As the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference unfolds at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), Chairman of the NTC, Toshao Derrick John, urged his fellow Amerindian leaders to seize the development opportunities available to them at the event.
In his opening remarks, Toshao John emphasized the unique platform provided to Indigenous leaders in Guyana, urging them to harness it for the benefit of their communities. “Guyana is the only country that offers its Indigenous leaders this opportunity, and we should take pride in that. I hope you use this opportunity wisely. Let us not fail our people; use every moment of your time to think about the people,” he urged.
John also expressed deep gratitude to President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali for his leadership and for the administration’s unwavering support of Amerindian communities. He highlighted that the current phase of national transformation has given Amerindian villages unprecedented access to resources, enabling them to turn long-held aspirations into reality. “In the past, we had ideas and plans, but we lacked the resources. Today, we have the resources to support and transform our ideas into reality,” he reflected.
A key focus of the conference is the selection of regional representatives who will form the executive body of the NTC. Toshao John stressed the importance of choosing capable individuals for these roles, emphasizing that they will be responsible for ensuring that government-allocated resources are used effectively to promote development in Amerindian communities across the country.
“These resources are vital, and we need to utilize them in ways that will benefit and transform the lives of our people. Accountability and transparency are critical,” he stressed.
Held under the theme “Astute Leadership for Amerindian Development,” the NTC Conference aims to foster strategic planning and action, reinforcing the council’s commitment to supporting village leaders in improving the livelihoods of Amerindian residents. (Modified from DPI)
