Capacity of Amerindian leaders enhanced in 07 - ministry
SN news item, Monday, January 7th 2008
The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs said it made significant progress in
2007 through building the capacity of Amerindian leaders and further
developing their communities and it also cited the issuance of birth
certificates.
A Government Information Agency (GINA) press release quoted Minister of
Amerindian Affairs, Carolyn Rodrigues, as saying that one of the most
important achievements was the nomination of three members to the
Indigenous People's Commission (IPC) at the National Toshaos'
Conference held from October 22 to 26. The IPC will address all aspects
of Amerindian development. "We are hoping that it will come into being
in the near future… the Parliamentary Committee of Appointments is
looking at it at the moment and it will be completed in the near
future," Rodrigues said.
To further develop the Amerindian communities, 20 Toshaos were
unanimously elected to the National Toshaos' Council (NTC) by their
fellow Toshaos. Rodrigues said this was another great achievement for
Amerindians and a historic moment in Guyana, since it is the first
Council to be elected. The NTC will serve in various capacities to
represent and ensure all Amerindian communities are further developed.
The Council has met once since its formation and has begun working on
its 2008 programme.
Further, Rodrigues said 111 Toshaos were sworn-in as Justices of the
Peace and Rural Constables. These Toshaos are mandated with the
responsibility of protecting the interest of Amerindians in the country
and will give support to the Council. "We have also had the formulation
of the draft rules at the meeting and the Toshaos have started to look
at the ones that are applicable to their community which are very, very
important," she added.
Additionally, Rodrigues said the ministry was able to make significant
progress in the issuance of birth certificates for the year, through
collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs. She said despite the
challenges, more than 13,000 birth certificates were issued over the
past two to three years. She also pointed out that that process has now
become much more important as house-to-house registration starts today.
However, there are some persons who did not register for birth
certificates in Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine and the Community
Development Officers are expected to host another registration exercise
soon.
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