Aspire to be productive, and ambitious young people

- Minister Sukhai urges visiting Region # 9 students

Georgetown, GINA, August 27, 2012

Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai on August 27, 2012 was warmly greeted by pupils from three Region # 9 Primary schools during the annual Heritage Educational tour to the Capital City, Georgetown.

Eighteen children accompanied by teachers from Primary Schools of Apoteri, Rewa and Crashwater villages visited the Ministry during which they were given a tour of the Quamina Street office and interacted with Minister Sukhai who explained the Ministry’s operations.

Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai is surrounded by pupils of Apoteri, Rewa and Crashwater Primary Schools, Region # 9 along with two teachers and former NTC Chairperson, Yvonne Pearson

Minister Sukhai focused on the Project Department, explaining that it is actively involved with Amerindian villages as it relates to the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), Community Development Project (CDP) and Presidential Grants. The pupils showed interest in the Community Development Projects while the Minister spoke about it.

Rewa Primary School pupil, Damian Mark chirpily asked Minister Sukhai, “How’s Georgetown?” Each of the schools’ children sang a song for the Minister.

Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai interacting with pupils of Apoteri, Rewa and Crashwater Primary Schools and their teachers. Also in photo is former NTC Chairperson, Yvonne Pearson.

Minister Sukhai wished the pupils all the best in their future endeavours and urged, “Be leaders in your community, participate in community activities and also as you grow older participate in village work and not only aspire to be young people but aspire to be productive, engaging, energetic and ambitious young people. “I hope that in a couple of months some of you join us in Georgetown at our new dormitory to benefit from the Scholarship programme that is offered by the Government and I’m going to look forward for some of the faces I’m seeing here”.

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NTC presents resolutions reaffirming support to Opt in Mechanism, normalcy in Region Ten

Georgetown, GINA, August 9, 2012

Chairperson and Former Chair of the National Toshaos Council (NTC), Derrick John and Yvonne Pearson respectively today outlined and presented two resolutions to the 6th NTC Conference, after which they were handed over to President Donald Ramotar.

Pearson in highlighting the first resolution pointed out that the majority of Toshaos and Village Leaders have affixed their signatures supporting the draft ‘Opt in Mechanism’ subsequent to it being examined and discussed at the village levels.

“We the Toshaos and elected representatives of the Amerindian villages and communities record our resolution for the support of the LCDS and we affirm our continued support for the implementation of the strategy,” she said.

According to Pearson, the resolution which was presented confirms that support is given in full towards the ‘Opt in Mechanism’ after discussion and in keeping with the principles of free prior and informed consent and which expressively demonstrates their participation.

The former NTC Chair stated that in 2007 the Council passed a resolution in support of Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), in recognition of the danger climate change poses to society.

In 2009, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), was inked between the Governments of Guyana and Norway, and in 2010 according to Pearson another resolution was passed by the NTC supporting the implementation of the LCDS strategy.

“There will always be some doubtful Thomases, but it is we who have the confidence, who have understood, we who knew that it was important, gave our support in the form of a resolution at that occasion,” she said.

Meanwhile, Derrick John in presenting the second resolution spoke of some of the negative impacts the Linden protest action have had on residents of Regions Seven, Eight, Nine and Ten, as he noted that hundreds continues to suffer from the shortage of food, fuel and medical supplies.

“Even as we speak there are breadwinners who cannot go to work because of lack of fuel and transportation…a few days ago when the Toshaos raised their concerns it brought tears to my eyes for the suffering we are going through, because of the actions of irresponsible persons,” he said.

The resolution which the Toshaos have collectively endorsed, called on Organisations, persons and institutions who are responsible for the Linden protest to act wisely and to put all differences aside and for together for the best interest of the country as a whole.

“We also call on the Leaders of the two Opposition parties to continue to work with the Government to restore peace in Guyana, especially in the town of Guyana,” John said.

The resolution also supported the Government in taking all necessary actions possible to restore the breach in security and route for all to traverse freely.

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$1.2B GRIF agreement sealed – will finance Amerindian development projects

Georgetown, GINA, August 9, 2012

The Guyana Government feels vindicated in its efforts to prove to the world that its forest resources are among its most valuable assets and that those at the centre should benefit from the remuneration for providing environmental services to the world.

Today’s signing of a pact between the Guyana Government and the implementing partner for the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) adds to the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) achievements in pursuing efforts to improve the quality of life for Amerindians.

The agreement, witnessed by elected leaders of all Amerindian villages will see funding to the tune of $1.2B deposited to the Amerindian Development Fund (ADF) through which an initial $360M will be made available for the execution of projects earmarked under the Community Development Projects (CDPs).

Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh, Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai and United Nations Resident Representative Khadija Musa signing off on the disbursement of the Guyana REDD + Investment Fund (GRIF) to the Amerindian Development Fund

Signing on behalf of the Guyana Government was Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh and Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai and UNDP Resident Representative Khadija Musa who delivered greetings on behalf of the UN Secretary General on the occasion of UN designated Day of World Indigenous Peoples today.

President Donald Ramotar and Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, former Chairperson of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Yvonne Pearson and newly elected Chair, Derrick John were the immediate witnesses to the signing.

The government is looking to several other implementing partners like the UNDP coming on board and may soon see advances from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) which has already committed considerable resources and efforts in identifying project interests within the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).

The signing ended almost two years of waiting and anxiety for the funds Guyana earned through a partnership with the Kingdom of Norway considered a model forest carbon services agreement.
Under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Guyana will earn up to US$250M up to 2015 and having discharged its obligations in implementing the terms and conditions in the MoU the Norwegian made two disbursements totalling $70M in the World Bank GRIF account.

Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh and United Nations Resident Representative Khadija Musa exchange documents after signing off on the GRIF in the presence of President Donald Ramotar, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, former Chairperson of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Yvonne Pearson and incumbent NTC Chairman Derrick John

President Donald Ramotar in his remarks hailed the Norwegian Government for their forthright, advanced, enlightened and tangible position in the fight against climate change.
“All of us recognise the danger that climate change brings to the whole world and all of us carry some responsibility to fight against climate change and the Norwegians have shown a great clarity and purpose and for that reason we want to thank them and thank the international community,” President Ramotar said.

While expressing anticipation to have full support from all communities, the UNDP Representative called on leaders to not let this venture be a one off initiative, but urged that they initiate projects that will ensure revenue continues to be injected into their communities.

Credit was also given to Guyana’s former President and Champion of the Earth awardee Bharrat Jagdeo, who masterminded the LCDS model that promotes economic development and the maintenance of sustainable environmental health.

The LCDS has evolved out of the former President’s Initiative on Avoided Deforestation launched in December 2008 and is seen as the solution to combating climate change which poses a significant threat to the world while promoting economic development through receiving payments for preserving Guyana’s pristine rain-forests.

Jagdeo advocated the case for standing forests and their values and the need for the international community to recognise the importance of remuneration.
Guyana’s 15 million hectares of rainforests is at the centre of the strategy and the country’s indigenous peoples were hailed for perpetuating custodianship of the resources for centuries.
“We owe as a country and we owe as a world a debt of recognition… to those who have guarded these forests, for centuries before us,” Minister Singh said.

The government had anticipated the economic opportunities that would it would have had to forego in its pursuit of a policy to manage its natural resources in a sustainable and responsible manner.

“We have always been unwavering in our recognition of the value of standing forests, in our recognition of the need for sustainable management of natural resources and of the need for responsibility towards the natural environment.” Minister Singh said.

Other countries are now seeking Guyana’s help and guidance on REDD+ and at a recent climate change forum in Suriname representatives of Guyana shared information and experiences on climate policies, strategy and stakeholder engagement processes.

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Eight Amerindian villages receive titles to land

– five more pending

Georgetown, GINA, August 9, 2012

Eight Amerindian villages received their land titles today, reducing to five the number of villages pending as the government fulfills its mandate through the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs of completing the titling of all 120 Amerindian villages in Guyana.

President Donald Ramotar performed the duty of handing over certificates to the respective Toshaos on day four of the National Toshao Council (NTC) meeting at the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC).

The villages are Kato, Kariabo, Batavia, Kambaru, Tasarene, Kangaruma, Rupunau and River’s View.
Titling is a grant to the community/village that follows a series of dialogue at the village/community level where consensus is arrived relating to the parameters of interest that are to be plotted.

President Donald Ramotar and Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai with the eight Toshaos who received their land title certificates

The hand plotted boundaries are submitted for application in a diagram format accompanied by a letter, stating the name of the community, population and a description of the area based on natural boundaries.

Ratification from a two-thirds majority of those attending the village meetings is a prerequisite submission, according to Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai who witnessed the hand over. Titling precedes the demarcation process.
The application is also accompanied by an authorisation for the village council to make the submission the Minister of Amerindian Affairs.

The land titling process could have been accelerated had the government anticipated the delays in the disbursement of the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF) which is being managed by the World Bank.

“The two years or more we have waited for funds from GRIF sometimes of course we cannot wait forever so we have had to utilise some funds to get this moving forward,” Minister Sukhai said.

The process was also hindered when the opposition political parties by a one seat majority rejected the $18.7M which the government had earmarked from the anticipated forest carbon funds for Amerindian communities’ development.

President Donald Ramotar handing over a land title certificate to Toshao of Rupunau Daniel Aguilar

“The committed position of this government is to complete the titling of Amerindian villages for the application submitted,” Minister Sukhai said as she assured the remaining five villages of government’s commitment to granting their land titles.

President Ramotar at the opening ceremony of the NTC announced that another pact with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in September will see the implementation and completion in three years, land titling and demarcation of villages that have submitted applications.

Villages that have been approved for demarcation and the processing of 41 applications for extension of lands will also be covered through a committed sum $1.5B.
To date 104 Amerindian communities are titled.

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Guyana joins in observing World Indigenous Day

Georgetown, GINA, August 9, 2012

Guyana today joined the rest of the world in celebrating the United Nations’ designated International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples and, Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai spared no effort in highlighting the role the Indigenous people play in the social, political and economic development at the national and international levels.

During the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference today, Minister Sukhai stated that Guyana’s model for indigenous development has constantly raised the country’s image, which has been supported thus far, with the country being among the first 14 to implement the UN mechanism towards the rights of Indigenous peoples.

2005-2015 has been proclaimed by the United Nations as international decade of the rights of Indigenous peoples. A world conference is also planned in recognition of the occasion in 2014.

“As Amerindians, we are known for simple life, yet it does not take away from us as a people the intricate arts and crafts that we have produced, our language that we have observed and our cultural practices that linked our spirituality with a common respect to our environment which has helped us to preserve today the forest,” she said.

The theme for this year’s World Indigenous Day is “International Media- Empowering Indigenous Voices’ and aim to highlight the importance of Indigenous Media in challenging stereotypes.

According to Minister Sukhai, challenging stereotype is not uncommon in Guyana, as many have perceived Amerindians and perpetuated the wrong concept about their culture and way of life.

“Guyana has managed to support the growth and position of indigenous people. The government strength allows us to enforce through legislation many of the rights and privileges which we now enjoy. The ministry remains in the forefront working in a united way for and with Amerindians to have any remnants of such stereotype attitude eradicated,” the Minister stated.

While this year’s theme forges identity to community with the outside world, Government has and will continue to promote the participation of indigenous people, with the NTC being one such, she stated.

Meanwhile, United Nations Development Programme, Resident Representative, Khadija Musa who delivered a message on behalf of the Secretary General, Ban ki-Moon stated that since the adoption of the UN declaration Indigenous peoples, communities and individuals have been taking advantage of the reach of traditional news media to have their voices heard.

“Indigenous voices are recounting repelling stories of how they are combating centuries of injustice and discrimination, and advocating for the resources and rights that will preserve their cultures, languages, spirituality and traditions,” she said.

The message also called on Member States and the mainstream media to create and maintain opportunities for indigenous peoples to articulate their perspectives, priorities and aspirations.

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‘Opt in Mechanism’ provides prospect for Amerindian titled lands to be included in LCDS model

– Nokta

Georgetown, GINA, August 9, 2012

Head of the Climate Change Unit, Office of the President, Shyam Nokta today discussed the opt in mechanism with Amerindian leaders on the final day of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) meeting, explaining that currently only state lands are involved in the forest conservation agreement, with the Kingdom of Norway.

As the country moves ahead with the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), it is important that the ‘opt in mechanism’ is finalised, which will bring some clarity to misconceptions which were peddled on the strategy by detractors.

Citing the need for negativity to be a thing of the past, Nokta put to rest some of the speculations pointing out that the ‘opt in mechanism’ presents an opportunity for Amerindian titled lands with forest to be included in the model and receive payments based on performance. In the interim, communities that are not willing to opt-in, will still benefit from financing to be derived.

“Amerindians and all Guyanese will benefit from the projects under the LCDS. Secondly, as the LCDS progresses, the principle of free, prior and informed consent will apply to the ‘Opt in Mechanism’….once villages decide to opt-in they will be provided with information to assist their decision,” he said.

Nokta pointed out that the LCDS has gained the country international recognition as one of the most progressive of its kind, with countries not only embracing its concept, but also calling on Guyana to help in shaping a green economy.

“Only yesterday (Wednesday), we returned from a visit to neighbouring Suriname where there is interest in pursuing REDD+ and where we have set up a cooperation framework to share our experiences,” he said.

Guyana is one of few countries in the world to be paid for climate services its forest provides, and according to Nokta, while the partnership has been deemed highly ambitious, there have been many challenges.

During the first year of the partnership between Guyana and Norway which saw the country earning US$30M, efforts were apace to have the requisite necessities in determining forest size data in place and the establishment of a Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV), system implemented.

“As we (country), move forward, there were many who tried to stop Norway from making a second payment, even though our country has earned the money. Norway rejected those arguments, and we were paid our second payment of US$40M for the climate services our forest had delivered,” he said.

In addition, the agreement in year three caters for financing for several projects, hence the inking of the US$6M agreement on August 9, which will see the commencement of developmental projects in hinterland communities.

Nokta stated that while efforts were apace to rectify hindrances in the first and second years, Guyana is currently undergoing an independent verification process which will pave the way for the country to receive the third payment for its forest preservation.

While reaffirming that Guyana and Norway’s partnership will continue to stay the course, he stated that a significant amount of money will go towards Amerindian development with the approval and completion of Community Development Plans (CDPs). Of the sum, $360M will be made available for the Amerindian Development Fund.

In addition, the Head of Clime Change Unit spoke of Guyana’s commitment to ensuring that Amerindians benefit from rights to their lands, through a titling process. To date, the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs has granted 96 titles to Amerindian communities.

“As outlined in the LCDS, Government will continue to work to progress titling, demarcation and extension requests…we all recognise that this is a costly exercise which is why one of the priority projects under the LCDS to receive funding will support land titling,” Nokta said.

Prior, a proposed ‘Opt in Mechanism’ was highlighted in the May 2010 version of the LCDS and in 2011 an Opt in Concept paper was considered by the Multi-Stakeholder Steering Committee and presented to the NTC for review.

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Amerindian leaders petition against Linden blockade

Georgetown GINA, August 9, 2012

Forty-five Amerindian Leaders today submitted a petition to the Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai against the Linden blockade.

The petition bearing the forty-five signatures read:

“We the Toshaos and Senior Councillors of North Central, South Central and Deep South Rupununi, Region 9, hereby express our displeasure of the unruly protest in the mining town of Linden.

We further state that we acknowledge the constitutional right of every Guyanese, including Lindeners, to peaceful protest. However, the Linden protest which started peacefully, escalated to protesters blocking the only main public thoroughfare, from vehicular and human traffic particularly to and from Regions 8 and 9 which has brought immense difficulties to the people of the Regions.

The Amerindian Leaders of Region 9 had no option but to make diversion via Rockstone through to Bartica and Parika to attend the annual National Toshaos Conference meeting at the National Conference Centre August 6 – 9, 2012.

This has not only caused inconvenience but brought unwelcome additional cost to bus services of Lethem, including the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs. We, Toshaos and Senior Councilors strongly condemn the criminal acts of extremist protesters, as such recommend that the Opposition parties and Government negotiate in a peaceful and respectful manner with the people of Linden to amicably bring the situation to normalcy.”

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New toshaos sworn-in as Rural Constables

-at NTC Conference

Georgetown, GINA, August 7, 2012

As the National Toshaos Council (NTC) conference continues at the Guyana International Conference Center (GICC), Liliendaal, over 80 new toshaos were today administered the oath of office of Rural Constables (RCs) by ranks of ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

These toshaos now have the power of arrest in executing the functions of an RC in their individual communities.

Toshaos taking the oath of office of Rural Constables at the Guyana International Conference Center (GICC), Liliendaal

RCs are basically civilians who work closely with the police; playing an ancillary role in maintaining law and order at the community level. 

Toshaos who have been re-elected by their villages are already RCs as well as Justices of the Peace.   

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Gov’t remains on Amerindian development path, in midst of challenges

– President Ramotar

Georgetown, GINA, August 6, 2012

Delays in the release of the locked away forest carbon earnings and attempts by a vengeful and callous opposition in the National Assembly have not deterred the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) administration from its pursuit since 1992 to develop the livelihood of Guyana’s indigenous peoples.

President Donald Ramotar in his first address since taking office, to elected Amerindian leaders from 120 communities who converged at the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC) for another round of a four-day dialogue at the National Toshaos Council (NTC) meeting assured of his Administration continuing this development process.

President Donald Ramotar addresses Toshaos and other Amerindian leaders and attendees at the Sixth NTC meeting

The NTC which allows village leaders to capitalise on development in Amerindian Communities has allowed for the leaders to hold meetings with Government officials, with regards to the further development of their village.

At the behest of President Ramotar, the Minister of Finance, Dr Ashni Singh has been mandated to sign off on the Guyana Government’s behalf on a disbursement agreement for the flow of the Guyana REDD + Investment (GRIF) funds, allowing for the implementation of the Amerindian Development Fund Agreement with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The funds are long overdue and the waiting process has delayed land titling in several communities that have filed applications. It has also left many queries unanswered according to Minister of Amerindian, Affairs Pauline Sukhai.

Cabinet Ministers among the attendees at the Opening of the Sixth National Toshaos Council meeting at the Guyana International Conference Centre

The impasse led to a resolution that was ratified by all Toshaos at last year’s NTC meeting, reiterating unanimous support for the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and imploring the Governments of Guyana and Norway to exercise jurisdiction for disbursement of the GRIF fund.
To date 96 land titles have been granted and the government intends to expedite processing of the remaining communities through another pact with the UNDP for land titling and demarcation that will see the implementation and completion within three years, according to President Ramotar.

A sum of $1.5B will cover the cost of implementation for the 41 applications that have been processed for the extension of lands and other villages where demarcation has been approved.
The agreement with UNDP will also see villages benefitting from $360M to fund the implementation of community development plans, designed at the village level, to transform the village economy from current levels to greater viability and sustainability, according to President Ramotar.

A section of the attendees at the Sixth National Toshaos Council Conference on Day One

The government had intended to dedicate $18.3B of the anticipated funds to some aspects of Amerindian community development like land titling as part of the LCDS but, when laid before the parliament it was rejected by the opposition political parties using their one seat majority.

President Ramotar assured that the government intends to approach with resilience, the majority of projects earmarked for development.

The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs covered the cost incurred for travel, accommodation and other logistics for the Toshaos in time for the conference although some were delayed and forced to detour their usual travel route after being denied passage at Linden where protestors are continuing their siege over government’s proposed electricity tariff hike and the recent clash with police.

The protest that began on July 18 is taking its toll on frontier communities in Regions Seven, Eight, Nine and parts of Region Ten that depend on the thoroughfare passing through Linden.

Major discomfiture is being experienced as businesses are losing big time and the supply of critical social and utility services such as health, water and electricity are curtailed. Food and transport costs for Lindeners and interior communities beyond have inflated.
Within the last week, vehicles transporting fuel and other supplies to hinterland communities were vandalised at Linden and daily reports are surfacing of truck drivers and other motorists being held at ransom.

President Donald Ramotar and his Cabinet members at the opening of the Sixth National Toshaos Council meeting

“We mustn’t be held at ransom for their cause… we have our challenges like land issues but we don’t intend to block roads just for our rights to be recognised… when we passed through Mabura the shops were closed and there was nothing for us to buy, the place was completely dark,” Toshao of Nappi Region Nine, Guy Fredericks, who was among those who went through the ordeal at Linden, told the media today.

Concerned over the worsening state of affairs in the bauxite town, President Ramotar bemoaned the impediment that commuters and other citizens who inevitably depend on the road have to endure.

“I have asked and I’m trying to get it done as fast as I can… the security forces to help so that people can have unimpeded access through the community so that they can carry on with their lives and their business,” President Ramotar said.

Protestors in the town, backed by the opposition forces and the leadership of the Region Ten Administration are continuing to hold ground and taking positions which many say are unjustifiable while the Government is still counting on a phased implementation of the new tariff system in the Region.

Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai addresses the gathering at the opening of the NTC meeting

“We still are prepared to go in a very gradual way in order to put the community together with the rest of the country. I know that some people have been arguing that the economic situation in the community needs to be improved but… that’s an argument that can be applied to any part of our country and if the people of St Ignatius in the Rupununi have to pay for electricity, it’s only fair that all of us to pay our fair share,” President Ramotar said.

Very soon the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs will unveil plans for Amerindian Heritage Month, held annually in September and intends to promote an activity this year that goes beyond fanfare.

The government is welcoming the input of bright ideas in the endeavour and is also pursuing the course of preservation of various aspects of the indigenous people’s culture such as language.

Among the areas that will be addressed during the conference are: governance and legislative issues, administrative and resource management and the ‘opt - in’ mechanism for the LCDS.
Toshaos will be sworn in as Rural Constables and Justice of the Peace.

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Speedy release of GRIF Funds needed

- to ensure continuity of demarcation and land titling projects – Amerindian Affairs Minister

Georgetown, GINA, August 6, 2012

This year, enhanced focus will be placed on the implementation of the Presidential grants and National Hinterland Development programmes while the Ministry’s Strategic Plan (2011/2012), will see emphasis being place on titling, demarcation and land extensions.

To facilitate the latter, there is need for the speedy release of the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF) funds, Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai said today during the opening ceremony of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) meeting at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal.

“Two years on and we are now closer to conclusion, notwithstanding the tremendous pressure placed on the Ministry, to respond to queries as to when lands are to be titled and demarcated, also reminding us that the village councils followed all the legislative process, before submitting applications,” she said.

Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai addressing attendees at the 6th NTC

Minister Sukhai stated that it is most offensive to Government when Amerindians’ right to land is infringed by delays, when land is a critical component to the cultural and economic wellbeing of Amerindians.

Held under the theme, “Establishing Strategic Approaches and Alliances for Sustaining Amerindian Development, the Sixth NTC today commenced attracting Toshaos, Village Leaders and Councillors from far flung communities.

Minister Sukhai pointed to the fact that the NTC forum which seeks to have Amerindian issues addressed, is also essential as it demonstrates the openness and accessibility of the Government.

Alluding to accountability, Minister Sukhai stated that the Administration can boast of addressing manifesto commitments, and has over the years, transformed promises into programmes to better the lives of Indigenous people, despite limited resources.

“Efforts dedicated by this Government to build on achievements attained with respect to the improvements to the social and infrastructural development across the hinterland have today resulted in greater preparedness by villages to pursue the implementation of sustained economic activity,” she told the gathering.

Throughout the years, the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs has been committing huge sums for the implementation of village priority projects, such as agriculture and tourism.

“This move reinforces Government’s support to Amerindian participation in decision making and shaping their village development. It also establishes the recognition of the capacities and empowerment of Amerindian leaders and villagers,” she noted.

Moving ahead, the Ministries of Culture and Amerindian Affairs will be collaborating to further accelerate the development of sports and Amerindian language and culture through the completion of dictionaries in the nine Amerindian languages.

Minister Sukhai also called for greater attention to be placed on sustainable management and utilisation of forests and other natural resources owned by Amerindians, as the benefits derived will be invested into the further development of villages.

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Governance and accountability

The Amerindian Affairs Minister called for full disclosure of village affairs at general meetings, noting that the Ministry recognises the weaknesses in village administration, particularly with regards accountability.

“We continue to receive complaints and we have identified instances too, which for us is a little too many. I therefore call on the village Toshaos to let us, in this term’s work, correct this issue, since it puts pressure on the scarce financial resources that have to be diverted to conduct village audits when they are not planned,” she said.

Village rules also play an integral role in administrating good governance and to date, 10 hinterland communities have submitted their draft rules. Four have since been returned by the Ministry of Legal Affairs, for final review and consent.

Meanwhile, outgoing NTC Chairperson, Yvonne Pearson who also addressed the gathering left a strong message for collaboration and commitment of leaders, so as to ensure that development takes place.

She stated that regardless of challenges which may arise from time to time, Government has always been supportive of Amerindian development, which is reflective in the many planned policies and programmes at the village levels.

“We are here to build bridges, to narrow gaps, to raise our concerns at the right forum…it is time we wise up and plan our strategy….we were elected by our people to represent the cause of our people and so we have the opportunity to ensure development takes place at all times,” Pearson said.

Development cannot be established, she reminded the leaders if participation and humility are not present, and encouraged the Toshaos to make smart decisions and to not be carried away by negativity which may arise from time to time.

Speaking on criticism in the past which stated that the rights of Amerindians are not respected, Pearson challenged the critics to say in what ways they are not respected.

“We cannot continue to close our eyes and say nothing is happening...if we do that we are not being true to ourselves,” she said.

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Linden situation taking heavy toll on hinterland regions

- Toshaos call for expeditious actions

Georgetown, GINA, August 6, 2012

Outgoing Chairperson of the National Toshaos Council (NTC), Yvonne Pearson this afternoon presented the final report of the 2011 NTC conference, which served to enlighten the newly-elected leaders at this year’s conference on some of the issues raised and achievements made by their predecessors.

Amerindian leaders who sit on the Indigenous Peoples Commission (IPC) were introduced to the new toshaos. Pearson explained that these persons, which included herself, Marco De Souza and Doreen Jacobis, were nominated and elected through a democratic process to represent the interest of Amerindians and urged them to use this opportunity to interface with these representatives on matters of importance to them.

Outgoing Chairperson of the National Toshaos Council (NTC), Yvonne Pearson presenting final report of the 2011 NTC Conference 

She lamented that many leaders are still not fully knowledgeable of the provisions outlined in the Amerindian Act of 2006 and reminded leaders that this piece of legislation set out the guidelines within which villages must function.

Pearson noted that when toshaos have a better understanding of the Act, governance at the village level will be greatly strengthened, as this is still a sore point for many villages.

Leaders expressed their disappointment at the fact that the funds that were paid to Guyana by Norway for forest services have not yet been released by the World Bank.
She explained that their villages and people have a lot of needs that these funds could be used to address, rather than it sitting in a bank account.

Toshaos, particularly those from Regions Eight and Nine complained bitterly of the effects of the Linden unrest on economic activities in their villages. In Region Nine, residents are forced to purchase fuel from Brazil, which is more expensive.

Chairperson of the Indigenous Peoples Commission (IPC), Doreen Jacobis making her contribution at the NTC conference at the Guyana International Conference Center (GICC), Liliendaal

One toshao reported that businesses in his community will be forced to send home workers if the situation persists. They also recalled their difficult journey to Georgetown, where despite being escorted by police ranks, they could not have come to Region Four via Linden.

Toshaos were forced to divert to Rockstone to the Sharima Landing and subsequently back to Bartica in order to reach the City. They expressed anger over the situation as they had to be escorted through their own country and reiterated their call to those responsible to resolve the situation expeditiously.

Amerindian leaders at the National Toshaos Conference 2012

The session closed with leaders discussing the adoption of two resolutions. The first, calls for speedy solution to the Linden issue and the second, for approval for the draft ‘Opt-in Mechanism’, which paves the way for widespread discussions and consultations on the said draft.

Once villages would have made their input, the draft will be restructured to serve as a general guide for villages to opt in and be part of the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).

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Mining, forestry issues addressed at NTC Conference

Georgetown, GINA, August 6, 2012

 Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Robert Persaud and heads of agencies within his sector such as the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC), Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) and the Guyana Gold Board today engaged toshaos at the Guyana International Conference Center (GICC) on the second day of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) meeting.
Minister Persaud in explaining the functions of his Ministry, which is still relatively new, said that the main intention was to bring all the agencies that deal with natural resources under one Ministry so as to have proper coordination, especially in light of the fact that the sector has been rapidly growing.

Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Robert Persaud addressing toshaos at the Guyana International Conference Center (GICC)

He explained that generally with land use, there are always competing interests and one of the primary mandates of the Natural Resources Ministry is to work to minimise and ultimately, eliminate conflicts between communities that are engaged in various land use activities such as large-scale agriculture, mining and logging. 

The Minister said this task cannot be accomplished by Government alone as the onus is on every community to ensure that whatever activity they choose to engage in, is done in an environmentally sustainable and harmonious way. 

The Amerindian Act of 2006 too, stipulates that land use activities should be managed in a coordinated way; while at the same time respecting the rights of Indigenous communities. 

During the interactive session, the issue of land extensions dominated the discussions; this was followed by a number of mining issues that were raised by toshaos. 

Karisparu Toshao, Durant Jeffery complained that the irresponsible mining practices by miners, particularly those from Brazil have resulted in much damage to their land and it is gross exploitation of their mineral resources. This has also led to contamination of their water supply, which poses a threat to their health. 

Toshao Jeffery said that he had asked for the meagre sum of $25,000 per month in royalties and other forms of assistance; however, while some miners agreed, others did not. He is calling on the relevant agencies to look into the matter and to clamp down on mining practices where the environment is not respected.    

Meanwhile, Yupukari Toshao, Rudolph Roberts lamented that some foreign companies have acquired the same piece of land that he had proposed in his application for an extension.  

However, Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai explained that years ago a timber concession was granted to A. Mazarally, who has since collaborated in a joint venture with an American company. On the other hand, the application for the extension was only made late last year. 

With regards to royalties, the 20 percent mining that is collected by the GGMC, Minister Sukhai explained that this money is subsequently transferred to the Amerindian Affairs Ministry and is then disbursed to support non-mining communities based on project proposals that they would have submitted through the NTC’s executive body. 

Mining communities on the other hand, benefit from seven or more percent in tributes paid to them. 

Campbelltown Toshao, Marbel Thomas issued a call to the GGMC to convene a session with residents of his community to bring them up-to-date with the provisions of the Mining Act and a commitment was made on the part of the Commission to ensure that this was done. 

Meanwhile, Isseneru Toshao, Lewis Larson is calling for the establishment of a gold board closer to his community as often times they have to travel all the way to Georgetown just to sell a few ounces of gold. 

Minister Persaud explained that the absence of commercial banks and the appropriate security systems are the major hindrances in establishing gold boards in certain areas. 

The Ministry has managed to convince the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) to open a branch in Port Kaituma, Region One, in whose building a gold board will be established as well; while another will be established at Charity, Region Two.     

Toshaos were also given a detailed presentation of the process to be followed for the issuance of special mining permits.  

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Amerindian Ministry supports Upper Mazaruni games

- donates $2M

Georgetown, GINA, August 6, 2012

The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs has assisted the Upper Mazaruni games with $2M as part of its efforts to foster and promote community activities within the Hinterland regions. Minister Sukhai handed over the cheque to the organising committee of the games at the opening day of the Sports on Sunday at the Waramadong Ground, Region Seven. Also present was Regional Chairman, Gordon Bradford. The Upper Mazaruni week of Sports is an annual event facilitated by the Government and it allows various community groups within Region Seven to compete among themselves.

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Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai delivering brief remarks at Regional Week of Sports, Region 7

The series of events is aimed at fostering community integration and group involvement, as well as the development of sports in the various communities and districts overall. Minister Sukhai expressed her pleasure for being a part of the event and being able to experience and witness the strength and commitment of the sports men and women in the region. 

Some of the competitors in the Regional Week of Sports

"The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs has always been a strong supporter of this activity. It is part of our mandate to support the all round development of not only the village but, also of young people," Minister Sukhai said. She also praised the annual turn-out and support of the event. "The audience never ceased to surprise me," the Minister said.

A section of the audience at the games

In 2011, a cheque of $1M was handed over by the Ministry to the organising committee of the games.

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