Amid a standoff between Chinese Landing and the government over the encroachment of miners on its lands, the head of the indigenous village is seeking an opening on the agenda of Monday’s National Toshaos Conference to air the matter.
In correspondence dated August 24 and seen by Stabroek News, Chinese Landing Toshao, Orin Fernandes has written to all members of the council making the request.
“I write in my capacity as Leader of the community of Chinese Landing and with a mandate from my Village Council to request a space on the agenda of the upcoming National Toshaos Council Conference to speak to the threats to our rights we are tackling as a result of unwanted mining. We believe that the NTC Conference which is scheduled for August 28 – September 1, 2023 presents the ripe opportunity to inform all indigenous leaders of the situation faced by our community as a result of the invasion of and intimidation by miners working for Mr. Wayne Vieira on his concessions.