Moraikobai Toshao New NTC Chairperson - as 20-member executive board elected

Georgetown, GINA, August 8, 2012 -- Source - GINA

Moraikobai Toshao, Derrick John was elected the new Chairperson of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) this evening as 20 Toshaos were elected to the Executive Board at the end of the third day of the NTC conference.

The new chairman at a press conference held at the Guyana International Conference Centre at the end of the election, said that he knows that there are tremendous challenges ahead but with the support of the Minister, the Ministry and fellow Toshaos, the team will be able to deliver.

Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai flanked by members of the outgoing NTC Executive Board

“I have gained a lot of knowledge and experience from former Chair Toshao Pearson…she has been a great leader to us…she had set a good example and great encouragement…now that I am taking up the mantle I promise that I will continue to do the good work,” John said.

John said that whilst every issue that the NTC Board has to address are classified as priorities, the feedback thus far from the conference indicated that much more sensitisation work has to be done to Amerindians about the benefits that the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) can bring.

Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai, who along with outgoing Chairperson Yvonne Pearson, overlooked the election process.

Minister Sukhai congratulated the newly elected twenty-member team and expressed optimism that they will execute their functions with diligence. She pledged her Ministry’s support to support them in their

“Among the executives we have a very wide variety of leadership coming from all the sub-regions of the various regions that the Amerindian regions are scattered across and the skill mix is going to bring a greater level of functioning of the NTC,” Minister Sukhai said.

Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai flanked by members of the newly elected National Toshao Council Executive Board

She added that the task ahead of the Board is a challenging one; as such they will immediately meet to address a plan of action, as they have already selected August 31 as their first business meeting.

Deputy vice- chair Joel Fredericks of Mainstay/Whyaka expressed his gratitude for being elected to the new office and pledged his energies and strength towards achieving the goals of the NTC.

Outgoing Chairperson, Yvonne Pearson said that she was pleased with the representation of the newly elected NTC Executive Board as it comprises hardworking Toshaos from all the administrative regions.

“I am pleased with the composition…I am confident that this team will build on the foundation that was laid…over the past years we have done a lot of work to bring recognition to the National Toshaos Council, representing our people at all levels…I am happy with this team…it makes me feel good that our work will not go down the drain,” Pearson said.

New NTC Chairperson, Derrick John of Moraikobai, Region 5

Pearson also expressed gratitude to Minister Sukhai for assisting her during her reign as Chair.

Members of the outgoing NTC Executive Board were honoured with plaques for their contributions.