Booklet on new Amerindian Act to be more user-friendly

Booklet on new Amerindian Act to be more user-friendly
Guyana Chronicle, 5 March 2008
THE Ministry of Amerindian Affairs is currently working on producing
booklets on the new Amerindian Act in languages that will be understood
by the Amerindians.

Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Carolyn Rodrigues, said the legal
language is posing some difficulties and the Ministry wants to make the
document more user-friendly in order that its contents are easily
understood

It was noted that there are booklets on the Amerindian Act already
which are available to the public; however, Amerindian communities
specifically will be targeted for the distribution of these new
booklets.

Minister Rodrigues said that the project which started last year is
almost complete.

Additionally, templates of the forestry and mining sectors are in the
printing process which will serve as a guide for communities that are
involved in the two sectors.

The Minister said the project will be pursued because of several
complaints received by the Ministry, many of which relate to agreements
not properly formulated, resulting in communities losing out.

She said a workshop was completed with the communities’ Toshaos in
order that they understand and are knowledgeable of the contents of the
Act.

This will guide the people to read and understand the rules better.

In the long-term not only this, but future generations as well will
benefit, Minister Rodrigues said.

The Amerindian Act of 1951 was outdated and not reflective of today’s
situation and many communities had asked for it to be revised.

In early August 2005, the Amerindian Bill was presented to Parliament
and was subsequently debated on October 20, 2005.

The new Amerindian Act was passed on February 16, 2006 paving the way
for Amerindians to empower themselves socially, economically and
politically. (GINA)