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Kamwatta is an Indigenous satellite of Santa Rosa in Barima-Waini (Region 1). According to a few of its 885 residents, the satellite was named after small bamboo plants once plentiful in the area. The past and present harmonise beautifully in Kamwatta. On any given day, residents engage in traditional practices alongside modern amenities, such as the couple shown traditionally fetching wood past an enterprise. The carbon credit programme of Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030 aims to further enhance Indigenous communities and their residents’ lives via the provision of direct finance for community-led sustainable development projects. For 2023, Kamwatta received and invested G$ 24,000,000 in the 4 areas shown below:
Kamwatta completed 6 projects in the 4 categories depicted above. These are electric wiring of 92 homes; improvement of potable water supply for 57 households; production of chicken; provision of fishing supplies; assistance for crop farmers; and procurement of sports gear and equipment.
Kamwatta decided to use over G$ 12.5 million of its carbon credit allocation to wire and connect 92 homes to a recently acquired generator. About 440 residents now enjoy 5 more hours of electricity per day, resulting in countless socioeconomic benefits in business, education, etc.
Gone are the days of using hand pumps to obtain water for almost 60 households. Over G$ 4.5 million was spent on electric water pumps, water storage tanks and plumbing for each home. Close to 400 community members now have easy access to water for all their needs.
Kamwatta invested about G$ 4 million in Agriculture. Half of it was used to assist almost 120 crop farmers. The remainder was equally split between 8 poultry farmers and 8 fisherfolk. This ensures that the community produces food abundantly for local consumption and sale in external markets, thereby, improving livelihoods and increasing revenue generation
Close to G$ 1 million worth of sports gears and equipment were acquired to promote the development of youths in various disciples such as cricket, football, volleyball, and tennis. A local club cricketer is shown to the left using some of the items obtained through the carbon credit programme. 
“I started out with a little snackette, but I never had electricity. Now I have a little shop and electricity from the carbon credits. The electricity is really benefiting me and my business. Since I got it, I began to sell chilled drinks, ice cream, cheese, and sausage. I get more sales and the residents have more items to enjoy” – Ms Eveada Benjamin, Shop Owner
“Before the LCDS, it was hard for us to get water and sometimes we had water shortages. Since the carbon credits, it is easy for us to get and store water to drink, cook, and wash. The LCDS also gave me a fishing net and other equipment, so I catch more fish and earn extra money to upkeep myself and my family” – Mr Peter Bumbury, Fisherman
“The carbon credit is a really good thing. With the electricity and more chickens being reared and fish being caught, I was able to set up a business selling chicken and fish to earn money and take care of my family. Before my business, people had to travel 6 miles for 1 hour to get meat that only lasted for a day or two, but now they get it easily whenever they need” – Mr Elvis Henry, Butcher
“The Mighty Warriors Sports Club benefited a lot from the LCDS funds. The club had limited equipment and gears that were old. The new items help all the club members to train and compete more effectively and comfortably. We have also been able to attract more scouts and host more events since we got the items and improved our game and ground” - Mr Earl Domingo, Teacher and Coach
Mr Ronald Benjamin is Kamwatta’s far-sighted Senior Councillor. He is grateful for Guyana’s carbon credit programme and the G$ 24 million that his community received for 2023 to drive sustainable development. Mr Benjamin is pleased that all the projects residents choose to pursue were implemented successfully.
Looking ahead, Kamwatta plans to use its 2024 allocation for projects that will target housing, potable water, small businesses, pensioners, and students.
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