— flagged other issues in meeting with Minister Croal

HOUSING and Water Minister, Collin Croal, on Friday, met with the chairman and executive committee of the National Toshaos Council (NTC), at the Central Planning and Housing Authority Board Room, Brickdam, where he was brought up to speed about issues affecting the Indigenous community.

NTC Chairman, Toshao Nicholas Fredericks, said it was very important for the NTC to have collaborative relations with various agencies and ministries in an effort to find resolutions on issues relating to the Indigenous peoples and their communities in the absence of the National Toshaos’ Council (NTC) Conference.
Since the conference will not be held this year, the council requested a meeting with the minister to bring to the fore matters relating to the housing and water sector. Some of the issues include little to no access of potable water in a number of hinterland villages, as well as the need for a housing programme.

Minister Croal welcomed the engagement, noting that it provides a platform for the council and members to make representation for their people as Guyana and the rest of the world continue to grapple with the restrictions brought on by COVID-19.

The team included Jude Da Silva, Executive Director; Secretary of the National Toshaos’ Council, Russian Dorrick; Toshao, Nandanie Jerry; Programme Director, Toshao Marbell Thomas; Toshao Beverley Clentian of St. Cuthbert’s Mission; Toshao, Mario Hastings; and Toshao, Loretta Fiedtkou.

Toshao Fredericks also used the opportunity to congratulate the minister on his appointment and thanked him for meeting with the teams.
Meanwhile, Minister Croal committed to further engagements with the council in an effort to keep them abreast with development plans for hinterland regions.