Toshaos of Region 7 have expressed great displeasure over the conduct of proceedings arising out of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference, which according to them has undermined their right to freely speak on issues affecting them.In a statement issued yesterday and signed by the Toshaos of Paruima, Arau, Kaikan, Kurutuku, Waramadong, Warawatta, Phillipai,Cheap NFL Jerseys, Ominaik, Jawalla, Chinoweng, Kako, Isseneru, Tasserine,NFL Jerseys Supply, Kangaruma, Karatabo, Batavia, Karrau, Dogg Point and Kaburi, the Amerindian village leaders said that the conference has squandered an opportunity to address the concerns of their communities.According to the Toshaos, the NTC conference which was held from August 6-10 had promised an opportunity for them, as leaders to freely express their views on issues which affect them and would have provided an avenue whereby discussions could be had to arrive at possible solutions which would improve their lives.President Donald Ramotar interacting with Toshaos on day three of the National Toshaos Council Conference at the Guyana International Conference Centre last week. (GINA Photo)However, they said that this is far from what happened. “We feel frustrated by a process which seemed to have the “favoured” Toshaos raise their concerns, while others, including us have been derailed in our attempts to raise legitimate issues. Further, the Chairperson of the proceedings appeared to be bent on dictating the proceedings according to his wishes; this should not be the case.”Short speeches please!They said that from their observations, Toshaos from Region Nine and One were given extra time to make their presentations due to support which they heaped on the government.“In attempting to tell of our problems, we had our time cut and subsequent attempts to speak up were met with attempts to silence us.? We did not try to monopolise the time granted since we know all Toshaos have issues. For the past week, we have tried our utmost to have our land and mining issues addressed, this has not happened.? Instead,NFL Jerseys China, we feel that this was a fruitless exercise in addressing issues and more a campaign for the government to gain the consent of communities to opt in to the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).”According to the aggrieved Toshaos, from the onset of the conference, Village Captains were provided with copies of two draft Resolutions which were assented to on August 9.One of the resolutions passed dealt with the negative impacts as a result of irresponsible actions which include the budget cuts and the Linden protests.The other one refers to the draft ‘Opt in’ mechanism under the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).“Why should resolutions be drafted before the commencement of the conference?” they questioned.They claimed that the ‘Opt In’ document was sent to a few communities prior to the conference; however the majority of Toshaos received the document on the eve of the conference.The draft stipulates that a two thirds majority is needed at the Community general meeting before a community can opt in.? In several instances, there was no community meeting; “therefore how can Toshaos take it upon themselves to agree to the draft without the consent of their villages?”No consultation on mining“As leaders of villages spanning Upper, Middle and Lower Mazaruni, the common issue of mining close to lands held by Amerindians or those traditionally used by us, is a cause for concern.? For far too long, we,Cheap NBA Jerseys China, as well as our brothers and sisters of other villages have suffered the consequences of mining.”The Toshaos said that what is particularly alarming is the granting of mining concessions with little regard to community consultation.“In practice what happens is a case where applications are processed without Village Councils having knowledge of it.? After a decision would have been made on the application, a letter is usually sent to the community telling them of the decision.? What has happened to your right to be part of the decision making process?”This can be seen in the case of Kako,Cheap NHL Adidas Jerseys, which community now faces a scenario where a mining licence has been granted for mining to commence in the Kako River, an area which was never open to mining.The concerned village leaders stated that the community did not know of the application, but letters of notice of approval from the GGMC and the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs were sent to the village..According to the letter, the GGMC was satisfied that there would be no effect on the community, however it is very unclear how this presumption was arrived at or whether there was any Environmental Impact Assessment carried out to