Women assuming leadership mantle in hinterland

-Pakuri’s first female Toshao joins two others recently elected  

DPI, Guyana, Tuesday, May 29, 2018

The only Amerindian settlement in Region Four, Demerara Mahaica, Pakuri or St. Saint Cuthbert’s Mission as it was previously known, recently elected its first female Toshao.

Senior Mistress Beverley Clenkian told the Department of Public Information (DPI) her move into the political arena is in keeping with her desire to see her community progress. “What inspired me to take up this challenge is the fact that I wanted to see development in my community and to play a leadership role as a woman in my community,” she explained.

Additionally, Clenkian said she looks forward to serving with distinction, by working across the divide to improve the status quo within the community she calls home.

“I plan to be transparent in all my plans. I will work together with my residents by visiting each and every home and discussing with residents the issues affecting them. That way we can work it out together, as one, so that we can develop our community”, Clenkian added.

Toshao Clenkian replaced Lenox Shuman and joins at least two other recently elected women Toshaos, Whanita Phillips of Santa Rosa and Sharmain Rambajue of Baramita, both within Region One, Barima Waini.

Meanwhile, the newly elected Toshao noted some changes in her community since the assumchange of government, following May 2015 elections, “I have noticed in education where a lot of teachers[are] going to CPCE and some [are] going to the University of Guyana and when they [are] finished with their studies they come back to the village and serve. In health, there are doctors stationed there and I saw like projects are coming into the village.

Toshaos Clenkian, Phillips and Rambajue represent the sea change occurring in hinterland leadership. The movement away from the traditional role of male village captains is being viewed as progressive and timely.

 

By: Kidackie Amsterdam

Image by Keno George.