THE National Toshaos Conference (NTC) — an annual forum at which all of Guyana’s toshaos, leaders of Indigenous communities, gather to discuss with government officials and various organisations issues and policies which affect the nation’s first peoples — will begin next Monday at the Arthur Chung International Convention Centre at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara.There will be a series of activities aimed at improving the lives of the country’s Indigenous peoples. According to Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Vice President Sydney Allicock, the National Toshaos’ Council will take place from August 22 to 26 under the theme “Guyana’s First People – Preserving our Culture and Land for life”, and will address key issues such as food security, health, education, land titles, energy, infrastructure, and culture and tourism.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday last, Minister Allicock, an ex-officio to the Council, pointed out that the Conference will address the 10-point plan of action for development of the hinterland which was proposed by President David Granger at last year’s conference. He noted that work has already commenced in several areas of the plan, such as in education, health, energy, agriculture, culture etc.

Stressing development, Minister Allicock further noted that the NTC plans to address the Amerindian Act of 2006, which needs strengthening. “We also plan to target the issues of trafficking in persons, mining, and logging, which affect several Amerindian communities,” he said

Joel Fredericks, Chairman of the NTC, was present at the press conference. He explained that more than 212 toshaos are expected to be at the conference. “It’s a good opportunity meet with the Government and members of the Cabinet to address issues affecting the Indigenous communities and find solutions” the NTC chairman said. “We want to hear from various ministers on their plans for the Indigenous People…. We are people of a different culture who are advancing,” Fredericks pointed out.