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The consequences of misinterpreting the Amerindian Act

Sep 29, 2014 Letters

Dear Editor,
The Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) respects the rights of others and expects that such respect would be mutual. GGDMA notes that the current Amerindian Act, as applied, results in outcomes which promote a clash with the rights of miners.
GGDMA notes that many small miners are operating in the mining industry in the interior in pursuance of their right to work and to achieve poverty alleviation.
GGDMA notes with concern that an unfortunate outcome of the application of the Amerindian Legislation is that miners are being forced out of the interior.
GGDMA submits that the days of forcing selected persons out of the interior are long gone. Poor legislation must not be allowed to facilitate the return of such policies.
GGDMA has had reports that application of the Amerindian legislation results in the compulsory acquisition of gold and diamonds operations being run by ‘coastlanders‘. The Toshao and/or Village Council then acts as a broker to selectively award the acquired operations to friends, family, and the powerful.
It is the position of the GGDMA that the above-mentioned outcomes of the Amerindian Legislation are too odious to be accepted. Calls by the GGDMA and others to have the legislation reviewed have not been heeded.
GGDMA has no choice but to seek to act in the interest of its stakeholders especially small and medium scale miners.
GGDMA notes that today it is the miners’ property which is being taken away. Tomorrow the extensions of the Amerindian villages could take away the property of any selected industry or person. After all, approximately 44 percent of the land mass of Guyana is being claimed by Amerindian Communities.
Colin Sparman
Administrative Coordinator
GGDMA

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