Santa Aratack is diversifying its economy with several new projects aimed at creating employment and generating income for the community.
Toshao of Santa Aratack Mission, the only Amerindian community in Region Three, Christopher Cornelius, spoke with the Department of Public Information (DPI) on the sidelines of the recently concluded National Toshaos Conference.
He said the community has built a training centre “that is going to be funded by forestry to do joinery for the youths and even the elders, and that will bring great support to our village because before we have to come out to the coast to purchase beds and cupboards. We will make it right in there, so that will be a big boost.”
The village also used funding from the Low Carbon Development Strategy for a mechanic shop, while shade houses are being constructed, Cornelious said.
He said under his leadership some 13 million dollars was invested in agriculture.
He said, “We are growing our own greens. Our own seasoning right in our village, and I must say I want to thank the farmers from my community, because we are going big into pineapple farming; right now it’s about 38 acres of pineapple that is supposed to be reaping anytime from August to September.”
The toshao also stated that young people of the village have been involved in farming, working alongside the elders to carry out the village mandate. They assist in the shade house and poultry rearing activities.
“Back in the days we didn’t have employment, but as these initiatives come into our community, the villagers get the job. We ask the government for most of the things that we could build there so the money will circulate right in the village and the people get work right in the village also,” Cornelius said.
Cornelius is confident that his village will continue on the progressive path and create more opportunities for its people.
“You need to open up to investors, to your village, do a proper agreement and employ your people right there,” he urged other village leaders.