The annual National Toshaos Conference took place during last week and was addressed by President Ali. In his address the President emphasised the contribution that his government has made to the development of Amerindian communities. He pointed to increased budget allocations, extensive distribution of land titles, direct allocation of increased earnings from carbon credits and other benefits advanced by his and previous PPP/C administrations. He contrasted his administration’s “significant improvement” with the “stagnation” under the APNU+AFC government between 2015 and 2020. The SN characterised his presentation as a “thunderous political speech.” In a subsequent editorial SN described the President’s speech as one “more suited to a political campaign rally.”
The Guyana Chronicle quoted Vice President Jagdeo as saying that “overwhelming positives” came out of the Conference. The VP spoke about the large-scale investments in indigenous communities, including billions of dollars on ICT hubs, internet connectivity, new schools, health care facilities and infrastructural projects. He informed that the Toshaos are leaving with $5 billion dollars from the LCDS. He said that the discussions were respectful, open, positive and focused on problem solving. He explained that the entire Cabinet was present at the Conference to deal with problems and answer questions. This, he suggested, was an example of good governance which occurs nowhere else. He criticized the attention given to contentious opposition activists and the APA.