NTC lauds Govt for championing political, land rights of Indigenous people

– Guyana held up as model for protecting Indigenous rights
– Derrick John reelected as Chair of NTC

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government has been lauded by the National Toshaos Council (NTC), for its efforts to improve not only the economic and social livelihood of indigenous people but also their political participation – a feat that, according to its Chair Derrick John, Guyana is a regional leader in championing.
During Monday’s opening ceremony for the National Toshaos Conference, the PPP/C Government was also commended for its efforts to protect and advance the rights of indigenous people. Mention was made by John, who also serves as the Moraikobai Toshao, of the legislative advances made by the government on indigenous matters.

The very existence of the NTC, which was first established in 2006, is the brainchild of the PPP/C government… a fact that John also paid tribute to. He noted that these advancements and protections are a model to other countries.
“Guyana is the only country that gives indigenous leaders this opportunity. And we have to be proud of that. Guyana is the first country to set up legislation that protects the rights of the indigenous people. Now other countries are taking the model out of what we developed over the past years. So, to be a Guyanese and indigenous, is something we need to cherish,” he said.
According to John, the NTC has had a good working relationship with the government over the past few years. This collaboration includes the area of forest management, where Guyana was able to for the first time, certify and sell carbon credits. A portion of the revenue earned from those credits goes to Indigenous communities. John credited President Dr. Irfaan Ali for making Guyana a model in forest management.
“Guyana, even though it’s a very small country, Guyana is being recognised worldwide. Why? Because we are the leading country fighting climate change. That is a national phenomenon affecting the world. And even though we are a very small nation, we are leading the world. We are showing to the world what we can do, to save this world for future generations. And it takes visionary leadership and we must, again, give that credit to his excellency the President of Guyana.”
“When you look around us, today, we are able to assess the situation, looking at our natural resources and the way we are able to use it sustainably for our development. So that is something that is very critical for us. And I want to take this opportunity in thanking his excellency for his astute leadership from a national level. Over the past two years, we have worked in collaboration with the government,” the NTC Chairman said.
Support
Meanwhile, Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai gave further details about the PPP/C Government’s support to Amerindian communities. This support has ranged from the Hinterland Electrification initiative to increasing Information Communication Technology (ICT) access and educational opportunities.
“I am pleased to inform you Toshaos and leaders of all the Amerindian villages with us today, that the Ministry continued to advance its annual programme to support agriculture, women, tourism, infrastructure, transportation, youths, and students, among other areas of investment. I wish to also point out that since 2020, there has been a reversal of the neglect that was pervasive in both hinterland and riverain communities.”
She recalled the government’s investment in 30,000 solar panel household systems, assuring that the remaining communities awaiting their tranche of solar panels will also be catered for. In terms of opportunities for hinterland youth, Sukhai gave as an example the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL).
“I heard our chairperson point out a few of our leaders, who are studying under the GOAL scholarship. I will tell you that where internet connectivity is available, students from the hinterland, riverain areas, and local communities are benefitting from the GOAL scholarship,” Minister Sukhai explained.
“Our government is also aggressively pursuing connectivity to the internet, under the Honourable Prime Minister’s office. And a couple of short months from now, I know we will be able to complete the batch of 203 villages fully connected to the internet. This will open up a wide range of opportunities to our hinterland population, the women, the youths, the farmers, but everyone.”
During the NTC, Toshaos and other Indigenous leaders from 210 villages across the country congregate at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown. The executive body of the NTC is appointed every three years during the annual NTC Conference after the regions have elected their members to serve on the council.
During the afternoon session on Monday, Toshao John was reelected as Chairman of the NTC. Meanwhile, the Vice Chairman. Also reelected was Secretary and Toshao Shane Cornelius, while Toshao Sonia Latchman was elected Vice Chair, and Toshao Alvaro Simon was elected as Treasurer.
This year approximately $100 million from the national budget has been set aside for the NTC Conference which provides a forum for village leaders from all across the country to engage the President and government ministers and expand development acute to Amerindians.