National Toshaos Conference opens - aims to
set up NTC

Georgetown, GINA, May 31, 2003

The National Toshaos Conference was opened yesterday at the Mainstay Resort in Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam).
The three-day event will discuss the establishment of the National Toshaos Council (NTC), which will either be considered a statutory body, or a non-Governmental Organisation, among other matters.

This body will be tasked with the responsibility of "representing the interests of and promoting the interests of indigenous peoples in collaboration with the local, and international institutions and organisations in an equitable way that demonstrates continuous social, cultural economic and ecological benefits," as outlined in the draft Mission Statement crafted during the early session on the first day of the Conference.

This Statement along with the Draft Terms of Reference came in for thorough discussion yesterday and the final Mission and Terms of Reference will be decided upon at today's meeting of the more than 80 Captains representing most of the Amerindian communities countrywide.

The structure and operation of the NTC also came in for some discussion and will continue today also, Today's discussions and outcomes will determine the way forward for the NTC and its possible formation tomorrow as elections for the NTC are slated on the agenda for the afternoon session of tomorrow, the final day of the Conference.
The Government of Guyana fully supports a NTC, since the NTC's representation forms part of the composition of the Indigenous People's Commission (IPC).

"The NTC is recognised by the Constitution and Toshaos along time ago looked at forming a National body ... but we want something now that would be established by the Toshaos themselves," Yvonne Fredericks - Pearson, Toshaos -Mainstay/Whayaka, told the Government Information Agency after the conclusion of the first day of presentations and discussions.

Most recommendations supported the role of captains within the NTC. However, there were some concerns about the effectiveness of the Captains in their home villages, since it has been proposed unanimously that the NTC be centralized, mostly likely in Georgetown.
"It is a very great responsibility. I see the NTC if it comes out what we want it to be, as a body that would be able to make representation at the highest level, talk with the Government, to interface with the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs and to seek greater cooperation," Pearson said.
Minister of Amerindian Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues in her opening address called for the views of the people the Captains represent to be considered during the discussions.

"It would be useless it the Toshaos are part of a District, Area or National Council when they do not have the blessings of their communities, when they are not clear on their roles and most importantly, when they lack the capacity to do so."
She added, "We all have to work towards building the capacity of our Toshaos."

Minister Rodrigues sees the election of members of the NTC at this three-day forum as "too ambitious." She feels that the Amerindian communities and the village councils should have some more time to think about who they want to represent them on this National body.
This conference is being facilitated by a Special committee representing the Amerindian People's Association, the Guyana Organisation of Indigenous People's, the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs and the Carter Centre.

The Carter Centre and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) have contributed to funding the three-day national conference.
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