-$500m allocated; facility designed for at least 350 persons
Construction of the new Amerindian hostel in Georgetown is expected to begin shortly, Minister of Amerindian Affairs Sarah Browne-Shadeek announced on Tuesday evening, months after $500 million was allocated to start the project.
Speaking at the opening of Amerindian Heritage Month at the Amerindian Village, Sophia, Browne-Shadeek said the project was moving ahead but did not disclose the site, the contractor, the full estimated cost or a commencement date.
“On this significant occasion, I am pleased to update members of the public that the project for the construction of the new Amerindian hostel is moving ahead, with actual construction expected to commence shortly,” she said.
The minister described the facility as a commitment by President Irfaan Ali which would improve conditions for hinterland residents requiring temporary accommodation in Georgetown, particularly patients seeking advanced or specialised medical care.
She said that by the end of August, the ministry had assisted approximately 1,835 people from hinterland communities through the existing Amerindian Hostel. This support, she said, often included flights or other transportation back to their villages.
Stabroek News reported in February that the 2026 Budget contained $500 million for the construction of a two-storey residential facility intended to supplement the Amerindian Hostel on Princes Street.
During consideration of the estimates, Browne-Shadeek said the proposed building would accommodate at least 350 people and include separate areas for male and female residents as well as prenatal patients.
At that stage, three possible sites in Georgetown were under consideration, with accessibility to hospitals among the factors to be assessed.
The preliminary plans also provided for water sprinklers, fire extinguishers and designated escape routes. Browne-Shadeek had told the National Assembly that the $500 million was intended to cover initial mobilisation, consultancy and the detailed engineering designs needed before physical construction could begin.
The new facility follows years of complaints about conditions at the Princes Street hostel, which provides temporary accommodation, mostly to Indigenous residents who travel from the hinterland for medical treatment.
Village investments
During her address last evening, Browne-Shadeek also said more than $21 billion had been invested in village economies through the Amerindian Development Fund between 2020 and 2026.
She said the money supported transportation, economic ventures, women and youth, sport and cultural activities.
A further $6 billion was spent on youth empowerment through the Community Service Officers programme, including stipends and training, she said.
The minister also highlighted projects financed through Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy, saying the funds were being injected directly into village economies for community-led projects.
She cited the acquisition of a sawmill and log trailer by Wiki Calcuni in Region Ten and investments by Hururu in a skidder, shade house and playfield upgrades.
In the same region, she said, Riverview established a hardware store to give residents easier access to construction materials, reduce travel expenses and retain more economic activity within the community.
In Pakuri, Region Four, seven watermelon projects were supporting agricultural production, food security and household income, while tourism investments included guest houses, cabins and bakeries in several Indigenous communities.
Browne-Shadeek said these were examples of villages using their resources, skills and assets to establish more diverse and sustainable economies.
She also congratulated 115 students who completed their secondary education this year under the Hinterland Scholarship Programme.
The programme supports hinterland students who secure the required marks at the National Grade Six Assessment to attend secondary schools away from their communities.
Browne-Shadeek said the ministry’s Welfare Department continued to assist Indigenous residents with documentation, labour and mining matters and other problems requiring intervention by government agencies.
MV Barima tragedy
The minister also referred to the MV Barima disaster, saying the month’s observances could not proceed without acknowledging families who lost relatives and those still awaiting answers.
She expressed confidence that the Commission of Inquiry into the July 18 sinking would provide the necessary answers.
The ferry capsized off the Essequibo Coast while travelling from Georgetown to Port Kaituma. At least 73 bodies were recovered, 76 people were rescued and others remain missing.
Browne-Shadeek said the tragedy underscored the need for community, reflection and unity.
This year’s Heritage Month is being observed under the theme, “Observing Our Cultural Heritage During Our Diamond Jubilee,” in recognition of Guyana’s 60th anniversary of independence.
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