Big Creek CDC gets $6M tractor to improve community development

Housing Minister and Parliamentary Representative for Region One (Barima-Waini) Collin Croal, on Saturday handed over a tractor valued at $6 million to the Big Creek Community Development Council (CDC). The tractor was handed over on behalf of the Government as part of ongoing efforts to support communities across the country. Croal during the handing over explained that Big Creek, like several other communities in Region One, began as a small settlement and has historically been a mining community. Following efforts by residents and the Government, the community was formally recognised as a CDC, enabling it to benefit from grants and other development initiatives, including support through the Amerindian Affairs Ministry. He said the tractor will assist with maintaining the community’s road network, transportation in and out of Big Creek, agricultural activities and other community needs.

As such, Croal urged the CDC to establish a structured system for the management and maintenance of the tractor to ensure it remains in good working condition and continues to serve residents for years to come. The tractor was received on behalf of the Big Creek CDC by Chairman Glenroy Bobb. Back in February, Parliament had approved nearly $5 billion to support youth development and sustainable economic initiatives in more than 200 Amerindian communities across Guyana, as part of a wider $7.5 billion allocation for the Amerindian Affairs Ministry in the 2026 fiscal year. The allocations were presented and defended by Amerindian Affairs Minister Sarah Browne-Shadeek during the consideration of budget estimates in the Committee of Supply. The $5 billion allocation, approved under the Amerindian Development Fund (ADF), includes funding to increase monthly stipends for Community Service Officers (CSOs) from $30,000 to $50,000. Resources have also been set aside to support education and training on the Amerindian Act, a process that will form part of planned revisions to the legislation in keeping with commitments made by President Mohamed Irfaan Ali.