Guyana looks forward to 2014 World Conference on Indigenous Peoples – Minister Sukhai tells UN forum

The Government of Guyana looks forward to the approaching world conference of indigenous peoples in September 2014, and recognises the effort of Member states which have committed support for the preparatory work towards the event.

Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai told the the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), that Guyana feels that the world conference holds many opportunities to discuss with greater zeal specific issues that are affecting indigenous peoples around the world. The Twelfth Session of the Permanent Forum of the UNPFII is being held from May 20 – 31 at the UN Headquarters, New York.

Minister Sukhai stated, “Guyana stands only too willing to provide moral support to all indigenous peoples, and as a country, we uphold with great regard the priorities of the indigenous people of Guyana and with the spirit of cooperation we encourage Member States to continue to work in partnership to bring further resolution as is relevant. Guyana looks forward for a successful world conference on indigenous peoples.”

The Guyana delegation at the United Nations Permanent

Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) From right are:

Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai, Liaison

to the Amerindian Affairs Ministry Yvonne Pearson,

(to the Minister’s right), Programme Coordinator,

Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization Sharon Austin

(behind Minister) and representatives of local

Amerindian groups

She observed that the world conference is an ample opportunity to critically examine indigenous rights issues and development. It would also provide strategies in a consolidated outcome document for strengthening the collective approach to adequately address the issues affecting indigenous peoples worldwide.

Guyana’s Minister pointed out that among the many issues presented during the UNPFII forum, “the one issue that continues to stand out is the issue of collective land tenure security for indigenous peoples. I have noted the references to climate change and the environment including sustainable development, and am hopeful for these issues to be further discussed.”

She noted the importance of indigenous people’s participation at the political and decision making levels in democracies and electoral processes. This, the Minister said offers a formidable opportunity to have direct interventions at the parliamentary level to reinforce positions on national issues and legislations.

“Guyana’s experience records significant indigenous people’s involvement and participation in politics, nation building, and supporting our growing democracy and are active in the electoral process both at the national and local level electoral machinery,” she explained.

Minister Sukhai also highlighted the fact that Constitutional reform in Guyana created access for geographical political representation; “this offers a link to the hinterland regions where indigenous peoples are mostly located. Across political party lines there is a total of six indigenous Members of Parliament and while we work for gender balance, the reality is there are five females and one male parliamentarian in the 10th Parliament of Guyana. At the Cabinet level, two indigenous women hold important portfolios: the position of Foreign Affairs Minister and Amerindian Affairs Minister.”

The results of this rise of the indigenous peoples in Guyana reflect “the recognition and acceptance of the strong voice of the indigenous peoples on matters that are of concern to them and an approach of positive discrimination in their favour however, not at the expense of the diverse ethnic groups of Guyana,” Minister Sukhai emphasised.

She posited that indigenous groups and peoples should never underestimate the power of engaged dialogue with stakeholders including with Governments.

“Guyana’s model offers a formal and direct line to the Head of State for all Amerindian leaders and the Cabinet through Ministerial outreaches. The hub of facilitation is made possible with the establishment of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, which continues to offer representation and facilitation for all related indigenous issues”

Further, indigenous participation at the political and electoral levels remains essential as it offers a platform and mechanisms to increase capacities, capabilities and empowerment skills to better represent the people and their cause and achieves greater interventions that ensure the integration of safe guards to reinforce indigenous development into national policies at the legal, economic, social and cultural levels.

Minister Sukhai reiterated the high level of participation of indigenous people in the development challenges, facing both the government and the indigenous leaders in Guyana.