By Antonio Dey
As the National Toshaos Council Conference (NTC) concluded on Friday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, several Toshaos clamoured for less talk and more action in relation to the amendment of the Amerindian Act 2006.
Flagan Carter, Toshao of Rockstone (Region 10) said the Ali-led administration and to some extent the Ministry of Legal Affairs must expedite the revision process for the Act as it is long overdue.
Considering the fact that there were ongoing consultations with the government and several indigenous communities in relation to this process, concerns were raised about the consultations not being inclusive which Carter said must be honoured in Article 19 of The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People which referenced the right to Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) in the context of legislative developments.
“Free, prior and informed consent sets the tone for all conversations in our indigenous communities. Having said so the process needs to be expedited, the consultations need to (include) parties from government and all representatives from indigenous communities”.
“I was informed that the consultative process began in St Cuthbert’s Mission known as Pakuri which I know Toshao Timothy was a part of, and it is expected to take place in other communities, that is an opportunity for us to voice our opinions and concerns, so that we can achieve something fruitful in that regard” Toshao Carter posited.
While noting that the legislative process may take time, he however lobbied for its completion as soon as possible.
The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs in collaboration with the Ministry of Legal Affairs launched consultations for the revision of the Amerindian Act 2006 in St. Cuthbert’s Mission last Saturday.
During the launch, Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai said the event signals another fulfillment of her government’s promises.
Head of the NTC, Derrick John had also expressed gratitude to the government for the intervention.
Meanwhile, a facilitative training was conducted and included the community development officers, community service officers and the NTC representatives.
The training was conducted to fully inform the leaders and representatives of each Indigenous village about the Amerindian Act.
Asked if his community is faced with other issues, Carter said his village, synonymous with the annual Rockstone Fishing Festival, lost significant support amid the advent of the Covid-19 Pandemic in 2021. He noted that based on discussions with Director of the Tourism, Kamrul Baksh, there were commitments to offer full-fledged support in this regard, since the village is a hub of eco-tourism
On this note, he announced that the Annual Rockstone Fishing Extravaganza which was affected by the Covid-19 Pandemic in 2021 will be held this year on October 21st and 22nd.
The event is geared at bringing scores of fishing enthusiasts to the community for a day of jubilation and adventure. It also utilizes the opportunity to showcase the rich and diverse tourism-credentials of the community.
Muritaro
Nick Estwick, Toshao of Muritaro (Region 10) told this newspaper that there is no access to secondary education in the village as many villagers have to travel to other communities within the region to access secondary education which has resulted to a brain drain in the community he lamented. Estwick urged the government to put this on their developmental agenda.
“Many of our teachers are leaving the community to go elsewhere all because there is no secondary school… the government needs to put a secondary school in the area to complement the population in the village”, he urged.
Percy Thomas of Kinchee Creek (Region 1) lamented the non-payment of his stipend which he was told would be payable to him hopefully by next Tuesday. He however informed the Sunday Stabroek of his request to the Central Housing and Planning Authority and the Ministry of Housing for the development of “livable” housing facilities in the community.
Additional boats are also a necessity for the riverain community, Thomas noted, since many persons rely on this mode of transportation.
Michael Williams, Toshao of Annai, Region 9 and Noel Domingo, Toshao of Wowetta also in Region 9 lamented poor internet connectivity in their communities considering internet hubs commissioned by the government.
According to the Indigenous Leaders this has impacted the delivery of learning in many schools situated in these communities.
As the new school term slated for September 4 approaches, Williams and Domingo said that some of the ICT Hubs are inoperable.
Williams expressed disappointed at not getting to raise other issues at the NTC though his community was listed on the schedule.
He said the management of the North Rupununi Wetlands District were among a few issues up for discussion. Williams said that considering the seriousness of the issue it was deliberately brushed aside.
The indigenous leaders when asked about the ongoing consultive process for the revision of the Amerindian People’s Act said that is must be inclusive and in alignment with FPIC.
They also urged policymakers to hasten the legislative process for the act’s long-overdue amendment.
