-ahead of NTC conference
by Kimberly Giddings
Ahead of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference to be held July 20-24, at the Arthu Chung Conference Centre, Minister of Housing Collin Croal has urged village leaders to focus on the bigger picture when they gather for the annual forum.
He made the remarks at the 2026 Regional Toshaos and Community Development Council Chairperson’s meeting. Minister Croal said discussions at the NTC Conference should focus on broad policy directions, national initiatives, programmes and engagements that can deliver greater long-term benefits for indigenous villages.
He added that empowerment communities goes beyond financial support, emphasising the importance of building stronger, more sustainable villages through continued partnerships with the government.
“Oftentimes we look at measurement of empowerment in terms of the financial resources that are put into the communities. But it’s much more than that. It encompasses equipping the communities, yes, with the resources, yes, with the infrastructure, with knowledge, with the institutions… and it’s very important. It’s not about you possessing as leaders the information. It’s about ensuring that your community is informed.It’s about ensuring transparency. It’s about ensuring people are updated,” he said.
While noting that more work is needed to preserve the region’s cultural heritage, the Minister of Housing stressed that socio-economic development remains a key pillar of sustainability.
He also assured residents that the government will continue working with all communities regardless of how they vote, with the goal of ensuring that every Guyanese, irrespective of race, enjoys a sustainable quality of life.