(Participants at the National Toshao’s Conference)
“The Indigenous peoples of Guyana are not ceremonial guests in the governance of their own country. They are citizens, community builders, and natural stewards of vast and vital regions of our nation.”
The recently concluded National Toshaos Conference, held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, has once again exposed the widening gulf between public relations and public service. While the government touted the event as a forum for Indigenous empowerment under the banner of Robust Governance for Sustainable Village Development, what transpired was a stage-managed spectacle that sidelined real issues in favour of political grandstanding.
Hundreds of Indigenous leaders, many of whom travelled long distances from remote villages, came seeking answers to persistent problems. Instead, they were subjected to a flood of government presentations and neatly packaged announcements. The expectation of honest dialogue was met with tightly choreographed speeches and little space for dissenting voices.
President Ali’s address leaned heavily on lofty promises and conveniently avoided the hard truths. The distribution of firearm licenses, vague mentions of improved healthcare and education, and calls for trust in a future PPP/C government failed to address the systemic neglect that continues to plague hinterland communities.
Most alarming is the government’s continued evasiveness on the issue of Indigenous land rights. Despite years of appeals for demarcation and titling, this year’s conference offered little beyond vague assurances. The silence on this front during the conference was more than disappointing—it was a deliberate avoidance of responsibility.
VPAC rejects this approach. The Indigenous peoples of Guyana are not ceremonial guests in the governance of their own country. They are citizens, community builders, and natural stewards of vast and vital regions of our nation. Their insight, experience, and leadership must be integrated into national development on equal terms.
VPAC remains committed to supporting Indigenous communities in their fight for equity, autonomy, and recognition. We will continue to push for policies that reflect substance over show, and justice over patronage.
The time for window dressing is over.