The National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference, currently underway at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), has drawn hundreds of Indigenous leaders from across Guyana to engage in discussions focused on community development and self-determination. The five-day event, which began on Monday, has been marked by powerful messages from key leaders emphasizing the importance of seizing the opportunities presented.
NTC Chairman, Toshao Derrick John, opened the conference with a call to action, urging Amerindian leaders to prioritize the development of their communities. Highlighting the unique platform provided by Guyana, John encouraged his peers to use this opportunity to effect meaningful change. “Guyana is the only country that gives Indigenous leaders this opportunity, and we should be proud of that. I hope you use this opportunity wisely. Let us not fail our people, use every moment of your time to think about the people,” he stated.
Toshao John also expressed his gratitude to President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali for his administration’s commitment to supporting Amerindian communities. He noted that the ongoing national transformation is providing these communities with unprecedented access to resources, allowing long-held aspirations to become realities. “In the past, we had ideas, we had plans but we didn’t have the resources. Today, we have resources that are able to support and make us transfer our ideas into reality,” John reflected.
A key aspect of the conference will be the selection of regional representatives to form the NTC’s executive body. These representatives will be responsible for ensuring that government-allocated resources are effectively utilized to promote development in Amerindian communities nationwide. John underscored the importance of selecting qualified individuals for these roles, emphasizing that accountability and transparency are crucial for the successful advancement of their communities over the next three years.
Held under the theme ‘Astute Leadership for Amerindian Development,’ the NTC Conference aims to foster strategic planning and reinforce the council’s commitment to improving the livelihoods of Amerindian residents.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali, in his address, endorsed the NTC as the “custodian of Indigenous people’s hopes and dreams and protector of their rights.” He urged the leaders to continue advocating boldly for their communities, asserting that their presence at the conference was a testament to their democratic mandate. Dr. Ali also addressed criticisms of the NTC’s legitimacy, pointing out that Amerindian leaders are elected based on their communities’ belief in their plans of action.
Reflecting on the period from 2015 to 2020, Dr. Ali noted the challenges faced by Amerindians and criticized organizations like the Amerindian People’s Association (APA) for their silence during that time. He lauded the NTC for its consistent representation and advocacy on behalf of Indigenous communities.
Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai echoed the President’s sentiments, affirming the NTC’s legitimacy and the importance of self-determination for Indigenous peoples. She emphasized that village councils, supported by the government, are democratically elected, and that the NTC plays a critical role in advancing Amerindian development.
As the conference progresses, the reaffirmation of the NTC’s role and the focus on self-determination are expected to remain central themes, with leaders and politicians alike committed to upholding the rights and aspirations of Guyana’s Indigenous communities.
