Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698070706535.pdf (Guyana)
ANNUAL REPORT 2014 Table of contents Chairperson Message Executive Summary 1.

Major Activities 2014 01 02 03 1.1 Meeting with the District Toshaos Council of South- and South-Central Communities 1.2 Outreaches 1.3 1.4 Participation on different Communities and Activities Complaints received 2 Financial Statement 3 Proposed activities for 2015 4 Challenges and Recommendations: 4.1.

4.2.

Challenges Recommendations 04 05 06 5.

Appendices 07 1.

Meeting: District Toshao Council 2.

Outreach to Orealla 3.


Outreach to Baramita 4.

ADF Project Report 6.

Commissioners of the Indigenous Peoples’ Commission 25 Chairperson Message The IPC continued to engage with the residents of Indigenous communities during 2014.

During these interactions, all concerns were documented and referred to the relevant Government Ministries and Agencies for appropriate interventions.
Financial resources were a constraint as Government funding was insufficient; however, the IPC expresses gratitude to Commissioner Damian Fernandes for his financial contributions which helped to access more communities.

The IPC continued to participate in national initiatives such as the Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade Voluntary Partnership Agreement (FLEGT VPA) and the Amerindian Development Fund; additionally, IPC attended Indigenous Heritage Celebrations countrywide.
Sincere thanks to all who supported the initiatives of the IPC throughout the year; these include the Government and our indigenous residents; we look forward to your continued collaboration.

Gratitude must be expressed to the committed Commissioners and Staff of the IPC.

Let us all resolve to redouble our efforts in 2015 to further improve the livelihoods of our Indigenous Peoples’.
Sincerely, …………………………….. Ms. Doreen Jacobus Chairperson IPC 1 Executive Summary 2014 The Year 2014 was very challenging due to difficulties in accessing finances in a timely and predictable manner.

Additionally, the quantum allocated for the year was inadequate to implement all of the work plan activities.

Nevertheless, the Commission was able to meet with the residents of two villages: Orealla- Region Six, and Baramita- Region One; these visits were made in March 2018 and December 2018 respectively.
Several issues affecting these communities were reported in these meetings with the Toshaos, Councilors and villagers.

These were all referred to the appropriate Ministries and Agencies for necessary interventions.

A meeting was also convened with the executives of the District Toshaos’ Council of the South- and South-Central Communities in February 2018.

Here again, the IPC listened to issues, concerns and general comments facing these communities.
During the year, the Commission participated in several Indigenous Peoples’ Heritage Day celebrations including the 2014 nationally designated Village of Karrau-Region 7.

There was active participation in the Amerindian Development Fund and the FLEGT VPA.

2 1.

Major Activities 2014 1.1 Meeting with the District Toshaos Council of South- and South-Central Communities This meeting was convened following a formal request by the Executives of the District Toshaos Council of South Council.
The main objective was to share information in establishing a network system.

A report on the outcomes of this important meeting is detailed in Appendix 1.

1.2 Outreaches On April 29, 2014, at the request of the resident from Orealla, Region 6, the Commission visited the village and held meeting with the Toshao and Councilors, and with the Villagers.

Details of this visit are appended in Appendix 2.


Further, in December 2014, at the request of the residents of Baramita, the Commissioners visited and held meetings with the Toshao and Councilors, and other residents; engagements were also held with Teachers and the children attending the Baramita Primary School, Health Workers, Police and other Stakeholders.

More details of this visit are in Appendix 3.


1.3 Participation on different Committees and Activities 1.3.1 Indigenous Peoples’ Heritage Day Commissioner Matilda Sago Williams, Marco De Souza, Haliema Khan and Father Malcolm Rodrigues participated in the Indigenous Peoples’ Heritage Day activities.

At this forum, the Commissioners interacted with the President of Guyana H. E. Donald Ramoutar, Minister of Amerindian Affairs and other Government Officials, residents and visitors.
1.3.2 Amerindian Development Fund In December 2014, Mr. Neil Bacchus, Chief Executive Officer attended a meeting with the Board members of the Amerindian Development Fund (ADF).

At that meeting, the ADF Board was informed that moneys in the sum of $5,000,000 (five million Guyana dollars) are available for each of the Amerindian Communities to access and utilize on a project that would provide economic returns for their villages.

It was noted that the villages had to come up with a business plan.
The Secretariat of the ADF was tasked in providing all the assistance each village might need in order to come up with a feasible business plan.

3 1.3.3 National Technical Working Group –Guyana/EU FLEGT VPA In January 2014, Mr. Neil Bacchus assumed the position as the alternate representative in place of Commissioner David James on the NTWG.

Throughout the year, the IPC was represented at the meetings, video conferences and stakeholders’ engagement.
1.4 Complaints received The Commission was copied in seven (7) complaints on issues related to governance and accountability; mining and its negative impacts on Indigenous titled communities, and traditional indigenous lands; logging in traditional indigenous lands.

The Commission acknowledged receipt of all these complaints and did regular follow-up with the relevant Ministry/Agency to which the initial complaint was directed to.

Any feedback so obtained was provided to the complainant(s).

2.
2.

Financial Statement During 2014, the sum of G$18,449,000 was allocated to the Commission for employment and Other Charges, an increase of G$2,707,000 from the previous year.

However, G$3,505,898 was returned to the consolidated fund at the end of the year.

This was due to there being several changes in planned activities and the fact that monies were not generally made available at the time of request for activities.

Subsequently, these activities were postponed or cancelled.
The distribution of the total expenditure was as follows: RECEIVED Ministry of Finance (MOF) AMOUNT EXPENSES $ 18,449,000 Stipends Salaries Gratuity & Leave Passage Travel & Subsistence Stationery & Office Supplies Outreaches Total 18,449,000 4 AMOUNTS $ 8,521,626 2,516,749 955,372 1,745,408 295,947 908,000 14,943,102 0.04% Expenditure for 2014 0.36% 1.58% 17.76% 6.39% 16.84% 57.03% Stipends Salaries Gratuity & Leave Passage Travel and Subsistence Telephone charges Office Uses Advertising charges Commissioner Damian Fernandes had donated the sum of $181,440 to the Commission in 2013.
The Commission used these monies to visit Orealla.

RECEIVED Damian Fernandes $ 181,440 AMOUNT EXPENSES Gasoline for bus Bridge crossing Meals Boat fare-return Taxi driver Total spent AMOUNTS $ 15,109 2,400 17,840 100,000 8,000 143,349 3.
Proposed activities for 2015 Description of Activities Intended Output/Outcomes Visit four communities to follow up on specific issues Root cause of concerns / issues ascertained for better resolution and policy guidance Press Conference Participation in National Events Public Awareness Public Awareness Workshop on Amerindian Act (2006) and capacity building in seventeen communities.

To strengthen Indigenous People Communities.


For Indigenous People to know and identify their rights based on the Amerindian Act (2006).

To strengthen Indigenous People leadership skills.

5 4.

Challenges and Recommendations 4.1 Challenges i.

The process of receiving monies for activities when requested, was often very frustrating and time-consuming.

ii.

Because of this challenge, some visits had to be rescheduled or cancelled altogether.

This also resulted in the loss of credibility of the IPC.
iii.

Outreach visits highlighted the fact that good governance and accountability was lacking in some villages.

iv.

The protection of rivers and waterways was absolutely essential for the well-being of Indigenous residents.

4.2 Recommendations i.

The Commission should continue with capacity building on Administration with Toshaos and Councilors.

ii.

Even though most persons elected into positions are literate, their finance and management skills are poor.
This in turn creates conflict and frustration in the Indigenous Communities.

iii.

The Government of Guyana must ensure that any leases to loggers, miners and persons with any other venture in areas near to in Indigenous titled lands and proposed extensions are done through a very transparent process.

iv.

The Government of Guyana must intensify and accelerate the process of granting land titles to the respective Communities.
v. The Government of Guyana must put policies in place to ensure that there is protection of watersheds and creeks that are important for the Indigenous Peoples.

The Indigenous Persons (who have the knowledge) must document their knowledge and share with other Indigenous Communities.)

6 5.

Appendices Appendix 1 NOTES FROM MEETING HELD WITH THE DISTRICT TOSHAOS COUNCIL OF SOUTH AND SOUTH CENTRAL COMMUNTIES ON FEBRUARY 28, 2014 Present were: 1.

Patricia Singh - Commissioner, IPC 2.


David James - Commissioner, IPC 3.

Captain Gerry Gouveia, A.A.- Commissioner, IPC 4.

Haliema Khan - Commissioner, W&GEC Representative on IPC 5.

Neil Bacchus - Administrative Assistant, IPC 6.

Alan Fredericks - District Toshaos Council, Shunnab Village; S.D.P.D.A 7.

Valare Anderson - Toshao, Karodar Village 8.

Patrick Gomes - Councilor, Maruranao Village 9.

Nicholas Fredericks - Councilor, Shulinab Village; Coordinator; S.D.P.D.A 10.
Paulinus Albert - Chairman, District Toshaos Council; Toshao - Potarinau Village 11.

Hubert Wilson - Councilor, Katoonarib Village 12.

Vibert Ignace - Toshao, Shulinab Village Issues, Concerns and Comments It was noted that all watersheds meet in this district and the Council would have used resources to establish a monitoring project; with the aid of a mapping unit this helps to promote positive biodiversity conservation measures for their communities and the environment.
Concerns were raised about mining.

The creeks were polluted.

Maraudi Mining from Brazil is conducting illegal mining.

It was noted that letters of complaints were sent to the relevant agencies concerning this issue but there were no responses.

It was pointed out that there were no return addresses on the letters that were sent.
7 Questions were asked about the role of the Indigenous Peoples’ Commission; specifically, on strengthening linkages between communities, its reporting process and how feedback from communities are responded to.

It was pointed out that the Commission reports directly to Parliament.

Concerns are sent to the relevant agencies for their attention and the Commission emphasizes that it is necessary to get feedback in its efforts to address all matters that are reported to them.
It was observed that the legality of the District Toshao Council has not been realized even though tremendous efforts were made to do so.

While acknowledging the Amerindian Act provides a simple process for the establishment of this Council, it does not specify a time limit.
While informing all present that a just concluded meeting with the Amerindian Affairs Minister seemed to bring closure to this request; cautioned was advised for the Council to get all its documents together before proceeding once again to register the council legally.
After much deliberation, it was decided that the Council would ensure that at the request of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, efforts would be made to prepare a list of all the Council members accompanied by lists of the approval of the Council members by the villagers of each village.
Concerns were raised concerning letters given to Project Officers which were not handed over to the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, also that the officers are disrespectful and portray a negative attitude towards their duties and responsibilities.

There were concerns about the secondary school constructed at Sand Creek.

It presently has a big crack in the ceiling which has led to the ceiling falling down and posing extreme danger for the students and teachers attending the school.
There are 44 children from Region 8 attending this school with little or no resources.

There are 50 students and one unqualified teacher at the primary school in Katuur.

There were concerns about expired drugs being issued by the Health Centers in the various Communities especially in Shulinab Village.

Concerns were also highlighted on drug and alcohol abuse, domestic violence, teenage pregnancy and trafficking – in persons.

The unauthorized construction of a road at Bara Bara is a big problem.
Presently there is a road from Brazil to Wakadnao.

There is no consultation with the communities regarding the constructions of roads.

8 The District Council should become a legal entity.

More communities should be encouraged to form district Toshao Council to strengthen the NTC.

General agreements and statements It was noted that all the concerns, issues and comments made justify the existence of the Commission.
While the budget allocated to the Commission prevented it from fully carrying out its mandate, the Commission remains steadfast in delivery of quality service to the people of Guyana especially and more importantly the Indigenous communities.

To this end, the Commission pledges its full support to work with the Council in addressing all their concerns raised The Council is to send all of copy of their documentation regarding the registration of the Council with Ministry of Amerindian Affairs.
Pictures of Sand Creek Secondary are to be forwarded to the Commission.

An earlier meeting with the Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment saw a commitment by the Minister to send a team to District 9 in about four weeks times to investigate the pollution problem.

Commissioner Gouveia as the Vice Chairman on the Board of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission also gave a commitment that he would raise the Council’s concerns there.
Sentiments were echoed regarding alternatives for the water supply such as the digging of a well and setting up of a filtration system while acknowledging that 99% of the persons residing in these areas as well as animals depend on the land for survival.

Priority should be given for their fundamental rights concerning the safety of the land.

The relevant agencies need to have more consultations in finding amicable solutions concerning damages to the environment though mining and other activities.
Due to the illegal and unlawful construction of a road in the Bara Bara area, two excavators are currently locked by the Toshao.

A meeting with Minister Robeson Benn was schedule to take place later in the afternoon by the council to discuss primarily concerns raised about the unauthorized construction of roads in their communities.

9 It was noted that the mapping unit of the Council can aid in the quick and fast outlining of the proposed extension boundaries.
Any Other Business Contact information was exchanged between the Commission and the Council.

10 Appendix 2 VISIT TO OREALLA VILLAGE The Commission at the invitation of the Toshao and Councilors, visited Orealla Region 6.

Toshao Floyd Edwards facilitated the meetings with the Village Councilors, Commissioners and Residents of Orealla Village.
Expected Outcome - - The Village Council and the residents have an understanding of the purpose of the Commission and how they can benefit from the Commission’s work; The Commission has an appreciation of how the Village Council operates and what their major challenges are with respect to their rights and rule of law.

The Commission met with the following Village Councillors Toshao and Councilors: 1.

Floyd Edwards - Toshao 2.

David Henry - Councillor 3.

Janet Edward - Councillor 4.


Alicia Edwards - Councillor 5.

Errol Morris - Councillor 6.

Kingsley Hudson - Councillor 7.

Clarence Seenanan - Councilor 8.

Wilfred Felix - Councillor Commissioners: 1.

Doreen Jacobis- Chairperson 2.

David James - Commissioner 3.

Patricia Singh - Commissioner 11 4.

Marco De Souza - Commissioner 5.

Father Malcolm Rodrigues - Commissioner 6.

Matilda Williams - Commissioner 7.

Haliema Khan - Commissioner 8.


Neil Bacchus - Administrative Assistant Chairperson and Commissioners explained the purpose and mandate of the Commission.

Meeting with Toshao and Councilors Each Commissioner, led by the Chairperson, shared with the Council members, the purpose and functions of the Commission, the importance of this meeting and how communities could benefit from the mandate of the Commission.
Toshao Mr. Floyd Edwards shared concerns they had with respect to the Council’s way of working as well as general village concerns and in particular to a letter signed by sixteen residents of Orealla calling for an urgent investigation into the current affairs in Orealla and Siparuta of which a copy of this letter was received by the Commission.
The Toshao responded to the following concerns as was mentioned in the letter:  On allegation of misuse of funds provided to the Council: an audit was done through the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs and there were no evidence reflecting the misappropriation of these funds.

12   There was no handing over of documents from the last Council to this Council and they are still awaiting a financial report from the previous treasurer, Ms. Ingrid Deveir.
The Council has not been able to hold any meetings as previous attempts to do so have ended with violence which had transcended in personal issues between Mr. Carl Peneaux* and Mr. Edwards.

 On the allegations about the village boat, canteen, tractor, sawmill, generator and the resignation of the Council members, Mr. Edwards provided clarity on each of these     issues identified in the letter.
It was noted the village is not a mining community and that much income is derived from the sale of sand and logging concession.

The Toshao also called for support on youth development.

Highlighted the matter on village logging concession is been affected due to the lack of tags issued by the GFC when required.

Concerns were raised by the Siparuta Village Councilors regarding the presence of the Toshao when they have village meeting as he is never there.
It was noted that the council members of Siparuta were part of the overall Village Council body for both villages and the deputy Toshao is from Siparuta  Concerns were also raised that an arrangement concerning money is not honored by Orealla.

At present the Orealla Village Council owes the Siparuta Village Council approximately $ 700,000.00 which the Toshao has promised to honor soon.
The Commissioners having listened to the Toshao remarked that he should be commended for his effective leadership in light of the challenges that he and the Village Council are facing daily.

They also recommended that the Village Council should host an annual party for the older folks and also try to obtain some solar panels for the village.
The Toshao was informed that he can always make contact with the Commissioners should the need ever arise and issues relating to health, governance and social problems would be welcomed.

Note: * Mr. Carl Peneaux contested in the last election in 2012 for the position of Toshao and lost to Mr. Edwards.

13 The Commission then meet with 60 residents including the Toshao and the Councilors.
The process of the engagement entailed three activities: Sensitization about IPC A brief presentation was done by Commissioner David James highlighting the functions of the IPC which helped the residents become aware of the IPC and its mandate.

Concerns expressed by Residents       Amerindian communities need to have user friendly documents which would give them guidance as to the rights as Indigenous peoples.

In the areas where fishing is done traditionally, there is the cultivation of drugs.
Employment in the area of agriculture.

No more logging can be done in the reservation.

There was a call for logging to be done in the area beyond the reservation.

There was heavy criticism against the National Toshaos’ Council as it was seen a body influenced by the Government.
There was call for transparency in all financial matters regarding transactions done by the Village Council and also governance’s issues, such the holding of regular meetings and the reporting of all related activities carried out by the council.

 The length of time it would take for Minister of Amerindian Affairs to intervene in the matters raised by the residents against the Village Council including on calls for the   removal of Mr. Edwards as the Toshao.
A vacant seat within the Regional Democratic Council for a representative from the Village Council to fill.

An audit report done by the Audit Office of Guyana at the request of the Village Council through the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs 14      The village did not receive any laptops through the government one laptop for family program.

There was a call for the establishment for a secondary school in the village.
Percy Peneaux complained that land owned by him was taken away by the present village council and a market was established.

Complaints about the impact the budget cuts are having on the development plans for the village.

There were criticism concerning, villagers must to do voluntary community work twice a month.

Conclusion: It was agreed that the Toshao and Councilors need to build their capacity to enable them to work as a team to achieve its mandate.
The residents thanked the Commissioners for their visit and invited them to come again.

15 Appendix 3 REPORT ON VISIT TO BARAMITA On 13th and 14 December, 2014 Meeting was held with the Toshao, Councillors and Residents of Baramita Issues raised by Residents Health            Drug, alcohol and sex abuse rampant Medex alleged that persons come for treatment when under the influence of alcohol Many persons stay at home to deliver their babies.

No record of birth can be done.


No birth certificate can be issued.

Health Centre do not have adequately trained/qualified staff Presently collaborates with other agencies due to lack of transportation Do not receive medical supplies in a timely manner No mortuary and/or facilities.
The deceased are just left at the back of the Health Centre No proper storage for drugs No incinerator for the disposal of medical waste especially needles Water under the Health Centre from the erosion of the air strip Receives approximately 5 domestic and sexual abuse complaints weekly Education   There is one small Primary School without many windows and leaking roof The school housed 261 students: o Nursery: 42 16 o Primary: 205 o Secondary: 14 Educational challenges o Language – Carib is the First Language and not English o Truancy o Limited Furniture o Limited Exercise and Text Books o Washroom Facility – No Water; No Infrastructure o 1 Teacher for 42 Nursery Students – year 1 and year 2 o Entire school has 6 teachers o Need pens and Pencils and Crayons o Need Toys for the Nursery Students o Students denied the opportunity to go on school tours – not even to Matthews Ridge o No sporting equipment and/or gears o Need stories and other educational books for the library Drug, alcohol and sex abuse rampant No money to buy school clothes Do not know what are their rights in accordance with the Amerindian Act and the Village Rules The sale of alcohol is predominant Too many children are purchasing and imbibing alcohol even during school hours During 2013-14, 40 Children and Youths committed suicide due to drug and alcohol abuse Allegation of Girls being raped often, especially by the air strip area Allegation of Girls aged 9- and 10-years old living home and pregnant especially in the location of PI Creek
 (Old Triangle Area) Allegation of Girls aged 9- and 10-years old dancing strip tease for miners Non-residents/Coast Landers are taking over business in the area of goods and services Lack of co-operation between Toshao, Councillors and Villagers Too many children are in the night spots and the “back dam/mines” 17 Social              Agencies in Georgetown respond too slow on issues Security       Police don’t act in the best interest of children Daily Noise Nuisance Police alleged that the only time they receive complaints is when residents is under the influence of alcohol.
No check point/police outpost on the road between Matthews Ridge and Baramita Police station is manned by 3 ranks; 1 Corporal and 2 Constable There is no policing group Observation  Commissioner Pearson indicated that the community will receive a bus for the school children sometime in 2015.

Question: is the bus suitable for the terrain?


How many children will it transport bearing in mind that there are 23 satellite areas and, in some instances, there are no roads or dams or trails Persons not interested in the National Symbols, National Anthem and the Pledge.

This is because of their religious beliefs.

Students not interested in learning “the white man language” meaning English Many persons clothes are hand stitched Many persons complained about alcohol sale of the “Coast Landers”.
The Amerindians are the ones doing the purchasing and may very well be alcoholics.
No National Flag at Police Station and other Government Buildings      Recommendations Health     Health Centre need adequately trained/qualified staff An all-terrain vehicle/ATV is needed to adequately maintain efficient health services Approach Aircraft Association for assistance in transporting medical supplies Send patients medical reports from Hostel in Georgetown to Baramita 18  Mortuary and/or facilities are urgently needed Make recommendation to Ministry of Education for new Nursery School; Repairs to Primary School Make recommendation to Ministry of Education to not phase out the “Primary Top” – Secondary Division Arrange for a kitchen to be built for the students to have a hot meal daily Build reservoir for water (kitchen & washroom) Make request from the Guyana Book Foundation for books Send copy of the National Symbols, National Anthem and the Pledge Video of Places of National Monuments and Buildings Build school dormitory Persons from the community to be trained as teachers Education          Social  Need to understand the Amerindian Act and the Village Rules and the power to make changes based on the 2 documents.
Make information available using the Carib Language Request assistance from Food for The Poor for sewing machines Get persons to become involved in sewing/craft class Involve Ministry of Amerindian Affairs to assist with marketing of the products Assistance from the Catholic Church to start the Alcoholic Anonymous Program for the Youths and Adults One of the Village Rules Must be: Ban/Restrict sale of alcohol and other form of intoxicants Toshao, Councillors and Medex to assist in late registration of birth certificates and Identification Cards Need for 2 resident Welfare and Probation Officers Need for a multi purposes building for Meetings of the Village Council and Others         19 Do skills training- Language, Culture, Alcoholic Anonymous Program Life skills classes – Emotional/Health   Security  Toshao wrote Minister of Transportation on the issue of a check point/police outpost on the road between Matthews Ridge and Baramita.
The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs and the IPC must assist in making the check point becoming a reality Vital need for monitoring what is coming and going out of the community Allegation of arms and ammunition and drugs passing through the community Need for more ranks to man the police station and the check points Need for a female rank Need for immediate response from Georgetown especially in issues involving National security Formation of policing group a necessity       20 Appendix 4 ADF PROJECT MANAGEMENT UNIT Ministry of Amerindian Affairs Thomas & Quamina Streets Georgetown 1.
Introduction Outlined in this document is a status update on initiatives undertaken by the ADF Project Management Unit (PMU) for the period October 20, 2013 through December 18th, 2014.

2.

Project office set-up and operationalized ADF Project Management Unit up and running to facilitate full implementation of 160 CDPs.

Ninety-two percent of the project office set-up and internal operational costs were met.
This included setting up of the office, procurement of office supplies, furniture and equipment and vehicle.
Table 1: Financial report 4th Quarter 2014 - Office Set-up and Operationalized PROCUREMENT BUDGET VS EXPENDITURE - ADF PROJECT 2014 PROJECT MANAGEMENT LAST QUARTER BUDGET PER TOTAL BUDGET LINE BUDGETED ACTUAL TOTAL ACTUAL EXPENDITURE BUDGETED EXPENDITURE GYD USD GYD CONTRACTUAL SERVICES CONTRACTUAL SERVICES (COMPANY) 4,912,000 4,254,762 24,560 21,274 450,000 249,460 2,250 1,247 TRAVEL (VEHICLE) 8,000,000 8,074,051 40,000 40,370 EQUIPMENT AND FURNITURE 2,168,500 1,680,012 10,843 8,400 21 SUPPLIES & MISCELLANEOUS COMMUNICATION 660,075 625,015 3,300 3,125 AND INFORMATION 3,385,000 3,159,599 16,925 15,798 TECHNOLOGY GRAND TOTAL 19,575,575 18,042,899 97,878 90,214 3.
Inception Conferences for 102 Communities and Villages conducted.

Five regional inception conferences conducted by the Project Management Unit (PMU) from the 25th November to 10th December, 2014 to kick-start the full implementation of the ADF-GRIF project.
The regional inception seminars marked the beginning of the implementation of the Community Development Plans (CDPs) which cover agricultural production and processing, village infrastructure, tourism, manufacturing, village business enterprise, and transportation, among others.
102 Communities from Regions 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 and 8 benefitted from start-up orientation which accomplished the following: 1) Determined whether the respective CDPs in their current form are still relevant and remain a priority for the Community and Villages.

 11 percent of community representatives indicated a desire to change their CDP 22 2) Identified potential CDPs for 22 communities that did not submit CDPs previously.
Communities from within this group that attended the seminar along with their proposed CDPs are as follows:  50 percent (11 of 22) communities without CDPs have put forward proposals for potential business ventures.
3) Assessed communities’ technical, economic and financial capacities for implementation of CDPs  76 percent of respondents said that they had experience in the project identified for their CDP  74 percent of respondents said that they would sell their product locally and regionally (38 percent said that they would sell their product within their own village and to surrounding villages, 25 percent only in their village, 11 percent only surrounding villages), remainder, said some combination of locally, regionally, coast, or internationally.
4) Identified constraints to successful implementation of CDPs.
 31 percent of responses indicated marketing/acquiring markets as a constraint  20 percent indicated uncertain weather pattern  18 percent indicated high cost of production/transportation/procurement of materials  7 percent indicated lack of experience/need for training in implementation of CDP  Other constraints identified were availability of land, drainage and irrigation, pests, stealing, lack of community support and workforce to support the project.
5) Prepared the Communities for disbursement of micro-grant of 5M to pursue these business ventures.

 45 percent of villages had at least one meeting to discuss the CDP  25 percent of villages have identified a CMT of 6-8 persons to manage their CDP 23  75 percent of respondents said that they are ready to begin implementation of their CDP (of those; 49 percent are ready to begin implementation within 1 month, 39 percent within 1-3 months, and 12 percent were not sure).
 36 percent of respondents said that they had a village bank account 4.

Identification and Coordination of Stakeholders Seventy percent of CDPs are agricultural in nature, therefore the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) is an important stakeholder in terms of capacity strengthening at the community level.
Training provided in 4 agriculture sub-sectors including crops, poultry, cattle and aquaculture by technical officers identified from agencies under MoA including National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) and Fisheries Department Technical support also provided by officers from Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) at the inception conference held in Georgetown.

5.
5.

Conclusion ADF Project Management Unit up and running to facilitate planned activities for 2015.

The information gathered from inception seminars conducted will guide the PMU in full implementation of 160 CDPs.

24 6.

Commissioners Doreen Jacobis Chairperson Yvonne Pearson Vice-Chairperson Marco De Souza Damian Fernandes Gerry Gouveia A.A David James 25 James Singh Matilda Saigo Malcolm Rodrigues Patricia Singh Bebbi Haliema Khan (WGEC) Marissa Massiah (RCC) 26