‘Unite to build your community’ – Min Allicock

−Calls on Muritaro Village Council to put affairs in order

Vice President and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Sydney Allicock has called on the Muritaro Village Council and villager alike to “unite to build your community.”

His call came during a community engagement in the village.

On November 28, the Indigenous Affairs Minister led a team including a legal counsel from the Ministry, to Muritaro, Upper Demerara/Berbice, Region 10, to address the challenges facing the village and finding solutions on the way forward.

This visit comes on the heels of a petition sent to the Minister by the villagers citing several shortcomings on the part of Toshao Loretta Fiedtkou who is an Executive Member of the National Toshao’s Council.

According to residents, they were faced with having to wait over six months for a general meeting in the village to be held; they also cited financial accountability as a sore issue. Residents also called for Toshao Fiedtkou to step down from her post until the issues that were brought to the fore are addressed.

Noting the serious nature of the matter, Minister Allicock said “you have a village council that needs to put itself in order and that’s what I’m asking…  you see things have gone wrong for so long, to do the right seems wrong and we have to give ourselves the opportunity to change that mindset. Guyana is not going to be the same as it was before. If you love Muritaro the way forward is unity and understanding.”

Addressing the matter of development, Minister Allicock charged those gathered to collaborate to plan for the community’s advancement. “We are here to support you to make sure this village is prepared for the development that is coming,’ he told the residents.

It was also noted that several residents have borrowed villages monies and to date have failed to meet their obligation of repaying same. The Minister called on those persons to “repay the money” since this will assist the village in improving its financial standings which will ultimately lead to planning for future development.

“Further discussions will be held with the relevant authorities on the situation and we will dispatch a letter to you on the decision on the way forward,” Minister Allicock assured the villagers.

According to the Minister Over the past year, several Toshaos were removed from office following clear breaches of the Amerindian Act and according to Minister Allicock, “it was evident what they were doing.”

He also took the opportunity to highlight the many opportunities to be derived from the oil and gas sector and Governments commitment to ensuring every citizen of Guyana benefit from these proceeds.

Minister Allicock restated that bringing the “Good Life” to all Guyanese is a promise made by His Excellency President David Granger; and one that his Administration is poised to deliver.

Alethea Grant.

Communications Officer.

Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs.

 

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