The Liberty and Justice Party (LJP) on Saturday called on the government to raise the “meagre” monthly stipend paid to indigenous leaders and accused it of double standards in relation to Amerindians.
The LJP, helmed by former Pakuri toshao Lenox Shuman, charged that for the last five decades indigenous leaders have been at the mercy of both the PPP and PNC governments in terms of employment, wages and salaries.
“Both the PPP and PNC over the years have disrespected the tremendous work being done by indigenous Leaders throughout the country. And since taking office in May 2015, the APNU+AFC coalition government has shown that they are no different from the PPP and the PNC as they continue to pay starvation wages to the Indigenous Peoples. This government has continuously denied Indigenous Leaders an increase to their meagre monthly stipend of $30 000”, a statement from the party said.
The party said that the service of Indigenous Leaders to their communities and to the Government is invaluable.
“For the past five years, the coalition Government has shown that it has little or no regard for the tremendous work that the country’s Indigenous Leaders undertake. Not only do they serve as leaders of their respective communities, but they also perform the services of councilors and Justices of the Peace. In addition, they provide social support to the communities, trade officers and community police officers and are enforcers of the community policies, among others”, the LJP noted.
The party, which was launched on January 12 this year, noted that the indigenous leaders have continuously advocated for an increase to their stipend of $30, 000 under the PPP and the APNU+AFC to no avail.
“While public/civil servants including ministers in the government have received up to 50% salary/wages increases over the years, in addition to duty free concessions, various allowances and a host of other concessions, the indigenous leaders have not. Today, many cannot afford basic human amenities, and are also struggling to put food on the table or send their children to school. Lack of jobs and poor wages have led to a substantial increase in poverty among Amerindians”, the statement said. The LJP, which recently decided not to coalesce with any other party at this point, said it is calling for an end to this type of double standard which over the years has been practised by the PPP and now by the APNU+AFC government.
“The LJP is calling on the government to end this form of discrimination against the Amerindian people, stop treating them as third class citizens and to commit to ensuring that Amerindians are treated equally and equitably and that their plight must no longer fall on deaf ears”, the party said.
