Amerindian Affairs Ministry accused of attempting to hijack Toshaos’ Conference

Toshao Nicholas Fredericks of Shulinab (third from right) being presented with symbolic tokens by the outgoing Chairman of the National Toshaos Council Joel Fredericks (back to camera) at his election in 2018 at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal. (Stabroek News file photo)

The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs is being accused of attempting to hijack the agenda of the National Toshaos’ Conference (NTC) by seeking to take full control over the agenda for the meeting, which will commence on Monday.

The NTC would bring 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.

The conference also sees the election of a new executive the National Toshaos Council. The life of the executive lasts for three years and the last election was in 2018. That executive was chaired by toshao Nicholas Fredericks of Shulinab village.