Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson on Saturday declared that President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s vision has led Guyana into a period of economic growth, even after assuming governance in a period where there was a global recession.
Speaking at a presidential outreach at Moraikobai (the only Amerindian community) in Region Five, Minister Ramson told the residents that it took stealth and progressive leadership by Dr Ali to ensure Amerindians benefit directly from the preservation of the country’s forests.
The astronomical financial benefit comes from leveraging the standing forest for finances, in what has been coined as carbon credits. It simply means that Guyana is being paid to avoid deforestation.
This is part of the its revised Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030. Under this programme, President Ali has secured the largest carbon deal globally, valued at US$750 million in 2022 from Hess Corporation, to keep its forest intact.And, this government has made a policy to distribute equitably to Amerindian villages, 15 per cent of that revenue to drive economic and social progress.
Minister Ramson relayed that, “It’s from that fund that over the last three years, Amerindian communities, the 250 odd Amerindian communities, have received billions of dollars; over $4 billion every year just through those LCDS funds, and that has helped to transform communities all around the country.“
From the $105 million this community has received in carbon credit financing, they purchased farming implements, including a fogging machine, mist blowers, chainsaws and other tools that supports their agriculture prowess.
The money also supported the retrofitting of the village council, including furnishing it with computers.
Similarly, Chairman of Region Five, Vickchand Ramphal spoke glowing of the policies of government that has brought a better life to Guyanese.
He told the residents of Moraikobai, “We will continue to make representation on your behalf. I must say, I’m happy and proud that our government, our president, is working to ensure that we build, miraculous, one of the strongest Amerindian villages in this country.”
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