–notes that Amerindians no longer second-class citizens

THE ruling People’s Progressive Party yesterday, at their weekly press conference, lauded the efforts of President Donald Ramotar and his PPP/C administration on the successful hosting of yet another Toshaos Conference which concluded last Saturday at the National Convention Centre, while noting that Amerindians are no longer second class citizens. The Party noted that the hosting of such an event was a clear indication of the importance placed by the PPP/C administration on Amerindians and hinterland development which for years under colonialism and for over two decades under the previous PNC administration were neglected and pushed into the backwater of the development process.
The conference which was designed to provide the opportunity for Amerindian leaders to interface with the President and other policy makers at the national and regional level, seeks to collaboratively address issues and find solutions to challenges faced by the Toshaos in various communities.
Attending the conference were various sector Ministers and senior Government officials and this paved the way for direct discussions on issues affecting this minority group.
According to the Party, from all indications, the conference was a huge success and was highly appreciated by the Toshaos and other participants.
“There can be no doubt that Amerindian development has been greatly accelerated by a menu of measures initiated by the PPP/C Government which  over the years have had a transformative effect on the lives and well-being of our Amerindian brothers and sisters,” the ruling Party said yesterday.

NO LONGER SECOND-CLASS
They noted also that Amerindians are no longer second class citizens as was the case under the PNC regime but are now an integral part of national development processes and more particularly in the development of their own communities.
“The PPP is proud of the role played by our Toshaos in the development of their respective communities and wish them success as they seek to further improve the quality of life of our Amerindian people,” the PPP said.
As such, the party took the opportunity to pledge its continuing support to Amerindian leaders, the Amerindians and hinterland people as a whole in their continuing drive to improve their lives.

(Ravin Singh)