By Mark DaCosta- The Alliance For Change (AFC) has expressed deep concerns regarding the ongoing National Toshaos Council (NTC) conference, highlighting issues related to a lack of adequate representation for Indigenous leaders and potential political interference from the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP). This significant assembly, taking place from May 19 to 23, 2025, at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in Georgetown, serves as a vital platform for elected Indigenous representatives — Toshaos — to engage in discussions on pressing matters that affect their communities and present collective recommendations to the government.
Historically, the NTC conference has provided an essential forum for Toshaos to address challenges surrounding land rights, education, healthcare access, and resource management, particularly concerning mining and forestry. However, the AFC is alarmed that the framework of the current conference continues a concerning trend where government officials dominate the agenda and excessively limit the time allocated for Toshaos to communicate their pressing concerns. Laura George, AFC’s Advisor on Indigenous Affairs, has pointed out, “Every single year, the approach of the conference has been a programme designed that creates limited time for the Toshaos to be heard.”
Accordingly to an Indigenous observer, this lack of adequate representation is compounded by the political divided landscape, particularly in the lead-up to general and regional elections later this year. The AFC has raised specific alarms about the potential for the PPP to use the NTC annual conference as an opportunity to manipulate the narrative and rally support for its own political pursuits. “We strongly urge that Indigenous leaders are so respected during this time and the NTC conference is not used as a maligning point of political leaders nor to launch a political campaign of the PPP,” the AFC emphasises.
This interference is seen as particularly egregious given the historical context wherein Indigenous communities have faced marginalisation and are often overlooked in national policy-making processes. The fear is that the ruling party could attempt to co-opt the NTC proceedings to serve its interests instead of sincerely addressing the voices and concerns of Indigenous Peoples.
The Indigenous analyst told this publication that In addition to the internal dynamics within the conference, an external factor looms large: Venezuela’s recent announcement regarding elections for a governor in the disputed Essequibo region. This political move highlights the necessity for the Guyanese government to present clear and actionable plans that protect Indigenous rights amid escalating tensions with Venezuela.
In response to this situation, the AFC, too, insists on the same actions recommended by the analyst: that “the government of Guyana must present clear plans, information, and guarantees to respect and protect the rights of Indigenous Peoples who largely occupy the Essequibo region.”
The AFC argues that Article 36 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) must inform the approach that the government takes in safeguarding Indigenous interests. This article reaffirms the right of Indigenous communities to maintain interrelations across borders and engage in cultural, political, and economic activities.
As the NTC conference unfolds, the AFC is encouraging all stakeholders — especially government representatives — to engage collaboratively and ensure the participation of Indigenous leaders to address the multitude of challenges they face. The AFC’s message is clear: “This is a time for collective action, not just for political gamesmanship.” Their appeal is for a unified approach that prioritises the needs and rights of the Indigenous population rather than exploiting their plight for political gain.
Moreover, the AFC emphasises the importance of not allowing the current political climate to derail meaningful dialogue. The party supports the idea that genuine engagement should lead to the crafting of policies that resonate with the realities faced by Indigenous communities. Failure to engage in a substantive manner risks perpetuating the cycle of neglect that has historically marred relationships between the government and Indigenous peoples.
The AFC underscores the need for vigilance and support for Indigenous rights and representation, it calls upon the broader populace to rally behind Indigenous leaders. The current political landscape necessitates a concerted effort to ensure that all communities, especially those historically sidelined, are empowered and acknowledged in our nation’s governance, the AFC states..
As the AFC highlights its commitment to standing against any duplicity that might emerge during the NTC conference, it urges the government to respect Indigenous voices and uphold their issues with the seriousness they require.
