Amerindian leaders complete workshop on land rights, other issues

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Guyana Chronicle, 29 March 2007

AMERINDIAN village leaders are now more empowered to deal with issues
pertaining to land rights, forestry, mining and governance, on
completion of a three-day workshop, yesterday, at the Foreign Service
Institute, Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Georgetown, the Government
Information Agency (GINA) reported.

At the forum, the facilitator, international lawyer Ms. Melinda Janki
worked with Community Development Officers (CDOs), toshaos (chiefs) and
councillors to educate them on the new Amerindian Act, as it applies to
the Guyana Constitution and the lives of Amerindians, the agency said.

Janki said the training was conducted because the Ministry of
Amerindian Affairs felt more of it was needed, in relation to the Act,
to further sustainability and governance within their communities.

According to her, the intention was to strengthen and foster problem
solving skills among the leaders and enable them to become more
proactive in dealing with such matters in their respective communities.

GINA said participants felt it was an excellent, educative process
which allowed them to better understand the legislation and would help
them execute their duties with greater efficiency when they return to
their various communities.

Moraikobai Toshao, Mr. Colin Andrews agreed it is going to aid in the
implementation of the new law.

“What we are doing here is putting systems in place to deal with issues
arising in our different communities,” he told GINA.

Among the other communities that participated were Santa Mission,
Orealla, Waini and Muritaro.

The legislation gives Amerindians control of their lands and resources
which include forestry and mining and sets out their responsibility for
managing and maintaining them in a sustainable manner, to improve the
lives of community members.