Hundreds of Indigenous leaders from across Guyana convened in Georgetown for the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference, where they were urged to reaffirm their support for the Council amid national discussions of its legitimacy and role in Amerindian self-determination.
During the conference’s opening on Monday, NTC Chairman Derrick John and Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai emphasised the critical role of the NTC as the representative body for Amerindians.
But the strongest endorsement came from President Dr. Irfaan Ali, who highlighted the theme of the five-day event, ‘Astute Leadership for Amerindian Development,’ as an opportunity to reflect on the evolution of Indigenous leadership in Guyana.
In his address, Dr. Ali traced the history of Amerindian marginalisation, recalling the significant exclusion of these communities from the nation’s social and economic development up until the early 1990s.
“This is a statement of fact,” he declared, stressing that the NTC’s work over the years should not be undermined.
Dr. Ali underscored the NTC’s role as the “custodian of Indigenous people’s hopes and dreams and protector of their rights.”
He also addressed criticisms suggesting a lack of self-determination among Amerindian leaders, pointing out that their presence at the conference was not due to chance or external interests, but because they were democratically elected by their communities.
“You are not here through any financing mechanism with self-interest or political motives,” the Head of State said.
Leaders represent their people because they have presented a plan of action to their villages and have been elected based on their community’s belief in that plan,” Dr. Ali said.
Reflecting on the period 2015 to 2020 when Dr. Ali said Amerindians faced tremendous abuse and disrespect, Dr. Ali said originations like the Amerindian People’s Association (APA) were deliberately silent. He opined that their outspokenness now is merely political.
“Where was the APA? The only voice that stood consistently on principle and representation for the people was the NTC and I salute you.”
The President encouraged the leaders to continue advocating boldly on issues affecting indigenous communities, asserting that the empowerment of Amerindians relies heavily on the NTC’s representative nature. He also addressed dissent from other Amerindian organizations that have sought to undermine the NTC’s legitimacy and sway support away from it.
Minister Sukhai echoed Dr. Ali’s sentiments, asserting that the NTC’s legitimacy should not be compromised by competing groups.
She affirmed that the law [Amerindian Act] supports the principle of self-determination for indigenous peoples, noting that village councils are democratically elected. Support from the central government is provided based on consultative plans submitted by these councils, she asserted.
The conference got off to a start and will seemingly progress on the reaffirmation of the NTC’s legitimacy and its role in advancing Amerindian development. Those who spoke at the opening noted that self-determination remains a focal point, with leaders and politicians both committing to upholding the rights and aspirations of Guyana’s indigenous communities.
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