THE Indigenous People’s Commission (IPC) yesterday elected Toshaos Doreen Jacobis and Yvonne Pearson as Chair and Vice Chair of the body during a special meeting at Parliament Building. Both Toshaos are from Region Two, namely Tapakuma Village and Mainstay.
Pearson also serves as current Chairperson of the National Toshaos Council (NTC).
Speaker of the National Assembly Mr. Ralph Ramkaran, who chaired the proceedings, noted the importance of the indigenous body which evolved out of the Constitutional Reform process to provide a mechanism that would enhance the status of indigenous people to cater for their specific demands and needs.
In addition to outlining the functions which govern constitutional Commissions such as the Rights of the Child Commission and the Gender Equality Commission, the Speaker also outlined those that pertain specifically to the IPC which include:
*        to promote and protect the rights of indigenous people
*        to raise awareness of the contribution and problems faced by indigenous people
*        to promote the empowerment of indigenous people, especially with regards to the Village Councils in the Local Government system, and
*        make recommendations on economic and education policies to advance the interest of indigenous people.
On September 15, 2010, members of the Indigenous People’s Commission were sworn in by President Bharrat Jagdeo at the Office of the President. Members of the Commission represented a broad framework in Guyana’s society.
In addition to the new Chair and Vice Chair, the members include Joseph De Souza, Yvonne Pearson, David James, Patricia Singh, George Simon, Fr. Malcolm Rodrigues, Norman Whittaker, Jerry Gouveia and Damian Fernandes.
At the swearing in ceremony, President Bharrat Jagdeo said that Government will work closely with the Commission to ensure that Indigenous People’s rights are protected and that there is an advancement of their cause.
Present at the elections meeting were also representatives of the Committee of Appointments and Members of Parliament Ms. Gail Teixeira, Dr. George Norton, Ms. Sheila Holder and Minister of Health Dr. Leslie Ramsammy.
The Commission will be housed in the Ethnic Relations Commission building on Peter Rose and Anira Streets, Queenstown. (GINA)