GUYANESE will head to the polls in 16 days, but before the time comes to cast those ballots, the Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) and the National Toshaos’ Council (NTC) will be looking to engage party candidates on the issues and concerns of indigenous people.
The APA and NTC have collaborated to host a ‘”non-partisan candidates’ forum” at the Regency Suites, on Wednesday, February 19, 2020.

“Its purpose is to bring together a representative grouping of indigenous leaders from across the country to listen to and interact with representatives from the different political parties ahead of the upcoming March 2, national and regional elections,” said the APA in a press statement.

This public forum is an effort to understand how the priorities and aspirations of indigenous communities across the country are reflected in the political platforms of the parties and in the candidate’s vision for governing. Candidates from all contesting political parties have been invited to participate.

The event will feature a short presentation by the APA and the NTC, focusing on the national priorities of “Indigenous Peoples” in Guyana.

Each candidate will then be invited to make a 10-minute presentation which will be followed by a period of questions from the audience.

This event will be moderated by someone considered to be apolitical by both the NTC and the APA. Representatives from the national media are also invited to observe, and efforts will be made to ensure the event is broadcast on the radio and live-streamed on social media so that indigenous communities in the hinterland can also follow the discussions.
“It is our collective hope that this forum will serve as an opportunity to share information and promote constructive civic dialogue without any endorsement of any political party,” said the APA.

The incumbent A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) coalition has already promised to enhance hinterland development and preserve indigenous cultural identity. The coalition, in its manifesto, has promised to complete consultations on the review of the Amerindian Act and implement a ten-point plan of action for hinterland development.

Additionally, the governing coalition has committed to extending more public services to hinterland communities by using technology such as smart classrooms, to narrow the economic, social and digital divide between the coastland and the hinterland.

Part of this includes the improvement of telecommunications in the hinterland and the provision of free internet access in schools and government agencies, all with the aim of improving education, training, entrepreneurial opportunities and social services in hinterland communities.

The coalition promised that those projects will be augmented and supported by the expanded electricity supply and improved roadways in hinterland communities. There are also plans for the provision of clean energy to hinterland communities through solar, wind and hydroelectric sources. Infrastructural development will also include the construction of new wells and water distribution networks for hinterlands residents. The coalition also promised to continue the promotion of hinterland tourism development and arrange greater international exposure of our Indigenous Peoples’ cultures and their cultural products.
The culture and experiences of indigenous people will also be used to protect the environment and country climate change, said the APNU+AFC coalition.