Leader of the Liberty and Justice Party and former Toshao Lennox Shuman is calling on members of the indigenous community to be patient with the new government following complaints about under-representation in the new cabinet.
The only indigenous person in the new cabinet is the Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai.
In a statement, Mr. Shuman said he has received an avalanche of messages and calls from indigenous citizens expressing their dismay with the representation in cabinet. He said the one person in the 23-member cabinet means it is just 4% of the cabinet.
Some of those complaining reminded Shuman that the last government had four indigenous citizens in its cabinet and they were all in senior positions.
But the LJP Leader in response to the criticism from the indigenous community said the President has repeatedly committed to an “inclusive” government with adequate representation from all races and segments of society.
He said the President has started his term in office at a blistering pace towards accomplishing his promises and therefore they should allow time for the full administration to be appointed.
“We also take this opportunity to remind our brothers and sisters and ourselves that this is only the first week since His Excellency’s swearing-in and already he has set a blistering pace towards accomplishing his promises. While it is our duty to offer constructive criticism, it is also our duty to allow time for the full administration to be appointed”, Shuman said.
Shuman said he is sure that the President’s sensitivity to the Indigenous peoples will be demonstrated in his consultations moving forward.
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