The National Toshaos Council (NTC) and the Amerindian People’s Association (APA) are still waiting on an official word from the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs (MoAA) regarding a meeting to discuss the revision of the 2006 Amerindian Act.
In December, groups representing Indigenous Peoples called on the PPP/C government to honour its promise that revision of the Amerindian Act of 2006 is a priority.
A statement from the meeting held from December 16 – 18 by the APA and the NTC said that the revision of the Amerindian Act continues to be a high priority for Indigenous peoples in Guyana. At that time they had
stated that the consortium of Indigenous leaders will present a joint statement to the Minister of Amerindian Affairs, indicating their collective decision that the revision of the Amerindian Act 2006 is of the highest priority.
Additionally, they will also seek a meeting with the Minister to present their proposal. When contacted for an update in this regard, Deputy Chairman of the NTC Paul Pierre said that they are still waiting on an official word from the Ministry.
“We never received a feedback and we are still waiting for a meeting,” Pierre told Stabroek News on Friday. He noted that they have also not received a response to the statement that was submitted to the Minister following a meeting.
He added that they are hopeful that they will soon have an audience with the Minister so that discussions can get underway.
As part of the meeting in December, the Indigenous leaders discussed recommendations for the proposed revision of the Amerindian Act 2006 done previously and submitted to the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs in 2019. Among these recommendations are amendments to existing provisions that relate to land titling, Free, Prior and Informed Consent and village governance.
