President Donald Ramotar says that there are complaints of mismanagement taking place in various Amerindian communities, and work must be done through the support of the government and regional authorities in strengthening management systems.His remarks were made at the opening of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) meeting which was held at the International Conference Centre, Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara yesterday.Students from Santa Mission present President Ramotar with a hammock as a token of appreciation.The event was held under the theme: “Establishing Strategic Approaches and Alliances for Sustaining Amerindian Development”.Some 160 leaders, including all Toshaos and Senior Councillors, 12 Community Development Officers (CDOs) and Regional Officials, are attending the five-day seminar.Also in attendance were government officials, including the Amerindian Affairs Minister and members of the diplomatic corps.Ramotar said the opposition has stymied several programmes that would enhance the quality of life of many persons,Wholesale NFL Jerseys, and Thursday when Parliament convenes, the sincerity of the opposition would be known pertaining to the development of Amerindians and wider society.Adding that Amerindians are known for their resilience and ability to adapt, President Ramotar said they are continuously striving for a better life given constant change from what life was 30 years ago.“We should take an example from the way of life of the Amerindian people to be flexible and change with the times, and to take into consideration many of the changes happening in the world; government by itself does not have all the resources to give everyone everything they need at the same time.”Underscoring that there is universal primary health care in all of the Amerindian villages, the head of state said this was non-existent two decades ago.He added that the government is looking to provide a secondary education for all Amerindian students in the next four years.Ramotar declared that every year, hinterland students are continuing to excel, and the government must provide a wholesome environment for the full realization of their potential.“I want to assure the Amerindian people that we will build more schools… thirteen secondary schools with dormitories have been built so far. Hopefully we will soon begin construction of another secondary school at Kato to house more than 500 students to satisfy the educational needs,” Ramotar stated.In addition, he said government continues to subsidize regional and tertiary health care, noting that there is still room for improvement.He pointed out that life expectancy among Amerindians has increased by 20 percent, the President also highlighted that there has been an incredible reduction in infant mortality and death due to contagious diseases such as diarrhea and tuberculosis, but especially those related to malnutrition and undernourishment.Ramotar said health and education being provided to the hinterland residents are centered on the overall development of the country. He added that there is an agreement with the European Union to build a hydro-power plant which would also supply electricity for the schools and for other projectsThe President emphasised that every hinterland student will continue to receive school uniforms.Noting that partnership and alliances must be built, he said there is need to develop and improve capacity within the country. It was noted that the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs would be dealing with any other shortcomings throughout the NTC confab.Outgoing Chairperson of National Toshaos Council, Yvonne Pearson, encouraged her fellow Amerindian leaders to embrace the theme of the conference and praised Government’s support of the forum that allows Amerindian leaders to meet in one location to discuss the way forward for their communities. On this note, Pearson challenged attendees to develop strategic plans and create alliances to enhance village life.Pearson pointed out that development cannot occur in isolation, and as such, the forum facilities the building of bridges and narrowing of gaps.Challenging those who say the rights of Amerindian people are not respected, Pearson pointed out that the hosting of the conference is evidence that Amerindians are indeed respected. She noted that in Guyana, free, prior and informed consent is not just a concept, but is actually enjoyed by Amerindians.Pearson stated that although much has been achieved in Amerindian communities, leaders should not relax since the journey to development has just begun. |