Orealla is an Indigenous village in the county of Berbice (Region 6). It is situated on the left bank of the Corentyne River, about 80 km from Skeldon. All of Guyana’s natural beauty convere in Orealla. The view from atop the village’s hills unveils remarkable sights of the Corentyne River and Suriname (Guyana’s eastern neighbour). The village got its name from the Arawak word for chalk. Orealla has a large population of 1,200 persons and a satellite community of 400 residents. The satellite is named Siparuta which means red crab. For 2023, the people of Orealla and Siparuta received a total of G$ 48 million (G$ 24 million each) from Guyana’s sale of forest carbon via the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030 to help improve their lives and build their village. So far, the residents of these communities decided to undertake 3 important infrastructural projects in the investment areas shown in the graph below. 
The residents of Orealla set aside about G$ 14 million to upgrade the village’s main road and build, electrify, plumb, paint and furnish their first exclusive village office. Their counterparts in Siparuta spent around G$ 20 million to establish river defences along vulnerable sections of the satellite’s boundary/riverbank.
Guyana’s carbon credit revenues ended the years of the challenge that residents of Orealla faced because the main road in their village became difficult to traverse. In the rainy season, the road was impassable. It restricted the movement of those residing on the top of the hill, making it difficult for them to access the village centre and the services available there.
Thanks to the LCDS, Orealla’s residents and visitors will benefit from a dedicated village office to conduct their business. The village council would also have a suitable space to effectively manage the affairs of the village.
The carbon credits also saved parts of Siparuta from being eroded by the action of the Corentyne River. This safeguarded numerous residents, their properties, and several valuable infrastructures in the area.
“The road was a big challenge for us. We were not able to come up the hill (not even with vehicles), so we had to push all our goods and whatever we needed up the hill with a wheelbarrow. This LCDS helped us a lot. We are really benefitting from this road. Now I can easily transport my goods with my bike to my home” – Ms Judy, Resident
“Before the LCDS Village Office project, we never had such a great opportunity to showcase our local abilities, talents, and skills. When the office is complete, the residents will have an appropriate place to meet with our leaders for the betterment of the village. Personally, this employment opportunity helped me a lot. I was able to use some of my earnings to expand my farm which will improve my life” – Mr Vievier, Contractor
“Siparuta was losing a lot of land each year. It was becoming very difficult for the residents and community because the landing areas were being eroded. With the revetment, the land became high and stable. Vessels can load and offload easily and the homes of many residents were saved. This project also provided a lot of local jobs”
– Ms Shondelle Russel
Mssrs. Laurence Vandenburg (Toshao) and Shurl Valenzuela (Senior Councillor) are the young dynamic duo at the helm of leadership in Orealla and Siparuta, respectively. Both gentlemen noted the significant benefits of the LCDS carbon credit programme and the catalytic impact that the funds have on the development of their communities. They are especially grateful for the relief that the projects brought to their residents.
Toshao Vandenburg indicated that Orealla plans to use its remaining 2023 carbon credit revenue to build a multipurpose building. The village also intends to acquire equipment to transform its sustainable sand mining operation with its next allocation.
Senior Councillor Valenzuela disclosed that Siparuta plans to construct a guesthouse, upgrade its water system and build a cafeteria for the school with its remaining and upcoming carbon credit finance.
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