A recent comprehensive assessment conducted by a community outreach team led by the Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton sheds light on pressing issues faced by residents of Region #9, particularly in relation to the utilisation of oil revenues and the quality of life under the current administration.
Executive Member, Mervyn Williams in providing a report to the media on March 15th, has since announced, the prioritising of the development of a ‘People-Centered Development Strategy’, that would make “clear that Indigenous Peoples must have the greatest say in Indigenous Matters.”
Detailing aspects of the proposal, he noted that in this regard, APNU+AFC will place greater focus on allowing “the people in the villages to make their own decisions and end political partisan control of the village leaders.
This in addition to the removal of the political partisan control over the National Toshaos Council (NTC) and allow the people to elect their leaders.
“Increase consultation with the people to amend the Amerindian Act so that it reflects the will of the people, address environmental issues and allow the people to develop their own policies and programmes to address indigenous concerns.”
The meetings and interactive sessions were held across numerous villages, including Parishara, Nappi, Yupakari, Hiawa, Kaicumbay, Maruranau, Shea, Awarewaunau, Aishalton, Karaudarnau, Achawib, Meriwau, Katoonnarib, and Sawariwau in the South and Deep South Rupununi. Subsequently, engagements extended to the villages of Karasabai, Tiger Pond, Paipan, Annai Central, Aranaputa, Rupertee, and Surama in the North Rupununi.
According to Williams, residents collectively conveyed a sense of dissatisfaction with the current administration, particularly in comparison to the previous government. They highlighted several grievances, including irregularities in pension disbursement, inadequate access to water resources, deficiencies in healthcare and education services, and a perceived lack of respect for Indigenous rights.
Furthermore, concerns were raised regarding land rights, the processing of land extension applications, and the discontinuation of initiatives initiated by the previous government, such as the Review and Amendment of the Amerindian Act.
Residents expressed disillusionment with cash grants, noting that while they were accepted, they did not significantly improve their quality of life. Additionally, there were allegations of discrimination in the distribution of cash grants based on political affiliation.
In response to these concerns, the PCDS will be aimed at addressing the needs and aspirations of Indigenous communities.
Other key components of the strategy include empowering villages to make their own decisions, ensuring genuine consultation on legislative matters, promoting sustainable development, and fostering Indigenous leadership and entrepreneurship.
The overarching goal of the PCDS is to bridge the gap between the Coast and the Hinterland, promote the development of Indigenous communities, and prioritise Indigenous rights and autonomy. The Leader of the Opposition reiterated the commitment to place Indigenous Peoples at the forefront of development initiatives, in alignment with the principles of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent.
