Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has announced a major boost for Guyana’s hinterland and Indigenous communities, unveiling a new initiative that will see each village receive $3 million for home upgrades and an additional $1 million annually to develop sports facilities.

The announcement came during the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, where more than 200 Indigenous leaders gathered to discuss pressing issues and development priorities. Jagdeo emphasized that these allocations are in direct response to requests from village leaders and are designed to address urgent housing needs and promote youth engagement through sports.

The $3 million home upgrade subsidy will be managed by village councils, ensuring that assistance reaches those most in need. “So, apart from everything else you’ll be getting this year, I had a discussion with the President earlier today. So, each of these villages will get $3 million to assist people with housing upgrades. So, they’ll be managed by the village councils. So, people need help, they will get the help,” Jagdeo told the assembled Toshaos.

In addition, every village will receive $1 million each year dedicated to enhancing sports grounds and facilities, providing young people with safe spaces for recreation, talent development, and community building.

These new allocations are part of a broader suite of government investments in the hinterland, which include ongoing disbursements from carbon credit sales—amounting to over $14 billion in the last three years—substantial healthcare upgrades, and the rollout of digital infrastructure. Jagdeo reassured leaders that despite fluctuations in national revenue, the government has maintained its commitment to direct allocations for Indigenous communities, including the full disbursement of carbon credit earnings and continued investment in public infrastructure.

The Vice President also highlighted parallel initiatives such as the ‘steel and cement’ programme, which provides material support for home repairs, and significant investments in solar energy, internet hubs, and new hospitals across the interior.

Jagdeo concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to inclusive development, Indigenous self-determination, and closing the gap between coastal and hinterland living standards. The new funding for home upgrades and sports facilities, he said, is a concrete step toward empowering communities and improving quality of life for all residents of Guyana’s interior.