The Chairman of the National Toshaos Council (NTC), Toshao Derrick John, has defended a decision earlier this week at the NTC Conference to block two Opposition politicians from participating in consultations between Government officials, the Toshaos and Village Leaders.

According to a statement from Mr. John, the consultations were closed door and did not cater for all persons attending the meeting. However, he stated that while the sessions were closed door, it was broadcast live to the other parts of the conference centre, where the NTC meeting is taking place.

He explained that the Amerindian Act 2006 clearly states that the National Toshaos Council has the authority to determine its own procedures, and in consultations with the Minister, may establish rules governing such procedures.

He said entry into the closed door sessions required special accreditation and those ejected from the meeting and those prevented from entering the meeting, did not have the special accreditation.

The NTC Chairman, accused Opposition MP Vincent Henry, who was thrown out of the closed door meeting, of impersonating another delegate with a fake badge.

Toshao John said the NTC stands by its decision to take action at the meeting.

Indigenous Opposition MP Vincent Henry complained that he was removed from the Conference Centre by a Police Officer, as he sat through a presentation that was being made by the Natural Resources Minister. Another indigenous Opposition member, former MP Mervyn Williams said he was blocked from entering one of the meetings by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, and was also told he would have to leave the Convention Centre.

In a statement to the media, Mr. Williams accused the Government of orchestrating the ejections and said the current government would stop at nothing to have control over the NTC.

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