‘Let good sense prevail’ – NTC Chairman tells Toshaos

As Guyana prepares for general and regional elections later this year, Chairman of the National Toshao’s Council (NTC), Derrick John has called on Indigenous leaders to exercise their right to vote and to ‘let good sense prevail’ in recognising the noticeable progress being made across their communities.

“We also recognise what we are experiencing. We are, we are not dumb people anymore. We have seen, we have experienced, we have realised, we are benefiting from so much of benefits and resources. And it’s only right that we continue to support this part, this progress, this transformation.

“And I appeal to you, my fellow Indigenous leaders, let us allow good sense to prevail,” John said during his remarks on Day One of the 2025 NTC Conference.

At the same time, he emphasised the importance of political independence.

“We are learned people, we know what is good for us, and nobody, well, should be able to come and tell us who we should vote for. We have the ability to choose,” the NTC Chairman stated.

John further urged that the country prepare to go to the polls, that the various political parties campaign in a “professional way.”

“I hope that as Political Parties and organisations, with the start of their campaign. They do it in a professional way. And the Indigenous peoples have the right to choose whatever political party they want to support.

“And we know, we are not living in the Stone Age anymore, we are living in a modern age where education is accessible from nursery to secondary in all Indigenous communities,” John said.

Meanwhile, John also used the platform to speak on the Guyana/Venezuela border controversy and called on the support of the international community.

“We have seen the reckless threat from our near western neighbor, Venezuela. And I’m calling out here that we need the international community to stand by our side and so that we can allow the legal process to take its course,” he said.

Speaking directly to President Dr Irfaan Ali, the NTC Chairman said: “Guyana is a sovereign nation, and I know that these threats its driving fear in a lot of the communities, especially those are on the border region, Mr. President. And I know that you are very up to date. And I know that you have a plan. We have confidence in your government that you will continue to protect every single Guyanese.”