By Whitney Persaud
THE Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region 1 (Barima/Waini) hosted a Regional Toshaos Conference, last June 30, which was attended by its newly elected toshaos.
The initiative was undertaken with the aim of giving those in attendance a forum for exposure. It dealt with areas such as the Amerindian Act, Mining Act and forestry regulations as well as offered the opportunity to discuss issues affecting their respective villages
Due to the fact that elections for regional Toshaos were scheduled for 2012, the RDC decided to host the first ever such Toshaos Conference and it was held on June 30 and July 1 at Mabaruma Primary School.
In opening remarks on Saturday, the Regional Chairman, Mr. Paul Pierre, noted that many communities have received solar panels from which homes are now getting electricity that is also assisting school-aged children to study.
He advised that village leaders get guidance and advice before signing agreements with private investors and consult the Regional Administration or the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs as the previous practice of signing agreements and only seeking assistance when things go wrong will not be allowed.
Organisations which made presentations on day One were representatives from Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO); the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs; the Guyana Defence Forc; and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC).
Topics which were covered during the programme included Public Speaking; Leadership Skills; an overview  of the National Toshaos Council (NTC); the role of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs; Village Rules; recruitment of persons to join the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and security of borders; GGMC regulations and mining within Amerindian villages.
Toshaos elections which were conducted throughout Guyana have seen significant changes in leadership of the Amerindian villages and communities in Region 1 after villagers turned out in their numbers to vote for leaders of their choice.
In Region 1, there are 23 titled Amerindian villages and 36 untitled villages.
The newly elected Toshaos are active in the development of their villages and are focusing on executing multiple projects within their respective communities.
During the month of August 2012, the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs will be hosting the National Toshaos Conference which will be held in Georgetown.