APNU Prime Ministerial Candidate Jerreta Fernandes Vows to End Political Interference in Indigenous Affairs
Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly News
Prime Ministerial candidate for the Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Jurretha Fernandes, has vowed to end what she describes as micromanagement and political control within the National Toshaos Council, accusing the current administration of stifling hinterland development.
Speaking at a recent rally in Tapatapa, Lethem, Fernandes declared that under an APNU government, indigenous leaders would have full autonomy over indigenous matters.
“Indigenous leaders will have the greatest say in indigenous matters, and we are going to remove political interference,” she affirmed.
Fernandes, who comes from a Toshao family herself, stressed that hinterland communities have long been neglected and used as political scapegoats. She pledged to increase financial support for leaders, announcing a stipend hike for Toshaos from $40,000 to $200,000.
She also promised a rise in carbon credit allocations from the current 15% to 50%, with funds going directly into the hands of indigenous communities to fuel real development.
“We will be putting monies into the pockets of our people and into the hands of your leaders so that you can see real development,” Fernandes said to loud applause.
The APNU’s manifesto positions these measures as part of its broader vision to empower hinterland communities, strengthen indigenous leadership, and ensure that development is people-centered rather than politically driven.
