Twelve communities within the Matarkai Sub-district, Region One have received Covid cash grants, totaling $96 million.
Those communities include; Baramita, Tassawani, Minab, Matthews Ridge, Arakaka, Eclipse Falls, Four Miles, Oronoque, Canal Bank, Citrus Grove, Annibisi, and Sebai.
Minister of Housing and Water, the Hon. Collin D Croal today handed over the cheques to the leaders of the villages, following a short ceremony at the Port Kaituma Secondary School.
In his remarks, the Minister noted that this initiative is just another one, aimed at cushioning the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. “This is aimed at community revival, economic development, and job creation for your communities and it is expected that first there must be consultation”.
The Minister also stressed the need for accountability, transparency, and the filtering of information to guard against misrepresentation.
Outlining some important components of project execution, Minister Croal spoke of the construction of ICT hubs, infrastructure development, and more importantly, community-based economic programs that are sustainable.
“These projects must be able to sustain the communities, that is to say, it must be able to generate revenue to keep economic activity in your community flowing and also it must yield profit.”
Citizens were also called upon to play their role to ensure that their leaders are held accountable so that the projects benefit their intended audience.
Meanwhile, also present at the handing over ceremony, were Management Development Officer- John Ramsingh, Regional Chairman, Region One – Brentnol Ashley, Regional Vice-Chairperson – Ms. Annansha Peters, and Regional Executive Officer – Mr. Tikaram Bisesar Regional Executive Officer and Chairman of the Matarkai NDC – Mr. Orlando Thorne. Regional Chairman, Mr. Ashley in his remarks to village leaders said this initiative seeks to provide an opportunity to rebuild or revitalize their village economies. This he said also shows the government’s commitment to ensuring the development of communities. “We remain steadfast and resolute that every community and village develops in a way that they deserve…for communities to grow, they need every hand to the plow.”
He also called for accountability and transparency.
The villages have five months to submit their respective project proposals to the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs for approval before execution.
A total of $1.73 billion in COVID-19 relief funds will be distributed to the hinterland and Amerindian villages and communities. Of that amount, $542 million will be shared between 77 villages in Region One.
Last Friday Minister Croal and the team handed over $225M in grants to 27 communities in the Moruca sub-district. The team will be traveling to Mabaruma on Tuesday, February 2, to continue the distribution exercise to another 38 communities.
Images: Sydel Thomas CHPA PR Dept.