Govt to use NTC to swell its ranks at PNC congress – Teixeira

People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Chief Whip Gail Teixeira has alleged that Government has deliberately

cancelled the date for the annual National Toshao’s Council (NTC) from July to August to rein in a high presence at its bi-annual congress.
Teixeira said government had an agenda when it cancelled the National Toshao’s Council conference set for July 18 last, and rescheduled it to begin on August 22. She said by the time the conference comes to an end on August 26, it would be just in time for the commencement of the People’s National Congress’ 19th Bi-annual Conference.
According to the Chief Whip, her party was reliably informed and was even shown a letter by the NTC to the Minister, requesting that the Conference be held in July, however this was ignored.
“The change came after the PNC’s announcement that it will be having its conference on the 26th to the 28th. We also have information that the Government is paying for persons to come for the NTC and that accommodation will continue for a number of areas until next week Monday.”
She told the media Friday that the government has even decided to utilise the ferry service which runs from Georgetown to Region One (Barima/Waini) to facilitate delegates and observers for the Congress.
The NTC was established in accordance with the Amerindian Act of 2006 as an autonomous body comprising Toshaos representing 212 Amerindian villages and communities. The body’s executive is elected in sub-regional elections every three years.
The PNC Bi-annual Congress will commence on Friday, August 26, and is expected to see an attendance of some 500 persons, including representatives from each Administrative Region.
President David Granger is scheduled to address the congress, making it the first time in decades that the party’s leader would be making an address as Head of State.
Several matters are said to be high on the agenda for discussion, including anything that would arise out of the Head of State’s Address.