Georgetown, Guyana, November 6, 2026 – The Government of Guyana is committed to ensuring that every Amerindian village develops a viable and sustainable local economy, creating employment, supporting entrepreneurship and improving the livelihoods of Indigenous communities.
Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, made the announcement on Friday during the sod-turning ceremony for the construction of a new $1.2 billion Amerindian Hostel at Ogle.
The minister said the Government’s investments are aimed at generating sustainable economic activities in every hinterland and Amerindian village, while ensuring that residents have access to education, employment and business opportunities.
Government Promotes Entrepreneurship in Indigenous Communities
Dr Singh highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs to establish and expand small businesses.
He encouraged residents of hinterland communities to take advantage of financing opportunities available through the recently launched Guyana Development Bank, which provides small and quick loans to support entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises.
The minister explained that these loans could help residents move beyond traditional agricultural production into value-added businesses.
Using cassava farming as an example, he described how farmers could expand into producing cassava bread and cassareep, creating additional income and business opportunities.
He also pointed to peanut farming as an opportunity for entrepreneurs to develop peanut butter and other processed products.
According to Dr Singh, this approach will help villages build stronger local economies, generate employment and create sustainable sources of income for families.
Investments in Education, Healthcare and Infrastructure
The Finance Minister also highlighted the Government’s continued investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture and eco-tourism across hinterland communities.
He said these initiatives are designed to improve living standards while creating the foundation for long-term economic development.
Dr Singh noted that the Government is also expanding healthcare facilities in hinterland regions, including plans for modern hospitals in Lethem, Region Nine, Region One and Region Seven.
These investments are expected to reduce the need for residents to travel to Georgetown for medical services.
New $1.2 Billion Amerindian Hostel at Ogle
The new Amerindian Hostel, which was included in the 2026 National Budget, is being constructed to provide improved accommodation for Indigenous people travelling to Georgetown for medical care, education, business and other essential services.
The existing hostel was built in 1972 and accommodates approximately 2,500 people annually.
The new facility is designed to accommodate 300 people at any one time, providing more modern and comfortable facilities for visitors from hinterland communities.
The sod-turning ceremony was attended by Minister of Amerindian Affairs Sarah Browne-Shadeek, Minister of Housing Collin Croal, Member of Parliament and Vice-Chairman of the National Toshaos Council Sonia Latchman, and other government officials.
Government Reaffirms Commitment to Indigenous Development
Dr Singh reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to investing in the economic advancement and overall well-being of Indigenous communities, regardless of their geographical location.
He said the broader objective is to ensure that every village has opportunities for sustainable economic activity and that every family can improve its standard of living through education, employment and entrepreneurship.
The Finance Minister also turned the sod for the new facility on behalf of President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, marking the start of another major investment aimed at supporting Guyana’s Indigenous population.