Dr Jagdeo Criticises Media for Elevating Few Voices Over 200 Indigenous Leaders
Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has sharply criticized certain media outlets for disproportionately highlighting the views of a small number of individuals and one organisation, rather than focusing on the overwhelmingly positive outcomes of the ongoing National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference.
This year’s NTC, held from August 19 to 23 at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) in Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, brought together Amerindian leaders from across Guyana to discuss issues impacting their communities. The conference also provided a platform for these leaders to engage directly with Cabinet members and senior government officials on various topics.
Despite the constructive nature of the event, some quarters have leveled criticisms against it, which Dr. Jagdeo condemned as gross misrepresentations. He expressed concern that the media has given undue attention to the Amerindian People’s Association (APA), an NGO, individual activists, and opposition parliamentarian Vincent Henry rather than the voices of over 200 elected Indigenous leaders from across the country.
“We must publicly call out these newspapers for distorting what happened at the conference. If there is any disrespect of indigenous people – Amerindian people it’s what they are doing by elevating APA’s voice… and the voice of a single individual and the PNC MP [Member of Parliament on the Opposition side, Vincent Henry]… above that of the over 200 leaders who were there. Those are the three entities and individuals around which all these stories revolved – not the positives that come out of all of the villages,” Dr. Jagdeo asserted during a press conference on Thursday.
Dr. Jagdeo emphasized that the conference has been a resounding success and serves as a model of good governance. It showcases an unparalleled level of engagement and consultation between the government and a significant section of its population—something he believes is unmatched globally.
“In which country would the Cabinet spend an entire week with the elected indigenous leaders from that country discussing their development issues with them? That is precisely what’s happened in the past week. And the discussions are respectful, they’re free-flowing, they are positive, and they’re focused on problem-solving,” Dr. Jagdeo remarked.
During his presentation at the conference, followed by a three-hour session with Indigenous leaders, the Vice President noted that none of the approximately 35 Toshaos who spoke had anything negative to say. Instead, they supported the government’s development plans in their communities, highlighting how these initiatives positively transform lives.
“If you go there, you will see the Minister, with their technical staff, [and] discussing, in a free-flowing format, with the Toshaos about their development. This is the unique thing that is happening here. It doesn’t happen in other parts of the world,” he pointed out.
Dr. Jagdeo underscored that successive People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) governments have done more for Amerindian communities than any other administration in Guyana’s history. He cited the passage of the Amerindian Act in 2006 under the PPP/C Government as a landmark achievement that legally granted Amerindian communities the right to self-determination, autonomy, and self-management.
“Here is where, in a legal form for the first time in Guyana, we gave the villages a right to self-determination and the right to manage their affairs… it is in a legal form in the Amerindian Act, passed by our government because we believed in the concept,” Dr. Jagdeo affirmed.
He also criticized those who fail to acknowledge the PPP/C’s contributions to empowering Amerindian communities, emphasizing that the government remains steadfast in its commitment to fulfilling its promises.
Dr. Jagdeo, also the PPP General Secretary, highlighted significant investments in Indigenous communities, including billions allocated for ICT hubs, internet connectivity, new schools, healthcare facilities, and infrastructure projects in the hinterland. He noted that through two key initiatives—the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and funding for sports facilities—Toshaos are leaving Georgetown with $5 billion in funds dedicated to community development.
Addressing the critics who claim that the National Toshaos Conference is not fulfilling its purpose, the Vice President defended the government’s track record, asserting that misinformation will not be allowed to undermine the PPP/C’s achievements. He stressed the importance of continually reminding the public of the progress made under the PPP/C Government, warning that failing could allow past opponents to reshape history in their favor.
“If we don’t constantly remind people about the history and the record of what was done and how far we’ve come and who has supported these communities, then the villains of the past become the heroes of today,” Dr. Jagdeo cautioned.