MISSION:

Promoting the improvement of the livelihood and welfare of the indigenous communities in Guyana through the sustainable utilization of the resources in their surrounding rain forest.

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MOTO:

Socio-economic development  without environmental and cultural destruction.

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NARRATIVE:

Amerindian Forestry Enterprises International, Inc was Incorporated in New York under section 402 of the not-for-profit Corporation Law on August 08, 2018. Since then, on August 13, 2021, we established a field office in Guyana by registering Amerindian Forestry Enterprises Guyana Inc., under the Company Act of Guyana.

 

Our experience in Guyana, coupled with a review of literature, have shown that Amerindian peoples are one of the most vulnerable groups in the Guyanese society. The reason for this is that the Amerindian indigenous communities are in the rainforest of Guyana, and most of them are in remote parts, where the terrain is hostile causing ingress and egress to be difficult and expensive. In many instances the access roads (if present) are in a deplorable state thereby placing a socio-economic burden on residents of the area. In many of the communities there is a high prevalence of diseases such as malaria, malnutrition, respiratory and diarrheal-related diseases (probably due to poor water and sanitation conditions). Inadequate health facilities and services including poor maternal health are also affecting indigenous communities. Due to the high cost of travel and logistical challenges, the residents of many communities are discouraged from visiting Health Centers. Furthermore, indigenous cultures and traditional practices are no longer widely observed. The Amerindian Forestry Enterprises (AFE) strongly believes that the preservation of traditional practices in Amerindian communities are essential for their long-term health and survival.

 

Thus, AFE Inc. was conceived to address the socio-economic plight of the indigenous peoples while simultaneously promoting preservation of their culture. The specific goals of the organization are:

 

a)   To provide opportunities for personal development for persons of Amerindian descent.

b)   To support and facilitate the provision of improved health services and facilities in Amerindian Villages.

c)    To support the development of infrastructure (e.g., improved living quarters and roads) to enhance welfare         and livelihoods in the villages.