Amerindian Development Fund which is used to finance the Community Development Plans (CDP). The UNDP will be making funds available to build the capacity of the NRDDB.Also at the meeting were: Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Vibert Welch, Advisor to the Minister on Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Mervyn Williams and the newly appointed members of the North Rupunini District Development Board (NRDDB). |
