UMDC calls for greater transparency, inclusion, and respect in future NTC conferences

May 25, 2025 News

Kaieteur News- With this years National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference concluding on May 23, the Upper Mazaruni District Council (UMDC) has issued a call for greater transparency, inclusion, and respect in all future planning of the conferences.

Extending its appreciation to the National Toshaos Council and the Government for convening the 2025 NTC Conference, the UMDC said as the five-day conference concluded there were several issues that hindered full and fair participation of Indigenous leaders.

Six of the eight Toshaos of the Upper Mazaruni District, Region Seven. (Photo courtesy, Upper Mazaruni District Council)

The Council in a statement on Friday stated that there was an issue with the circulation of the agenda. “This year, like 2024, the conference agenda was shared just hours before the start of the conference, which limited our ability to prepare or contribute meaningfully,” they highlighted.

According to the UMDC, there was a restriction on observers access. “In previous years, Indigenous Peoples — including technical support staff — were welcomed as observers. This year, UMDCs support team was denied entry despite visible space being available in the observer section. While we understand the need for improved structures and mechanisms of the conference, the transparency behind the accreditation process was lacking,” they highlighted.

“Toshaos space to speak freely: The UMDC is deeply concerned that Toshaos were repeatedly instructed not to “repeat” points made by other Toshaos, even when those issues affect multiple villages. At the same time, we witnessed government Ministers speaking at length, often repeating points, even those already made by other ministers. This is our meeting. Indigenous leaders deserve equal respect and freedom of expression,” was another concern raised.

The Upper Mazaruni District Council calls for a dedicated day for Toshaos without government presence. They related that this safe space would allow leaders to interact and learn directly from each other, including possible solutions to shared issues. Noting that it allows them to develop real camaraderie and discuss matters openly.

Additionally, they stated that there should be independent media access. “We also express concern over the restriction of independent media from observing the conference. Public accountability and transparency should be embraced,” they expressed.

While raising these concerns, the UMDC also made several recommendations that the NTC can take into consideration for future conferences. These include the early distribution of the agenda, at least two weeks in advance. Further, the UMDC wants the NTC organisers to clearly communicate observer registration procedures before the conference, while calling on the body to create a formal process for registered independent media to attend and report respectfully on the proceedings.

“Adjust the speaking time to reflect better village representation, i.e., regions with a higher number of villages need to be given more time than those with fewer villages, based on the number of villages within a region to reflect the village presentation.

Distribute proposed resolutions to all Toshaos well before the conference. If resolutions are distributed at the NTCC, then Toshaos should be allowed to take the resolutions back to our villages for feedback from our people, especially if the resolutions need the input of our people,” they recommended.

Notably, the District Council said that the one-day session dedicated to Toshaos only, can either be before the official start of the NTC Conference, or a designated full day within the five-day schedule.

“UMDC respectfully highlights these concerns and shares recommendations as a contribution to making the NTC Conference stronger, fairer, and more reflective of the Indigenous Peoples it was created to serve. Toshaos are elected leaders. We deserve space — not limits — to speak, listen, and shape our collective future,” the release stated.

This publication had reported that before the commencement of this years conference, the Amerindian Peoples Association (APA), had called on Toshaos attending the NTC conference to fight for their rights and needs and also urged the government to respect the autonomy of the forum, ensuring transparency and inclusion in all discussions.

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