Governance and accountability

The Amerindian Affairs Minister called for full disclosure of village affairs at general meetings, noting that the Ministry recognises the weaknesses in village administration, particularly with regards accountability.

“We continue to receive complaints and we have identified instances too, which for us is a little too many. I therefore call on the village Toshaos to let us, in this term’s work, correct this issue, since it puts pressure on the scarce financial resources that have to be diverted to conduct village audits when they are not planned,” she said.

Village rules also play an integral role in administrating good governance and to date, 10 hinterland communities have submitted their draft rules. Four have since been returned by the Ministry of Legal Affairs, for final review and consent.

Meanwhile, outgoing NTC Chairperson, Yvonne Pearson who also addressed the gathering left a strong message for collaboration and commitment of leaders, so as to ensure that development takes place.

She stated that regardless of challenges which may arise from time to time, Government has always been supportive of Amerindian development, which is reflective in the many planned policies and programmes at the village levels.

“We are here to build bridges, to narrow gaps, to raise our concerns at the right forum…it is time we wise up and plan our strategy….we were elected by our people to represent the cause of our people and so we have the opportunity to ensure development takes place at all times,” Pearson said.

Development cannot be established, she reminded the leaders if participation and humility are not present, and encouraged the Toshaos to make smart decisions and to not be carried away by negativity which may arise from time to time.

Speaking on criticism in the past which stated that the rights of Amerindians are not respected, Pearson challenged the critics to say in what ways they are not respected.

“We cannot continue to close our eyes and say nothing is happening...if we do that we are not being true to ourselves,” she said.