Despite being rebuffed by government, Deputy Speaker Lenox Shuman has maintained that the PPP/C administration has failed to consult with Guyana’s Indigenous Peoples on crucial matters.
Shuman, in a letter published in today’s Stabroek News, stands by his criticism in response to a statement by Prime Minister Mark Phillips, who accused him of misrepresenting the government’s stance on the development of the Indigenous Peoples.
Shuman in an earlier letter had voiced his belief that the PPP/C government has “zero inclination to meaningfully consult the Indigenous Peoples on any matter” and that it is more disposed to throwing money at the community’s problems instead of finding meaningful solutions.
Phillips, who had met with Shuman in October, asserted that his position was inconsistent with the record of the PPP/C throughout its tenure in office and ran counter to the goodwill and good faith that they shared in their engagement.
Phillips said that it is now “an enigma” that only a few weeks later, Shuman has taken a position in “contradiction” to the facts when even in the letter he admitted to being consulted on numerous occasions and his suggestions considered.
In his letter today, Shuman acknowledged that he did discuss several issues relating to Indigenous Peoples development with Phillips and that he was receptive to ideas. “I take this opportunity to remind the Hon. Prime Minister of my complaints which were: non-inclusion, inequitable development, and “NON-CONSULTATION” with Indigenous Peoples to which he committed to finding a way to establish a channel for dialogue,” he said, while noting that the commitment has yielded no result.
He reminded that COP26 was also at the core of their discussions as he protested against the administration’s non-consultation with the Indigenous Peoples on the framework within which the people are expected to live.
He also pointed to the recent signing of an agreement for the resumption of mining at Marudi, which he said has gained international attention. “It is fact that the Government did not meaningfully consult the rightful owners of the land – the Wapichan Nation of South Rupununi. It is also fact that the government of Guyana under both, the PPP and APNU/AFC administrations, has not done an [Environmental Impact Assessment] or [Environmental and Social Impact Assessment] for the Marudi area, which is required by law. Without such an assessment, how does one measure the impact on the people who depend on the forest and river for their families’ livelihoods?” he questioned.
Shuman also questioned what he dubbed the failure by both the current and former administrations to account for funds due to be transferred to the Amerindian Fund, in keeping with the Amerindian Act, which provides for the Geology and Mines Commission to transfer 20% of the royalties from mining activities to a fund designated by the Minister for the benefit of Amerindian Villages. “Neither administration can account for the monies. One can only guess as to where it ended up. Successive administrations have continued to transpose 1492 to the 21st century where beads are replaced by bicycles, boats, tractors et al in exchange for our silence as our rights get trampled upon. I stand by my previous statement,” he added.
Shuman’s initial letter had also cited the case of the Law Reform Commission where he said that a suitable nominee of the Indigenous Peoples was replaced by the government with a pliable person. Phillips’ statement did not address the concern.
