Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai has announced that the annual National Toshaos’ Conference (NTC) will return in July following a two-year hiatus owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the Department of Public Information (DPI), the Minister made the announcement during a recent visit to Kato, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).
“We have made a decision from the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs and from His Excellency that we will be having a full NTC (National Toshaos’ Conference) this year in July,” she was quoted as saying.
DPI said that the conference is expected to run for five days and focus will be placed on improving access to government services such as health, education, land titling and demarcation, security and infrastructure, among others.
“It is the second week in July, so I want the leaders to be aware that you have to now start focusing on a few things. You will be exposed to all the sectoral ministries and you will have a chance for engagements with them. So, make sure that you use that time to make representation on behalf of your people,” Sukhai said.
The NTC brings together indigenous leaders from over 212 hinterland communities across the country. It is a platform for indigenous leaders to engage the government and other stakeholders on issues pertaining to the development of their communities.
Stabroek News attempted to reach out to Minister Sukhai for additional details on the impending conference but those calls were unsuccessful.
Last year, leaders engaged through regional meetings.
There was no National Toshaos’ Council Conference in 2020.
