DERRICK John who hails from Moraikobai— the only Indigenous Arawak village found in Region Five— was, on Monday, re-elected the chairman of Guyana’s National Toshao’s Council (NTC).
John, was re-elected at the opening of the NTC’s annual conference which is being held this week in Georgetown. Over 200 Toshaos and village leaders have travelled from across the hinterland regions to participate in this major, national event.
Under the umbrella of the NTC, a 20-person Executive Committee is elected, and this body is made up of representatives of the 10 Administration regions of Guyana.

Bethany’s Toshao, Sonia Latchman was elected the Vice-Chairman; St. Cuthberts/Pakuri’s Alvoro Simon was elected as the body’s treasurer, while Karrau’s Toshao, Shane Cornelius was elected as the secretary.
Guided by the Amerindian Act No. 6 of 2006, the Toshaos and the NTC Executive Members are elected for a three-year term and members are eligible to contest a second term.
At the opening ceremony, John noted that NTC is a pivotal platform that promotes the relevance of indigenous peoples.

“Guyana is the only country that gives Indigenous leaders this opportunity, and we should be proud of that. I hope you use this opportunity wisely. Let us not fail our people, use every moment of your time to think about the people,” he said.