Head of the National Toshaos Council Derrick John says that Amerindian leaders from across the country will soon discuss a proposed action by miners to challenge the Amerindian Land Titling (ALT) project in court and they would likely ask President Donald Ramotar to intervene.
“We are concerned,” John told Stabroek News yesterday. “If they do challenge the project, it would not be fair.” He echoed statements by representatives of Amerindian non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that Amerindians depend on the land to live. “Our lands mean a lot to us,” he said pointing out that many Amerindians sustain themselves by farming as well as hunting and fishing.
At the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) Annual General Meeting on September 11, the organisation signalled its intention to strenuously oppose extensions for Amerindian lands and disclosed that it has set up a fund and hired lawyers in anticipation of future court action. President of the GGDMA Patrick Harding told