As indigenous leaders wrap up their national conference, the government is pledging more support and development for the hinterland communities.

President Irfaan Ali met with the indigenous leaders again today and announced that an additional $3 Billion has been earmarked for hinterland support this year.  This is in addition to the money already budgeted and approved.

“This is outside of the $50 Billion that we have already spent in the last two years. Three Billion dollars is dedicated to the work that you have done yesterday in the categories mentioned. In the coming weeks, you will see members of the Cabinet coming to join you in your communities to crystalize these plans and within that $3 billion, we will set aside $250 million for youth empowerment projects”, the President announced.

Over the past four days, the indigenous leaders have been meeting with government officials as part of their National Toshaos Conference. While there have been concerns that the government is trying to control the management of the leadership council for the indigenous communities, the Government has pledged to give the leaders more access to resources to ensure their development.

“As soon as that supplementary provision is passed, and we will ensure that it is passed, we will not have not have anyone because there are some people who cannot help themselves by being negative once the PPP civic is in government”, he said.

The indigenous leaders are hoping that they will be consulted more on national issues that affect their communities and that the old issues regarding their land rights will be addressed completely. 

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