Ministry of Amerindian Affairs salutes all Amerindians

- pledges continued support for Amerindian Development

As Indigenous Peoples around the world celebrate the 17th International Day, the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs honours Amerindians across all regions of Guyana and all Indigenous Peoples around the world.

Guyana is home to some 70,000 Indigenous people, approximately ten per cent of its total population. Our Amerindian brothers and sisters continue to play a big role in our development. Their sterling contributions in the areas of education, economic and social development, culture, health and human rights do not go unnoticed.

Amerindians have a unique way of life, worthy of emulation. We recognise their contribution in keeping our forests intact especially that the effects of climate change are becoming more evident.

Government of Guyana will continue to foster the agenda for Amerindian development through the formulation and implementation of policies and programmes that will help to alleviate poverty in Amerindian communities and also to foster the integration of Amerindians in the wider society without compromising their distinct culture.

Guyana being a signatory to several international declarations and with the implementation of various pieces of legislations for the protection and promotion of Indigenous people, has seen over the years quantum leaps in Amerindian and hinterland development. Following the principles of free, prior and informed consent, we continue to invest significantly in their development.

With increasing budgetary allocations, Amerindians today, in spite of their geographical locations have better access to an education through the construction of schools in the villages, granting of local and international scholarships for Amerindian students to pursue tertiary and secondary education in various disciplines and health care services via the construction of health centres in almost all the villages and trained Community Health Workers, doctors and other medical personnel. Additionally better road linkages and our investments in income generating projects have boosted the livelihoods of Amerindians. These include our investments in presidential Grants, National Hinterland Secure Livelihood, Land Demarcation and Titling, Hinterland Solar electrification, Road and Water Programmes, School Uniform and our soon to be implemented Community development Plans and Hinterland Housing pilot project are expected to significantly aid in the transformation of village development.

The recently concluded National Toshaos Conference is evidence of our commitment to advancing the indigenous peoples rights to self determination. We believe in partnership with our people for development through community outreaches and dialogue at the highest level of decision making. As we continue o advance this trajectory path of growth, we are reminded of the challenges ahead. Nevertheless, we take this opportunity to reinforce our position of fostering partnership with our indigenous population for our economic advancement. Moreover, the establishment of the constitutional Indigenous Peoples Commission is a manifestation of the Government’s affirmation of the mandate to advance and protect the rights of all Indigenous peoples.

Even as we celebrate the privileges and opportunities of our Amerindian brothers and sisters as Guyanese, who choose to integrate rather than isolate, to cooperate rather than be lackadaisical, to participate rather than depend, we join the struggle of other Indigenous Peoples in the world, in their continuous cause to fight for their lands, languages, and cultural identity that are being eroded and threatened by abuse, whim and caprice of unscrupulous people. The Indigenous People of Guyana do not have to fight these battles as the Government remains their strongest ally.