The Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) has challenged several inaccuracies in President Irfaan Ali’s speech at the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference on Monday at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre.
According to a press release from the APA, Ali’s speech depicted the history of Indigenous people’s development in Guyana in a manner that was both incomplete and misleading. The President suggested that the establishment and annual convening of the NTC were achievements solely attributable to his political party, but the APA underscored its pivotal role in initiating the very first National Toshaos Conference in 2003.
This inaugural event, held in Mainstay/Whayaka, was organised under the theme ‘Working Together for a Better Future’ with significant support from the APA, which was instrumental in bringing Indigenous leaders together to address community issues, the release stated.
It added that the meeting had been attended by then Minister of Amerindian Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues and was a crucial milestone in promoting Indigenous self-governance and advocacy. The organisation asserted that the President’s failure to acknowledge the APA’s contributions constituted a revisionist approach to Indigenous history in Guyana.
The original intent was for the NTC to serve as a forum for Indigenous leaders to discuss critical issues such as land ownership, cultural preservation, and community development. The APA stressed that the NTC was designed to empower Indigenous leaders and ensure their participation in national decision-making processes. However, recent developments have seen increased government dominance over the conference agenda, raising concerns about transparency and inclusivity. Complaints from toshaos about limited access to the agenda prior to the conference reflect ongoing issues with the current management of the NTC.
Furthermore, the APA criticised President Ali and Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai for their remarks about district councils. The release said that the APA defends the traditional practice of Indigenous people gathering in districts to manage their territories and argues that the recent criticisms undermine their cultural heritage. The association also highlighted that applications for formal recognition of district councils from the Upper Mazaruni and North Pakaraimas remain unaddressed by the ministry and questioned the political motivations behind these delays.
Meanwhile, the APA urged President Ali to avoid using his speeches to distort historical facts and to address the grievances raised by Indigenous communities transparently and respectfully. The APA said it remained committed to ensuring that the voices of Indigenous people are heard and respected in the ongoing national dialogue.
