Granger calls for halt to mining in contentious Amerindian titled lands

Jan 24, 2013 News

Leader of the Opposition, Brig (ret’d) David Granger has expressed concerns about the ongoing mining issue plaguing members of the various Amerindians villages in the country.
Granger, the leader of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), in light of the protest action, has called on the government to halt the issuance of concessions to persons mining in Amerindian titled areas.
Granger told media operatives that the government should also halt any mining works ongoing in the affected Amerindian villages, even as he expressed solidarity with the nation’s first people.
Granger, during his meeting with villagers who picketed the Amerindian Affairs Ministry, yesterday, said that the nation’s first people should not be treated as second class citizens. He said that in all the regions he visited, the villagers have expressed great concern over their lands as they take great priority in ensuring its protection.
The issue, he said, was not about the Low Carbon Strategy or a single miner, but with the concerns of Amerindians in relation to the lands being a part of their way of life. In relation to the High Court ruling against the Amerindian village of Isseneru, Granger said that government needs to go back to the drawing board to make the necessary amendments as the law gives the powers to the Amerindian Affairs Minister and not the people.
He said that the ruling is an insult to all the things that the people have been striving for. He said that because of mining the Amerindians have suffered greatly.
“We know there is a gold rush on but at the same time we need to have a responsible Administration, responsible legislation and the government should come out in support of the Amerindian people.”
Granger charged that more power must be given to Amerindians since they are the ones who are impacted by mining. Because of the gold rush, Granger said in parts of the upper Mazaruni miners are penetrating places that have never been touched before. While gold mining is making some fabulously rich, Granger said the Amerindian people are suffering.
While the Amerindian people appeal the ruling of the High Court judge, Granger said mining in these areas should be halted and moves should be made to address the legislation.

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Granger calls for halt to mining in contentious Amerindian titled lands

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Granger calls for halt to mining in contentious Amerindian titled lands

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