Guyana: Carolyn Rodrigues for new Cabinet

Guyana, South America - President-elect Bharrat Jagdeo last evening named the first minister in his new Cabinet. Carolyn Rodrigues will retain her portfolio as Minister of Amerindian Affairs. Jagdeo who was re-elected president in the just concluded general and regional elections made the announcement while addressing an audience at the Umana Yana at the launching of Amerindian Heritage month.

According to a release from the Government Information Agency (GINA) the President also said that that he was hurt when he heard that an unnamed country (Suriname) was preparing to accommodate Guyanese refugees in anticipation of a possible outbreak of violence following Monday's polls. Post-elections violence has blighted this country since 1992 and many were fearful that there would have been attacks this time around.

Jagdeo did not give any further hints of the make-up of his cabinet, but he lauded the performance of Rodrigues, describing her as a wonderful person who has worked hard and genuinely cares for the people. He said he needed people like Rodrigues to work with him. Jagdeo also said that much more work needs to be done in indigenous communities, promising that his government for the next five years would focus on that.

He also addressed a few words to PNCR-1G presidential candidate Robert Corbin who was also at the event.

"I want to say to Mr. Corbin who is here that it will be our task over the next five years to take this country forward. We have to find ways, innovative ways to work together to solve the problems of our people".

Source: Starbroek News 09/02/06

Caribbean Indigenous Peoples Support the Passage of the United Nations Declaration on the Right of Indigenous Peoples

UCTP Public Notice: A petition to support passage of the United Nations Declaration on the Right of Indigenous Peoples has been organized by the Grand Council of the Crees and Amnesty International Canada. The names and organizations collected on this petition will be used to promote adoption of the draft Declaration to governments around the world.

After UCTP Consultation in the Region, Caribbean Indigenous Representatives verified in their support of the United Nations Declaration on the Right of Indigenous Peoples included United Confederation of Taino People (Caribbean & US), Consejo General de Tainos Boricanos (Puerto Rico), Caney Quinto Mundo (Puerto Rico), Joboshirima Arawak Community (Venezuela), Fundacion Luz Cosmica Taina (Dom. Republic), Kalinago Carib Nation (Dominica), Guyanese Organization of Indigenous Peoples (Guyana), Eagle Clan Arawaks (Barbados & Guyana), Amerindian Peoples Association (Guyana), Amerindian Action Movement of Guyana (Guyana), and the Garifuna American Heritage Foundation United (US & Caribbean),

The UCTP urges our community, either individually or via their organizations, to support this petition initiative of the Grand Council of the Crees and Amnesty International Canada.

Sign the petition at http://www.amnesty.ca/ip_un_petition/UN_indigenous_rights.php

Review a related story at http://uctp.blogspot.com/2006/06/un-draft-declaration-on-rights-of.html

A Small but Important Victory in the Fight Against Global Warming

California (UCTP Taino News) - The Regional Director of Environmental Defense, Tom Graff announced today that the California state legislature passed the Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32), a bill that establishes a first-in-the-nation statewide cap on global warming pollution. The bill goes to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who has promised to sign it.

As noted by Environmental Defense, the organization who co-sponsored the bill, “This is an incredible achievement in our efforts to fight global warming and represents the most significant momentum to date toward passing a national cap on global warming pollution.”

Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32) puts California in the forefront in the effort to spark interest and investments in new, cleaner energy technologies that will unleash innovation and economic growth for years to come.

Graff also noted that “leaders in Washington and in state capitals across the country have been watching to see what happens with this California bill, and now they know what's possible”.

The organization acknowledged the hard working of its staff in Sacramento and throughout the state to pass this bill. Environmental Defense also acknowledged however that with the grassroots support of tens of thousands of online activists who supported their efforts, the vote would not have been won.

Review Related UCTP Articles and Initiatives on the Global Climate Crises

UCTP Action on Global Climate Crises
http://uctp.blogspot.com/2005/12/uctp-action-on-global-climate-crises.html
UCTP Resolution on Climate Change
http://uctp.blogspot.com/2005/12/uctp-resolution-on-global-climate.html
UCTP Letter to George Bush
http://uctp.blogspot.com/2005/12/uctp-letter-to-president-george-w-bush.html
UCTP Takes Position on Climate Change
http://uctp.blogspot.com/2005/12/uctp-takes-position-on-climate-change.html
URGENT: Call for Action on Climate Change Crisis
http://uctp.blogspot.com/2005/11/urgent-call-for-action-on-climate.html

UCTP Taino News: Happy Birthdays to Community Members

UCTP Taino News: Happy Birthday wishes go out to all who celebrated birthdays in August especially those who did not receive mention in the Taino News like our esteemed UCTP President & Chairman, Roberto Mukaro Borrero... The "Voice" Staff wishes him the best of all things always. You can send him a belated birthday message at uctp_ny@yahoo.com

Now that September is upon us, the UCTP would like to wish a very Happy Birthday to our dear nitou (sister) Claudia Fox Tree (Sept. 1)... Claudia is our UCTP representative in Massachusetts and if you would like to send her a message, you can email her at cfoxtree@lincnet.org

The UCTP also wishes a very Happy Birthday to our dear nitou Evelyn Cruz Lear (Sept. 2)... Evelyn is our UCTP representative in NewJersey and if you would like to send her a message you can email her at thrive4joy@optonline.net

May the Creator continue to smile on these warriors who are in the front lines in defense of our ancient culture!

Not to forget our future generations, the UCTP would also like to wish a very Happy Birthday to a community guaili, Justin Ziegelasch who turns 11 years old today. Justin is the son of UCTP Florida Representative Millie Gandia and his Taino name is Seiba.

Yet another Happy Birthday also goes out to guaili Frankie Borrero who turns 9 today. "Little Frankie" is the nephew of UCTP President and Chairman, Roberto Mukaro Borrero.

As the Creator smiles upon them, we wish this young warriors all the best of everything always!

Han Han Katu.

Guyana: Amerindian Heritage Month Launch Today

Guyana, South America (UCTP Taino News) - September is designated as `Amerindian Heritage Month'. During Heritage Month, Indigenous Peoples from all around the country will come together to celebrate and showcase their products and resources.

During the month-long commemoration, focus will be on cultural, sports and environmental activities in and out of Amerindian communities. There are 9 different indigenous peoples who have inhabited the land which is known as Guyana for several thousand years.

In 1995, the late President Dr. Cheddi Jagan designated September as Amerindian Heritage Month to showcase and promote Amerindian culture and contributions as Guyanese. The observance in September has received recognition from various Amerindian groups because on September 10, 1957, the first Amerindian Parliamentarian Mr. Stephen Campbell of Santa Rosa, Moruca, was sworn in as a Member of Parliament (MP).

UCTPTN 09.01.2006