The Indigenous Peoples Commission (IPC) last year found it difficult to meet outside its statutory schedule because of insufficient funds. “The major challenge of the IPC since its inception was the inability of the commissioners to meet if needed outside of the statutory schedule effectively because of the geographical distribution where the commissioners reside and the associated costs for meeting together,” a report presented to the National Assembly yesterday stated.
The commission which became operational in May 2011 was established under Article 212 of the Constitution back in September of 2010. Its objectives include promoting and protecting the rights of indigenous peoples, raising awareness of the contributions of and problems faced by them and making recommendations on economic and economic policies to advance the interests of the nations’ indigenous people among others. Explaining logistics, the reports said that of the now 11 member commission, given that Norman Whittaker has left given his ministerial appointment, “one commissioner lives in Moruca, Region 1; one commissioner lives in Paramakatoi, Region 8; while two live on the Essequibo coast Region 2. If there was need to meet outside of the statutory meeting dates then therein lay the challenge.”
The report covers the period from May last year to present and states that plans are underway to present a two-year 2012-2014 strategic plan to the assembly in the near future. The two-year plan could not have been finalized as when the report was completed was pre-2012 National Budget and strategies and implementations depended on the budget allocation.
The report said, as part of the group’s major accomplishment, that last year the commission produced a brochure aimed at sensitizing persons especially Amerindians. It also participated in Amerindian Heritage Day activities in Aishalton Region 9, where the Chairperson was given the opportunity to give remarks on the IPC’s programme.
Another major task was formulating a strategic development plan and this was accomplished with support from UNICEF. A copy of the plan will be made available to Parliament soon.
