The Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) has issued a strong response to President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s recent remarks at the opening of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference, accusing him of presenting a misleading account of Indigenous Peoples’ development in Guyana. The APA expressed disappointment over what they described as a politically charged speech that omitted critical facts about the origins of the NTC.
During his nearly two-hour address at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre, President Ali positioned the NTC as a hallmark achievement of his political party, portraying it as the “custodians of Indigenous Peoples’ hopes and dreams and a protector of their rights.” However, the APA was quick to clarify that the first National Toshaos Conference was not an initiative of the current administration or its political predecessors. Instead, the APA supported the inaugural conference in 2003, held in the Region Two community of Mainstay/Whyaka, under the theme “Working Together for a Better Future.”
The APA highlighted that the 2003 conference, attended by then Minister of Amerindian Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues, was a landmark event that brought Indigenous leaders together to discuss and address issues affecting their communities. “A simple fact-check by the President would have revealed that his political party was not responsible for initiating the first NTC meeting,” the APA stated. The association underscored that the APA played a pivotal role in supporting the establishment of a platform for Indigenous voices, a contribution they believe should not be overlooked or erased.
The APA further criticised the increasing government dominance over the NTC Conference agenda, noting that Toshaos were only provided with the agenda minutes before the afternoon session on Monday, leaving little to no opportunity for meaningful input. The association argued that the NTC needs to establish mandates and procedures free from political influence, allowing the entire NTC membership to review and adopt the conference structure.
In addition to their concerns about the NTC, the APA took issue with comments made by President Ali and Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai regarding Indigenous District Councils. The APA described the remarks as an attack on traditional Indigenous leadership, pointing out that Indigenous Peoples have historically gathered as Districts to manage and protect their territories. The association also noted that applications from the Upper Mazaruni and North Pakaraimas to formalise their District Councils, as provided for in Section 35 of the Amerindian Act, remain unaddressed by the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs.
The APA also reminded President Ali that Indigenous Peoples benefited from scholarships before 1992, rejecting any attempts to erase the strides made by Indigenous communities prior to the PPP/C administration. The association urged the President to ensure that his speeches do not deliberately mislead or revise the history of Guyana’s Indigenous Peoples for political gain.
The APA concluded by calling on the government to respect the traditions, customs, and rights of Indigenous Peoples, while ensuring that the NTC Conference remains a true platform for Indigenous self-governance, advocacy, and the protection of their rights.
