Strategists in the opposition PNCR party realised that the PPP/C party can only win the 2011 elections with the support of the Amerindian people. This is because the PPP/C support base, the Indian people, is about 43 per cent of which is not the 50 per cent the PPP/C needs to be victorious. Amerindian votes are therefore crucial for a PPP/C victory.

By closing the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs as being advocated by the PNCR, the party hopes to wield influence go get the Amerindian support. The PNCR can then attack the government of neglecting the indigenous people.

Over the years the PPP/C government has made tremendous improvements in the life of the Amerindians. They have benefited from new schools, health centres, hospitals, land titles, roads, rights to elect their representatives and water supply while under the previous PNC government administration the Amerindians were neglected.

The government will be stupid to close down the Amerindian Affairs Ministry to please the PNCR who has its own agenda. The indigenous people must protest this statement
BALDEO PERSAUD