Santa Aratack is diversifying its economy with several new projects aimed at creating employment and generating income for the community. Toshao of Santa Aratack, the only Amerindian community in Region Three (Essequibo-Island-West Demerara) Christopher Cornelius 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 had 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 (LCDS) for a mechanic shop, while shade houses are being constructed, Cornelious said. He said under his leadership some $13 million was invested in agriculture.

“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 are 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 day we didn’t have employment, but as these initiatives come into our community, the villagers get the jobs. 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.