At least seven of the nine political parties contesting the March 2nd general and regional elections have agreed to participate in a non-partisan candidates’ forum being held by the Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) in collaboration with the National Toshaos’ Council (NTC).
The forum, scheduled for 5.30 pm on February 19th at the Regency Suites Hotel, will see representatives of the parties engage on issues and concerns of the Indigenous Peoples.
APA Communications and Visibility Officer Mariah Lall confirmed to Sunday Stabroek that up to yesterday, seven parties, including the two major parties—APNU+AFC and the PPP/C—had confirmed their participation.
According to a press statement issued yesterday by the APA, the purpose of the meeting is to bring together a representative grouping of indigenous leaders from across the country to listen to and interact with representatives from the different political parties ahead of the polls.
“This public forum is an effort to understand how the priorities and aspirations of indigenous communities across the country are reflected in the political platforms of the parties and in the candidate’s vision for governing,” the statement notes.
The event is expected to feature a short presentation by the APA and the NTC focusing on the national priorities of Indigenous Peoples in Guyana after which each candidate will be invited to make a 10-minute presentation followed by a period of questions from the audience.
The event is to be moderated by someone considered to be apolitical by both the NTC and the APA. The statement adds that efforts will be made to ensure the event is broadcast on the radio and live-streamed on social media so that indigenous communities in the hinterland can also follow the discussions. “It is our collective hope that this forum will serve as an opportunity to share information and promote constructive civic dialogue without any endorsement of any political party,” it further says.
