PNCR Executive Slams NTC’s Endorsement of Low Carbon Strategy, Citing Breach of Indigenous Rights
Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly News
A prominent Indigenous rights advocate and executive member of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Mervyn Williams, has strongly condemned the National Toshaos Council (NTC) for what he describes as an “unauthorized endorsement” of the government’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, without fulfilling the requirements for free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC).
Williams contends that the NTC had “absolutely no consultation” with Indigenous communities before signing on to a resolution that aligned the NTC with the LCDS and its carbon credits initiative. The initiative, spearheaded by the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) government, offers financial incentives to Indigenous villages in exchange for their participation in climate preservation efforts.
“This same NTC that claimed authority to sign such a resolution did so in clear violation of international Indigenous rights protocols under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples,” Williams said.
He further accused the NTC leadership of routinely violating procedural standards in matters affecting Indigenous people, arguing that political interference by the PPP/C has compromised the integrity of the body meant to represent Indigenous voices.
“They [PPP/C] believe every Indigenous person can be bought,” he added.
Williams is particularly alarmed ahead of the 2025 National Toshaos Conference, scheduled to open on Monday, May 19, asserting that the voices of authentic Indigenous leaders may be silenced during the annual gathering. He claims that since the PPP/C assumed office, there has been no substantial movement toward revising the Amerindian Act of 2006, a critical piece of legislation to protect Indigenous rights and empower communities.
“You had five years to consult and update this Act in a meaningful way, but nothing has been done,” he charged.
The Amerindian Act is expected to fully integrate Indigenous peoples into national development while safeguarding their cultural and territorial rights. However, Williams believes that the law’s current stagnation and alleged political manipulation of Indigenous representation undermines its original intent.
Repeated efforts by this newscast to secure an update from the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, including Minister Pauline Sukhai, on the progress of consultations for amending the Act have proven futile.
The mounting criticism comes as Guyana’s Indigenous communities navigate a critical juncture—balancing climate change cooperation and carbon finance with the preservation of their autonomy and legal protections.
