Round two, second day of consultations on the 2006 Amerindian Act
─ Indigenous communities given a chance to raise their voices
DPI, Guyana, Friday, May 3, 2019
As day two of the second round of consultations on the 2006 Amerindian Act, began at Lake Mainstay on Friday morning, several Toshaos and Deputy Toshaos made presentations on behalf of all the communities taking part in the discussions.
Among the areas of concern of the various communities are; the minister’s control and final say on matters, the term and meaning of “resident” (as it pertains to benefits) in the Act and calls for an Indigenous Health Institution.
Communities want the term “resident” changed and must instead be in accordance with the meaning stated in the various village councils’ rules. As well as a health institution that caters to the specific needs of the Indigenous community, where herbal remedies will also be used.
The group also asked for the name “Amerindian” in the Act, to be replaced with the name “Indigenous”.
[8th from right] Special Assistant to the Vice President and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Martin Cheong and Special Advisor to the minister, David Singh, with Toshaos and village and community representatives who took part in the consultation on the 2006 Amerindian Act at Lake Mainstay, Region
The group will put its recommendations in writing, and this will then be submitted to the ministry by the National Toshaos Council (NTC).
These consultations aimed at reforming the 2006 Amerindian Act, began in early 2018.
The communities participating in the two-day exercise in Region 2 include; Bethay, Capoey, Mashabo, Mainstay/ Whyaka, Tapacuma, Akawani, Wakapoa, St. Monica and Kabakaburi.
There are five representatives from each community.
The team of Mervin Cheong, David James and Independent Legal Counsel, Stephen Lewis is also scheduled to revisit Moruka for further consultations in a week.
Felecia Valenzuela
Image: Karime Peters