Seven Amerindian communities no longer state lands…title guarantees right to log, hunt, mine, farm, fish

Seven Amerindian communities no longer state lands…title guarantees
right to log, hunt, mine, farm, fish
Kaieteur News, 6 September 2007

Residents of seven Amerindian communities can now enjoy a sense of
security after they received their formal titles for their land from
President Bharrat Jagdeo at the Office of the President yesterday.

The communities are Isseneru and Karrau in Region Seven; Apoteri, Rewa,
and Crashwater in Region Nine; and Three Brothers in Waini, while
extension was granted to Warapoka in Region One.

The land titles under the provisions of the Amerindian Act guarantee
them the right to utilise timber on the lands, hunt, fish, farm and
mine.

Speaking to the Toshaos in receipt of the titles, Jagdeo said that the
process whereby Amerindians held legal title to the land they occupy
has been a commitment his administration made along time ago.

He added that it was the high point of a long process of struggle
amongst disappointments. “Finally I think we have achieved something
that would be of benefit to all the people of your communities….We are
very pleased in Guyana that we have a highly integrated society and
that our indigenous people, our Amerindian brothers and sisters, are
all part of an integrated fashion in that society.”

Jagdeo pointed out that the process of having the Amerindians possess
legal titles to their land began over a decade ago so that they can
feel a sense of reconnection to their land.

“There has been a lot of engagements over the years…Over a decade of
engagement at various levels…We have spent hundreds of millions of
dollars on the demarcation exercises ….So this is why I am so pleased
that we are seeing fruits of that effort,” he said.

Jagdeo acknowledged that there has been historical neglect in Guyana ,
saying that the administration has vigorously fought to correct that
reality.

He pointed out that the neglect was primarily related to access to
resources as well as in terms of health care and education in
hinterland communities.

“We know how difficult it is but if the political will exists then we
can do something to improve the situation in these areas.”

Following the hand over of the titles, he urged the Toshaos to make
wise decisions as it relates to the utilisation of the resources in
their respective communities.

“As society changes, you must be careful about what kind of
arrangements you enter into for the use of the resources on the land
because you have all kinds of people who will come around and promise
everything under the sun….Just be careful that the contracts are
genuine.”

Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Carolyn Rodrigues, who was also present
at the handover, recalled that the first set of land titles were issued
in February 2004, during a time when consultations were still ongoing
on the new Amerindian Act.

She added that the land titles for Konashen and Baramita in 2004
demonstrated commitment in resolving the issue of Amerindian land
claims.

“Just three years later we have an Amerindian Act that includes the
procedure for addressing land claims…17 communities have received
titles to their land and seven have received extension, bringing the
total communities with titled lands to 91.”

She pointed out that in several other countries, Amerindians are not
granted ownership of the land they occupy; rather they are just
afforded leases.