Let’s work together for betterment of Guyana
–irrespective of political persuasion

DELIVERING an impassioned speech at the launch of Amerindian Heritage Month 2014 on Monday, National Toshaos Council (NTC) Chairperson, Derrick John called on fellow Indigenous Peoples to support the present administration, since it is the one that has spearheaded the development of their communities. 

Noting that whatever developments there are today within hinterland communities did not come cheap, John said, “We have experienced a lot of struggles and challenges; and we continue to face challenges.” But, he said, Amerindians are a strong people, who — having walked across the Bering Straits and travelled thousands of miles, enduring various climatic conditions and other challenges — can stand proudly as the first people of this land whilst maintaining their diverse culture, social and economic traditions.

Budget cuts
On the issue of the recent Opposition-led Budget cuts, which slashed just over $1B from the capital expenditure of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, John questioned the supposed “unity” of Guyanese, as reflected by the motto of “One People, One Nation, One Destiny”.
“Where are the ones; where is the unity; the working together to continue to move this country forward?” he said in obvious reference to the many empty promises made Amerindians by the combined opposition whenever it took their fancy, adding that the time has come to look at those things which they promote.
Recalling the mobilisation of hundreds of Amerindians to protest the budget cuts outside the Public Buildings some months ago, John said it was a stand against prejudice, of which many were critical.

Condemnation
“When we took to the streets to defend what rightly is ours, there were some of our ‘so-called’ Amerindian brothers who condemned us instead of coming and support us,” he said, adding:
“These are the people who say they are representing we the Amerindian people. Where is our representation? When we needed you most, you condemned us; that is not good for the future of our people.”
Calling for a return to tradition, John made the point that the Amerindians were never a divided people, and that having stood against various challenges, they are still here.
He also felt the time was ripe to implement the dreams of their ancestors and continue that fight. “I’m appealing to you,” he said, “let us use this month to reflect on our lives; reflect on our progress; reflect on our country. Where do you want to see Guyana in the future? Where do you want us to go? In which direction?”
He said that as a patriotic Guyanese, he wants to see Guyana move forward “with sustainable use of the resources we are so rich of, but this can only happen if we respect one another, and if we work together.”
John explained that when he attended an international forum, he was amazed at how Guyana was described by representatives of other indigenous groups in attendance. This, he deplored and said, “We should not speak of Guyana as if it is alien to us, or if Guyana is the worst country in this hemisphere.”
He added that as Guyanese, they should be proud of their nation, achievements and dreams, and, “This can only take place if we respect one another and work together.”
He closed by calling on all Guyanese regardless of  which political party or organisation to put their differences aside and work together for the sake and betterment of Guyana, “Do you want this beautiful land of ours to fall to pieces, or do you want to promote and bring this country to be the best country in this hemisphere? I’m appealing to you; I’m calling on you; be Guyanese. Let us go back to our motto:, One Nation, one people, one destiny.”