COVID-19 forces abrupt cancellation of Region 8 Toshaos Conference

…after several Toshaos test positive
After all preparations were made including transportation and accommodation for the Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) Regional Toshaos’ Conference, the event was abruptly cancelled on Friday after several attendees tested positive for COVID-19.
A regional official told this newspaper that no COVID-19 test result was submitted prior to the conference nor were the leaders tested prior to their arrival at Mahdia, Region Eight, on Friday.
According to the official, it was until several Toshaos arrived at the venue that they were tested and the results returned positive, forcing a postponement of the proceedings.

This publication reached out to several Amerindian Affairs Ministry officials, including Minister Pauline Sukhai and Permanent Secretary Sharon Hicks for a comment and clarity on the situation but these efforts were futile.
Asked about the protocol in place for the conference, the regional official said that village leaders were supposed to be tested prior to boarding transportation to Mahdia.
However, he noted that for some unexplained reason this was not followed and resulted in persons who are COVID-19 positive arriving at the venue for the conference.
In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the National Toshaos’ Council which is normally held annually was replaced with a series of Regional Leaders’ Meeting. Discussions at the meetings are expected to be centred around the leaders’ concerns; their development challenges and their input for the upcoming budget for 2022.
Regions Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) were to have single meetings.
The coastal regions which comprise Regions three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Four (Demerara-Mahaica); Five (Mahaica-Berbice); Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) as well as Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) will have their meeting in Region Two at the Mainstay/Wayaka district. Region One (Barima-Waini) was split into two districts.
Recently, the activities in Region Nine were deemed successful, as the leaders engaged with President Dr Irfaan Ali and several Government Ministers to address issues affecting the various communities.
The two-day conference in Region Nine saw some 34 Toshaos and several senior Councillors from villages within the region converging to elect regional representatives for the NTC. (G12)