By Tiana Cole | HGP Nightly News
Guyana is once again making its presence felt on the international stage, this time at the 24th Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, held in New York from April 21 to May 2, 2025.
Leading the Guyanese delegation, Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai delivered a passionate address, reaffirming the state’s unwavering commitment to the empowerment and rights of indigenous women, particularly through education, healthcare, political inclusion, and economic opportunities.
“Thirty years ago, when I entered Parliament, there were few Indigenous women parliamentarians. Today, 39% of women in Parliament are Indigenous,” Sukhai proudly noted.
Sukhai highlighted nationally funded programs that support entrepreneurial ventures in agriculture, eco-tourism, and traditional crafts, with 63% of youth entrepreneurship and apprenticeship participants now being Indigenous women.
Access to health care and education were also identified as key pillars in Guyana’s development strategy for its remote communities.
New telemedicine services, expanded health infrastructure, and financial aid for universal health and cancer screenings are improving lives in Amerindian villages.
Guyana’s Indigenous students now benefit from:
- Tuition-free university and technical education
- Fully funded international scholarships
- Expanded teacher training and ICT access
These measures, according to the minister, are helping to close access gaps and elevate future Indigenous leaders.
Sukhai also spotlighted the recent passage of Guyana’s Family Violence Act, calling it a “pivotal milestone” in protecting women and girls across the country.
“This law strengthens our legal framework on domestic violence, enhances protection for victims, and ensures that offenders are held accountable,” she said, emphasizing its importance in Indigenous communities.
Forum Theme: UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
Held under the theme “Implementing the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples”, this year’s session brought together UN member states, civil society, and Indigenous leaders to share progress and challenges in ensuring Indigenous rights and inclusion.
