NTC presents resolutions reaffirming support to Opt in Mechanism, normalcy in Region Ten

Georgetown, GINA, August 9, 2012

Chairperson and Former Chair of the National Toshaos Council (NTC), Derrick John and Yvonne Pearson respectively today outlined and presented two resolutions to the 6th NTC Conference, after which they were handed over to President Donald Ramotar.

Pearson in highlighting the first resolution pointed out that the majority of Toshaos and Village Leaders have affixed their signatures supporting the draft ‘Opt in Mechanism’ subsequent to it being examined and discussed at the village levels.

“We the Toshaos and elected representatives of the Amerindian villages and communities record our resolution for the support of the LCDS and we affirm our continued support for the implementation of the strategy,” she said.

According to Pearson, the resolution which was presented confirms that support is given in full towards the ‘Opt in Mechanism’ after discussion and in keeping with the principles of free prior and informed consent and which expressively demonstrates their participation.

The former NTC Chair stated that in 2007 the Council passed a resolution in support of Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), in recognition of the danger climate change poses to society.

In 2009, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), was inked between the Governments of Guyana and Norway, and in 2010 according to Pearson another resolution was passed by the NTC supporting the implementation of the LCDS strategy.

“There will always be some doubtful Thomases, but it is we who have the confidence, who have understood, we who knew that it was important, gave our support in the form of a resolution at that occasion,” she said.

Meanwhile, Derrick John in presenting the second resolution spoke of some of the negative impacts the Linden protest action have had on residents of Regions Seven, Eight, Nine and Ten, as he noted that hundreds continues to suffer from the shortage of food, fuel and medical supplies.

“Even as we speak there are breadwinners who cannot go to work because of lack of fuel and transportation…a few days ago when the Toshaos raised their concerns it brought tears to my eyes for the suffering we are going through, because of the actions of irresponsible persons,” he said.

The resolution which the Toshaos have collectively endorsed, called on Organisations, persons and institutions who are responsible for the Linden protest to act wisely and to put all differences aside and for together for the best interest of the country as a whole.

“We also call on the Leaders of the two Opposition parties to continue to work with the Government to restore peace in Guyana, especially in the town of Guyana,” John said.

The resolution also supported the Government in taking all necessary actions possible to restore the breach in security and route for all to traverse freely.