Gov’t accuses Jagdeo, other PPP officials of attempting to sabotage Toshaos Conference

[www.inewsguyana.com] – The Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs is highly perturbed at the “disrespect” shown to Toshaos who are in Georgetown to attend the conference of the National Toshaos Council (NTC), by incoming Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, General Secretary of the PPP, Clement Rohee, former Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai and Norman Whittaker.

A statement from the Ministry late Sunday night accused the named officials of driving fear into the newly elected Toshaos of Guyana, detailing that on the night of August 16, PPP activist from Region Nine, Allister Charlie and others provided transportation for several Toshaos to attend what was reportedly a meeting planned to discuss the National Toshaos’ Council Conference.

“Information received suggests that Toshaos were not told who the conveners of the meeting were. They were not told where they were going for the meeting either. Believing that they were on their way to an official meeting regarding the NTC conference, they went along. However, they were taken to Red House where the Indigenous Leaders were confronted by the PPP cabal lead by Bharrat Jagdeo. They were first told that they would be given cash and return air fare to their homes,” the statement detailed.

But according to the Ministry, the Toshaos reportedly stood their ground telling “the PPP bullies that they came to the city to attend the NTC conference. They did not come to attend a political meeting or to meet with any political party.”

“Not to be out done, Jagdeo and his side-kicks switched. They then insisted that the Toshaos must ensure that the PPP Toshaos are elected to all the executive positions in the NTC. They suggested that if the conference does not fail, then the PPP must dominate.”

The statement further noted that many Leaders felt betrayed by “Charlie and Pauline Sukhai who are Indigenous people themselves with Sukhai being the last Minister of Amerindian Affairs. The Toshaos reject the bullyism and the divisive message issued by Jagdeo and his clique.”

“The Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs joins with the Indigenous leaders of Guyana in rejecting and condemning in the strongest terms this dastardly act by the PPP in attempting to cause division among our people at this very important juncture in our history. With the NTC, Budget and Heritage celebrations imminent, the agenda of the PPP is clear for all to see.”

According to the Ministry, it will not be surprised if the PPP attempts to further disrupt the proceedings of the National Toshaos’ Conference scheduled to start within the next few hours.

“That notwithstanding, The Ministry is confident that the Toshaos’ rejection of the PPP’s overture is an indication of the maturity of our Indigenous leaders of Guyana and augers well for the success of the NTC conference.”