Dear Editor,

It is with much surprise, not disappointment, that I note the statement by the Prime Minister, Hon. Mark Phillips. It is a matter of public knowledge that the Prime Minister and I met in his office. It is also true that the Prime Minister and I did discuss several issues relating to Indigenous Peoples development, and I acknowledge that “HE” was receptive to ideas. I take this opportunity to remind the Hon. Prime Minister of my complaints which were: non-inclusion, inequitable development, and “NON-CONSULTATION” with Indigenous Peoples to which he committed to finding a way to establish a channel for dialogue but has yet yielded no result as evidenced by the Marudi Mountain issues.

I also draw the Honourable Prime Minister’s attention to the fact that COP26 was also at the core of our discussions, to which I protested against the administration’s non-consultation with the Indigenous Peoples on the framework within which we are expected to live. I subsequently wrote the President on the matter, which was carried by the non-aligned media entities. As a further example, I point to the issue of Marudi which has gained international attention. It is fact that the Government did not meaningfully consult the rightful owners of the land – the Wapichan Nation of South Rupununi. It is also fact that the government of Guyana under both, the PPP and APNU/AFC administrations, has not done an EIA or ESIA for the Marudi area which is required by law. Without such an assessment, how does one measure the impact on the people who depend on the forest and river for their families’ livelihoods?

It is quite possible that the development  of which the PM speaks of, in defence of his administration, is that the Governments of Guyana, under the PPP and APNU/AFC administrations, cannot account for the over 2 billion dollars missing from the Amerindian Fund as articulated under Part 51.3 of the Amerindian Act of 2006 which states; “The Geology and Mines Commission will transfer 20 percent of the royalties from (the) mining activities to a fund designated by the Minister for the benefit of Amerindian Villages.” Neither administration can account for the monies. One can only guess as to where it ended up. Successive administrations have continued to transpose 1492 to the 21st century where beads are replaced by bicycles, boats, tractors et al in exchange for our silence as our rights get trampled upon. I stand by my previous statement.

Sincerely,

Lenox Shuman, MP

Deputy Speaker