Amerindian communities in Guyana have utilized over three billion dollars from carbon credit funds, according to an update from Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai.
The funds, generated from the sale of carbon credits, are making a significant impact on the transformation of Indigenous communities.
In 2022, 232 Amerindian communities utilized 3.6 billion dollars from carbon credit funds, and for 2023, 4.7 billion dollars were disbursed to the bank accounts of 242 communities.
Minister Sukhai mentioned that there are 11 villages that have not yet accessed the funds, attributing the delay to other financial support projects they are working on.
The minister emphasized that Amerindian villages have the flexibility to use the funds as they see fit for the development of their community and at their own pace.
Sukhai highlighted the accountability measures in place, stating that there have been no cases requiring intervention from her ministry due to mismanagement of the funds.
Villages have independent oversight committees at the village level, where elected villagers form committees to examine the transactions conducted by the village council.
Guyana is poised to earn 750 million US dollars from its initial sale of carbon credits to Hess Corporation, with 15% of the revenues designated for village-led plans benefiting indigenous communities.
The commitment to transparency and community-driven development through carbon credit funds showcases the positive impact on Indigenous communities in Guyana.