–is a model forum that inspires, reflects leadership – President Ali

GUYANA’S National Toshaos Conference is a model forum that could be expanded to bring local leaders together, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has said.

During the closing ceremony of the five-day confab, which was held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), President Ali said that the work done at such a forum goes beyond the country’s borders.

“The results of this conference go far beyond the borders of Guyana; the results of this conference inspire many. Indigenous communities across the world have asked me about the National Toshaos Conference,” he told the gathering of over 200 Indigenous leaders on Friday.
“There is no single organisation that brings together the leadership like you do here. This is a model that we must be proud of, and this is a model that can be expanded as we seek to solidify the One Guyana,” he added.

In fact, the president revealed that several other leaders have indicated their interest in the work being done at the conference.

More than 200 Indigenous leaders from across the country attended this year’s conference.

The forum offered them the opportunity to meet and interact with government officials, and to make critical decisions regarding the livelihoods of their people, and the development of their communities.

“We come because of the seriousness. We view your leadership; we view your priorities, and the seriousness that we attach to this National Toshaos Conference,” President Ali said.

The various community leaders were able to interact with government ministers and other officials.

Some immediate interventions were made, while plans were discussed for long-term interventions to address the priority needs of hinterland communities. Some of these interventions include the delivery of 30,000 household solar units. This distribution is expected to begin shortly, and will see a government minister being assigned to specific communities to hand over the units, which are part of the first phase.
Meanwhile, during the conference, it was announced that an additional $16 billion will be invested this year to upgrade infrastructure in hinterland communities. Out of that sum, $6 billion will be spent on community roads.

Over the next three years, the government will also make massive investments to improve healthcare in the hinterland regions, building new hospitals and new health centres, and expanding services such as telemedicine.

Investments will also be made in agriculture and tourism. Training in these areas will be done to ensure that Indigenous youths can benefit from the ongoing developments, such as the establishment of several new hotels across the country.

In brief remarks, Chairman of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Derrick John thanked the government for its support, and for listening to the leaders and providing interventions to the issues that were raised.

John further urged toshaos to continue their advocacy for their respective villages and people.