SPEAKER of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland, on Friday, received annual reports for the years 2013 through 2016 from the Indigenous People’s Commission.
The reports were handed over by commission member Doreen Jacobus and other members of the body including its Chief Executive Officer, Neil Bacchus.

Jacobus, in brief remarks, noted that the commission has been working around the clock to carry out its mandate.
She noted that although indigenous villages are far apart geographically, the commission members were able to hold meetings at central points across the country.

She said one of the major challenges which the body noted within indigenous communities was the inability of the councils to ensure accountability is up to standard at the village offices. Jacobus said that persuading people to understand that time had changed was another challenge the body encountered.

She said the commission was working with all the villages to ensure that they were better equipped to undertake their respective mandates.

The Speaker noted the importance of the reports and he reminded those gathered that the commission had given assurances regarding the submission of reports for 2017 onward. Those reports are expected to be submitted early next year.
The Speaker said that as soon as the National Assembly reconvenes, the reports will be laid in the House.