Dear Editor,
After all the roadblocks set up by the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs have failed, the National Toshaos’ Council (NTC) Conference is now set to begin 11th and end on 15th July 2022 in the City. Indigenous Leaders recall all of the reasons offered by the Ministry for not convening this conference before now. Our leaders know that, there was no budgetary allocation for the hosting of this conference in 2022. They, therefore, have an interest in the accountability issues. Indigenous leaders do not want to be used as excuses by any government for its failure to satisfy the minimum of financial accountability. They note that this has already happened with the purchase of tractors and are uncomfortable with that.
It is clear to our leaders that, the hurried convening of the NTC conference is a knee jerk response by the government to pressure from several sources, including the Villages. In an attempt to ‘soften’ the anticipated rejection by a large number of Indigenous leaders, the PPP rushed to distribute cash grants just before the conference. From the onset, the PPP, through its agents at the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, is dominating and controlling this NTC conference. Many are uncomfortable, but must do as instructed. To begin with, the immediate past executive members of the NTC (Chairman, Deputy Chairman, Secretary and other committee members) are not on the invitation list. This, according to Toshaos, is disrespectful and inexcusable.
There is no opportunity on the programme for the immediate past executive of the NTC to present its report, which is usually discussed prior to being approved. There is no room on the programme for an official handing over by the past executive to the incoming executive body. Toshaos say this is the work of dirty political hands, which they reject. Elected Toshaos say they were not consulted with regard to the agenda, and none of them is scheduled to chair any session of the five-day programme. A Member of Parliament will do the vote of thanks following the official opening session. Even after the ruling by the Chief Justice in April 2021 that, Sarah Brown was unlawfully appointed a Member of Parliament, Ms. Brown is listed on the programme as “Ms. Sarah Brown MP, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Amerindian Affairs”. She chairs the afternoon session on the opening day and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs will chair the remaining four days of the conference.
There is no place in the programme for any Indigenous Group/Council or other such body to make any presentation on behalf of Indigenous citizens. There is not even a session which allows Indigenous leaders to spend time together in a closed room conversation where they discuss matters of importance away from government officials or media. Indigenous leaders want to discuss important issues which they have not been allowed to have included on the agenda for this NTC conference. These issues include but are not limited to the following:
1. Revision of the Amerindian Act
2. Rights violations
3. Victimisation of elected leaders in Villages based on perceived political affiliation
4. The Isseneru Issue
5. The Chinese Landing Issue
6. The Marudi Mountain Issue
7. The unconscionable discontinuation of the HEYS Programme
8. Government’s failure to consult with the Indigenous Peoples of Guyana prior to the completion of the LCDS2030 document.
9. How Indigenous Guyanese will benefit from the revenues from oil
10. The rising cost of living
11. Access to essential services especially health care service
Our Indigenous leaders want these issues to be included on the agenda for the NTC conference. They are upset at not being consulted with respect to the finalisation of the agenda. One Toshao said “The dark days of PPP’s absolute control of the NTC are back with us. This must end. We are a free people. We have the right to self-determination and demand respect for our right to Free Prior and Informed Consent. We will accept nothing less.”
Sincerely,
Mervyn Williams
