The 2026 National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference concluded on Friday with a series of major policy announcements and investment commitments aimed at expanding economic opportunities, strengthening infrastructure and improving the quality of life in Amerindian communities across Guyana.
The weeklong conference remained focused on advancing the priorities of indigenous villages, as toshaos from across the country engaged government ministers on issues affecting their communities and helped shape measures that will deliver long-term benefits.
Among the measures unveiled were $255 million to upgrade playgrounds in Amerindian villages, a $4 billion programme to rehabilitate more than 30 hinterland airstrips, increased access to affordable financing through the Guyana Development Bank for Amerindian entrepreneurs, and an increase in the community procurement limit from $5 million to $30 million to allow villages to undertake larger government-funded projects.
The government also announced that more than 240 Amerindian villages will benefit from $2.5 billion in Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030 funding to support community-driven development priorities, while $3 billion has been allocated for the Amerindian housing programme to assist families with constructing new homes and rehabilitating existing houses.
A major focus of the conference was creating stronger village economies capable of generating sustainable employment and income.
During a presentation on financial inclusion and economic empowerment, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, said investments in infrastructure, education and skills training must be complemented by greater access to financial services if communities are to fully benefit from Guyana’s economic transformation.
“We want every single one of your villages to have a vibrant and competitive village economy,” Dr Singh said as he encouraged leaders to pursue opportunities in agriculture, tourism, agro-processing, manufacturing and other community enterprises.
He urged Toshaos to encourage more residents to enter the formal banking system. He explained that financial inclusion creates opportunities for entrepreneurs to access credit, expand their operations and build lasting businesses.
“You are establishing a relationship with the bank. The bank gets to know you. Eventually, the bank will be more comfortable giving you a loan to grow your business,” Minister Singh explained.
Closing the conference, Minister of Amerindian Affairs Sarah Browne-Shadeek acknowledged the profound grief experienced by families affected by the MV Barima tragedy while commending village leaders for remaining committed to their responsibilities during one of the country’s most difficult periods.
She said the National Toshaos Council remains one of Guyana’s most important democratic forums, giving indigenous leaders a direct voice in shaping policies and programmes that affect their villages.
“Together, let’s continue building our Guyana where every village matters, every voice is valued, every culture is celebrated, and every citizen has the opportunity to thrive,” Minister Browne-Shadeek told the gathering.
As toshaos return to their villages, the focus now shifts to implementing the initiatives announced at the conference, ensuring that the investments made today translate into lasting improvements for Amerindian families and communities across Guyana.