As Government continues to demonstrate its commitment to the development of indigenous communities and improving the lives of Amerindians countrywide, some 1,215 tablets were handed over to Toshaos to be distributed in their villages upon their return there.
The tablets are to be used to access the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) programmes.
Senior Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh handed over the devices, on behalf of President Irfaan Ali, on Friday as the 2023 National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference wrapped up.
During the handover of the tablets to the Village Leaders, Dr Singh encouraged the Toshaos to ensure that the tablets are used to access the GOAL programmes so that more persons
from the hinterland can benefit from the training provided and therefore, participate
meaningfully in the transformation of the country that is currently underway.
Minister Singh situated this latest initiative within the Government’s broader agenda for
improving the lives of the country’s hinterland population, including investments
Government is making in expanding hinterland transport infrastructure such as roads and
bridges, investments being made in hinterland electrification including the purchase of
30,000 standalone household solar units, hinterland water wells and water supply systems, educational facilities such as new schools and dormitories, and public healthcare facilities including for the deployment of telemedicine.
Government also pledged its continued support to indigenous communities and yesterday
as well 100 cheques were handed over to 100 of the villages to offset upgrades to
community grounds in the villages as was announced by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo while President Irfaan Ali has also announced that in Budget 2024 billions of dollars will be
allocated for further development of indigenous communities following full consultation
with the Chairman of the NTC.
The NTC Conference, which commenced on Monday last and which saw over 200 Toshaos from Indigenous villages across the country gathered at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) to discuss development programmes for their villages with Government, concluded on Friday while Amerindian Heritage Month kicked off with a cultural Extravaganza at the National Park later that evening.
