Opposition Leader Hon. Aubrey C. Norton, and a team, including PNCR Vice-Chairman Vinceroy Jordon, MP, Vincent Henry, MP, PNCR Executive members Mervin Williams and Joan Romascindo, embarked on a series of engagements with residents across Indigenous communities in Region No. 9, Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo. Meetings were held in the villages of Parashara, Nappi, Upakari, Haiwa, Maruranau, Aishalton, Karaudarnau and Sawariwau with the South and deep South Rupunini. The visit is part of APNU commitment to prioritize Indigenous voices, and to outline Mr. Norton’s People Centered Development Strategy. During the community meetings, Mr. Norton outlined a comprehensive plan aimed at empowering these communities and addressing longstanding disparities between the Coast and the Hinterland.
He emphasized central tenets of APNU’s vision, which includes the decentralization of power to grant villages autonomy to make decisions free from partisan political control. He stressed the importance of empowering communities to address their unique needs and aspirations, thereby fostering a sense of ownership of the development process.
Another critical issue Mr. Norton highlighted was the need for reform within the National Toshaos Council (NTC). He advocated for democratic election of Indigenous leaders so as to strengthen governance structures and promote grassroots accountability.
The PNCR Leader reiterated APNU’s commitment to consulting with Indigenous communities to amend the Amerindian Act. He emphasized the importance of addressing environmental concerns, and he committed to empowering communities to develop policies and programs tailored to local needs. He expressed APNU’s firm respect for Indigenous rights, including Free, Prior, and Informed Consent, self-determination, and land rights. Mr. Norton stated that under a government which the APNU is a part, Indigenous peoples will be treated with dignity and fairness in all aspects of governance and development.
Economic empowerment was also a key focus of Norton’s discussions. The PNCR Leader outlined initiatives to promote sustainable community development, support Indigenous entrepreneurs, and invest in education and youth leadership. He emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for skill development and economic self-sufficiency. He said that over time, these measures will reduce the gap between the Coast and the Hinterland and foster prosperity for all Guyanese.
Throughout the engagements, the PNCR Leader listened to the concerns raised by residents. These concerns included the registration of illegal Venezuelan migrants by GECOM, Indigenous land rights, poor education infrastructure, the need for vocational training, lack of support for agricultural ventures, poor access to potable water, need for additional healthcare facilities to address health issues, and the welfare of school-going children, specifically the poor management of the dormitory facility at Aishalton. Residents also complaint about political victimization of entire villages that voted for APNUAFC at the last elections.
Some residents reported that prior to the meetings PPP activists turned up instructing them not to attend meetings with the Leader of the Opposition. These instructions were ignored, as residents enthusiastically interacted with the PNCR Leader.