Guyana Prez Ali reaffirms commitment to indigenous people; says, “Your rights will always be respected”

Guyana: President Dr Irfaan Ali reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to ensuring that Guyana’s indigenous people and communities are developed equitably during his feature address this morning at the opening ceremony of the National Toshaos Conference.

“Your rights must and will always be respected by this Government. Your rights will always be protected by this Government, and your rights will always be advanced by this Government.”

The President also emphasised that his Government’s only interest is to advance the agenda of Guyana’s indigenous population.

The five-day event was held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre under the theme “Good Governance and Fast-Tracking Amerindian Development”.

The Head of State was joined by Mark Phillips – Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d); Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo; Ministers of the Government and members of the diplomatic community; Belizean Minister of Labour, Local Government as well as Rural Development, Oscar Requena and indigenous leaders from across the country.

Dr Irfaan Ali also presented five titles and two absolute grants to community leaders from Regions Two, Seven and Nine this afternoon on day one of the National Toshaos Conference at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.

The villages of Capoey (extension) and Mashabo (extension) in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) received Grants.

Certificates of Titles were given to Mainstay-Whyaka (extension) and St Monica (extension) in Region Two; Tassarene and Kangaruma in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), and Yupukari (extension) in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

During his feature address this morning, the President spoke about the importance of securing and protecting the rights of Guyana’s indigenous people.