Dear Editor,
In Kaieteur News, January 18, 2013, there was a report captioned, ‘Amerindian village loses mining case.’
Justice Diana Insanally ruled that the Isseneru Village Council in the mining dispute matter, had no authority or jurisdiction to prevent a licensed miner from mining on their land when the mining licence predated the coming into force of the Amerindian Act. This decision shows that the Amerindian Act is as weak and fragile as a spider’s web.
My Amerindian brothers and sisters should stop asking for eggshell titles. A major question arises here − what next? And which community next?
Amerindians living on titled lands are in danger of losing what they have. Sect 50 (1) of the Amerindian Act 2006 dealing with large-scale mining along with fees, tribute and royalties, is not in the best interest of, or in harmony with the wishes of the Amerindians of this country.
This section is clear, and it shows that in the case of large-scale mining the Ministers of Natural Resources and Amerindian Affairs decide for the village. Nowhere in this section does it show where the captain or Toshao is involved in decision-making as far as large-scale mining is concerned.
In my opinion if a village refuses permission to a small or large-scale miner, their decision should be final. In addition, all funds that generated from mining or Amerindian lands, such as fees, tributes and a part of the royalties should go to the village; those funds are for developmental purposes within the village.
The Amerindian Act counts for nothing.
Yours faithfully,
I M Roberts
