Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Sarah Browne has hailed the 2026 budget as one which will see growth and development in many Indigenous communities.

She said many of the measures announced will be a continuation of Government policies in Hinterland communities and new measures to address decades-old challenges.

Minister Browne told the National Assembly that indigenous communities stand to benefit equally with communities on the coastland.

“As Amerindians and people living in the hinterland, Mr. Speaker we are set to benefit from every single measure under this budget as every other Guyanese, from the coast to the hinterland, Mr. Speaker our new born babies will benefit from $100,000 one-off cash grant, our elderly will receive $46,000 coupled with the annual transportation grant of $20,000,” Browne told the house.

She said the Government has also been providing other assistance to Amerindian communities, noting that last year 253 Amerindian villages received $3 million each as a housing subsidy to assist in repair the homes of villagers, in addition to measures to put more monies in persons pockets.

“Overall, these measures will be a boost to the local village economy and moreso the small businesses will indirectly will be the beneficiaries of this massive cash injection. Mr. Speaker, in addition to these many measures will be the removal of taxes on ATVs, which will directly enhance our local transportation and tourism sector on which many indigenous villages are heavily reliant on as the most dependable mode of transportation especially on mountains and by roads. The removal taxes on outboard engines will bring great relief and benefit to those of us who are living along the river with no access to road networks and depend on boats as the only mode of transportation,” the Minister said.

Browne said the 2026 budget and previous PPP budgets have also addressed issues such as housing, airstrip, land titling and access to water in hinterland communities. She admitted, however, that much more still needs to be done.

“Yes, much needs to be done and much more will be done under the People’s Progressive Party Civic starting with budget 2026 and beyond,” the Minister said.

The Minister of Amerindian Affairs said there continues to be targeted interventions under the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs to promote and enhance the social and economic well-being of Amerindian villages.

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