IPC unveils five-year strategy for Amerindian development in Guyana

The Indigenous Peoples Commission (IPC) on Wednesday launched its first five-year strategic plan under the theme, “Building competence and promoting rights of indigenous peoples”.
The plan was made possible with the direct assistance of United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). In presenting the five-year strategy, IPC Chief Executive Officer Autry Haynes said that Amerindians are a humble people seeking to modernise their way of life.
He added that the shifting dynamics, and value of extractive materials and the eco- system services/ forest are some of the issues that lead to the development of the plan. “Within the next five years, IPC will have recommended, promoted and actively contributed to the implementation of relevant policies on rights, empowerment, consultative processes, training and technical assistance, protection, and preservation of the cultural heritage of a more informed and more conscious indigenous people.
With stronger partnerships, more stable resources, and improved services, IPC will be a fully recognised and respected commission representing IP’s rights,” Haynes said, while explaining the commission’s vision.
He noted that the current situation of the Amerindian villages is improving through the development of roads and the introduction of regular air and boat transportation services.
However, he pointed out that Amerindian community initiatives are limited to the interventions made by donors or technical advisor agencies.
“The national and regional authorities have increased support to the Amerindians over the years, but the communities are currently not sufficiently organised to take advantage of this support,” he said.
“Whilst there remains a high level of concern and willingness among the national authorities and external agencies over the situation of the Amerindian peoples; the administration is also plagued with a number of critical human and other resources to address specific preferences and problems that are logistically distant and can be difficult,” Haynes added.
Haynes, in his presentation, said it was observed that the Amerindian communities have become too dependent on “charity” and “gifts”. He noted that this has undermined their willingness to come to grips with their situations and find solutions for their development.
He disclosed that the aim of the IPC is to build indigenous peoples’ competence to deliver services based on the legitimate demands and needs of the indigenous peoples.
It is the specific mandate of the IPC to promote and protect the rights of indigenous peoples; educate employers and the public; and make recommendations to improve employment practices related to indigenous peoples; raise awareness of the contributions of, and problems faced by, indigenous peoples; promote empowerment of indigenous peoples, especially with regard to the village council in the local government system and the scope and the authority of the council of toshaos.
The commission also aims to make recommendations on economic and education policies to advance the interests of indigenous peoples; promote consultation and cooperation with indigenous peoples, especially with regard to their participation in national decision-making and other decisions that affect their lives; ensure administrative improvement, strengthen administration’s Way of Working (WOW); meet the mandates of the commission and legitimate needs and demands of the indigenous peoples; and undertake fundraising.
UNICEF’s Representative to Guyana and Suriname Dr Suleiman Braimoh said the strategy is pertinent to the IPC’s mandate, and he is happy that it is not trying to replace the government. He also pledged UNICEF’s support to look over the success of the strategy and the implementation of recommendations.