Our indigenous sisters and brothers deserve more than just promises

Sep 05, 2010 AFC Column, Features / Columnists

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By Martin Cheong

Celebrations have begun in observance of Amerindian Heritage Month 2010 and all Guyana turns an eye on our first peoples once again. On the evening of Tuesday August 31, Amerindian Heritage Month began with an “interfaith” service at the Umana Yana. Presentations were made by the Christian, Hindu, and Muslim communities as well as by the Hallelujah group which is about the only surviving semi-indigenous religion existing in Guyana today. It was good that the Creator was acknowledged at the start of this auspicious month.
It was an excellent idea to have one month’s observance of the contribution made to Guyana by our Indigenous Peoples and celebrate their rich culture. It appears, however, that the focus now is to emphasize what the government has done, is doing and intends to do for them, and what previous governments did not do. Maybe to garner much coveted Amerindian votes – unforgivable!
President Jagdeo in his feature address at the launching promised US$8,000,000 to the hinterland communities. Monies out of the expected US$30,000,000 from the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) programme. He further committed to give solar panels to each Indigenous household (some 10,000) by 2013.
A few pertinent questions. Was this eight million US dollars a LCDS steering committee decision, or a unilateral one by the president? Who decided what the monies will do in the Indigenous communities? Were the people consulted or did President Jagdeo alone decide what’s to be done? Give the Indigenous community light Mr. President, even though short term, but equally give them adequate transportation, medical facilities, drugs and medical personnel. More trained teachers are also needed – give them more or they will die less literate under lights.
When the government does something in Indigenous communities they make it sound as if they are not obliged to, but are doing them a favour. The fact is like all other citizens of Guyana, our Indigenous Peoples are entitled to their share of the economic wealth of the country. After all, were it not for the excellent management and preservation of the environment by them for thousands of years, there would be nothing left to exploit so wantonly today. Further, a government is elected to work and develop all peoples in the country whether they support the ruling party of the day or not. Is this being done?
The Georgetown to North West Transport and Harbours boat service is an insult to the residents of Region 1 (mostly Amerindians), who depend on it. The vessel is decades too old, travels slowly, and is as inconvenient and uncomfortable as it is unsafe. Over the years, passengers complained about the unsanitary conditions, poor seating accommodation, bad canteen service and that cargo is more important than people on the boat. Other than that the schedule is hardly kept. Recently it “broke down” in the Atlantic Ocean and nearly sunk. This is not the first time it broke down en route. It would be very good to have some of the LCDS monies spent on a modern steamer (boat) that will service the North West residents efficiently. This may serve just as good alongside those promised solar panels.
It would be good for the powers of the day to consider a few things in relation to Indigenous Peoples’ development. Having Indigenous studies be taught in schools and the University of Guyana in a more detailed way would be one. What about a non-political advisory committee that will serve to guide Indigenous communities when they’re getting into agreements with miners, leasing their land for agricultural purposes as allowed by the Amerindian Act 2006 and other things?
In the meantime there should be ongoing capacity building in hinterland communities. Since Toshaos are elected every three years at a specified time it would be prudent to train community leaders after the elections. Areas covered should be basic administration, basic management and accounting, negotiations, and conflict resolution, to name a few. This will definitely empower leaders to be more competent, better informed and manage the affairs of their communities better.
Also, it is time for a national holiday to be declared for Indigenous Peoples of Guyana. Not only because other ethnic groups have their holidays, but because our Indigenous peoples deserve it. They have been living with and off the forest since time immemorial and still were able to keep it in its pristine form. Their culture is very rich and diverse which adds to the cultural rainbow of Guyana. In every sector of society they are making contributions; in the military, teaching profession, the medical fraternity and many other areas. Don’t they deserve a national holiday? Yes they do!
Over the past years, the celebrations during Heritage Month have been good. The exhibition of craft, food, beverage and talent gave more earned recognition to our Indigenous brothers and sisters. It served as a confidence builder and boosts enthusiasm and optimism to go back to their different communities and work for their development.
At the end of the day, however, Indigenous Peoples of Guyana should not only be recognized during the month of September, but throughout the year.
May they and all Guyana have a fruitful and rewarding Amerindian Heritage Month 2010.

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