President David Granger, on Saturday, ordered that a multi-agency task force be established to address the issues challenging the communities of the South Rupununi.
A Ministry of the Presidency press release yesterday said that the President was at the time visiting the community of Shulinab, Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo for Heritage Day celebrations.
The President’s decision followed a number of complaints by Toshaos of the various communities about illegal mining, pollution and allegations of trafficking in persons (TIP) among other criminal activities, affecting their communities. He undertook to have the many issues presented to him by the South Rupununi District Council (SRDC) probed and remedied.
“[There is need for] setting up of a mechanism for the regular if not continuous, exchange of information and more important, the solution of these problems. It is no point, at this stage, resorting to the ministerial system – I am thinking along the line of a multi-agency task force which can deal with all of these problems as they occur. We must deal with the problem in a more holistic way,” Granger said, according to the press release.
Saturday’s meeting follows one held in Aishalton, Region Nine, in February where similar concerns were advanced. Granger, after listening to the presentations, said that the situation warrants immediate attention and called on Minister of Public Affairs, Dawn Hastings-Williams to organise stakeholder meetings in the near future.
In relation to environmental issues, the President said that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), and the Protected Areas Commission (PAC) must collaborate “to bring an end to this scourge and contamination of the headwaters of this village”.
In thanking the SRDC, which monitors the South Rupununi, for a comprehensive report, the President said he is very concerned about the contamination of the headwaters as well as the rise in criminal activities in that part of the region.
Meanwhile, Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock described the challenges “as very serious” while stating that they must be addressed urgently. “It is bigger than just a Toshao,” he said, according to the press release. Hastings-Williams said a proactive approach is needed to tackle the many issues raised and committed to working with stakeholders.
Additionally, Nicholas Fredericks, Toshao of Shulinab, said despite the many challenges facing the South Rupununi, the SRDC is pooling its available resources to be “the eyes and ears on the ground”. He too called for deeper collaboration among stakeholders. Fredericks is also the Head of the National Toshaos Council.
