PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali, has directed Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, to fast track hinterland COVID-19 interventions as government takes US$10M from a line of credit to develop Amerindian communities and their living standards.
Under the theme “Fostering traditional practices for a safe environment”,
Amerindian Heritage Month 2020 was launched Tuesday, and President Ali, in his address, advised sweeping consultations with Amerindian leaders and communities in response to emergency measures.
According to the head of state, the theme for Heritage Month emphasises the key role which cultural assets, including indigenous knowledge, traditions and customs, and lifestyles, can play in ensuring a safe environment.
“Indeed, as we confront the deadly COVID-19 pandemic, indigenous traditional practices will form a key part of the arsenal of measures intended to stem the spread of the virus,” he said.
The government, the President said, remains resolute in ensuring the safety of indigenous communities.
“We will be announcing measures, very shortly, that are aimed directly at every household in the hinterland to bring relief, to bring ease and to improve your living standards,” the President said.
Guyana’s First Peoples, the President noted, can be assured that, under his administration, their economic and social empowerment will be non-political and non-negotiable.
“We will ensure that Amerindians are not left behind in the transformative developments, which will sweep our country into a modern future over the next few years. Amerindians, like every other ethnic group that make up our diverse society, are guaranteed equitable benefits from national development under my administration,” President Ali promised.