The Amerindian People’s Association (APA) has expressed oncern over the government’s decision to label the National Toshaos Council (NTC) as the sole “legitimate” representative of indigenous peoples in Guyana. According to APA, this move not only sidelines other advocacy groups, but also favors only those endorsed by the government.
Highlighting the Amerindian Act 2006, APA said the highest decision-making power of a village lies with its Village Council at its Village General Meeting, not the NTC.
“We wish to remind that the Amerindian Act 2006 shows that the highest decision-making power of a village lies with its Village General Meeting, not the NTC,” the APA reiterated.
APA said it has been accused by the government of working against village councils, but refuted these claims, questioning why it would be consistently working against the very body it helped establish. Instead, it asserted its intention to hold the NTC accountable for being in cahoots with the government rather than being an independent body with the sole purpose of upholding indigenous rights.
Furthermore, APA interpreted President, Dr. Irfaan Ali’s recent statements solely recognizing the NTC as a tactic of divide and rule, aimed at pitting indigenous peoples against each other amidst the government’s failure to address crucial policy and legislative issues. Issues such as the disregard for the right to Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) regarding large-scale projects, inadequate provision of health and social services to indigenous communities, and the growing threat to their livelihoods remain unresolved, according to the APA.
APA also condemned government’s interference in elections for Toshaos and Councils, viewing it as a political maneuver aimed at undermining indigenous self-governance. It is important to note that a similar allegation of government interference in the elections was made by the Aubrey-Norton led opposition last month, following a visit to Lethem, Region Nine.
Additionally, APA dismissed the ‘One Guyana’ concept as a mere facade, arguing that the government’s actions only exacerbate divisions among indigenous communities.
Despite these challenges, the APA reiterated its commitment to serving as a legitimate voice for indigenous rights and interests within civil society. The association pledged to collaborate with all stakeholders, including the government and NTC, to advance the rights and well-being of indigenous peoples and foster a more inclusive and equitable society for all Guyanese.
