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Revision of the Mining Act should not disadvantage Indigenous people
Dear Editor,
I was enlightened by the media about the announcement by the Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Raphael Trotman of plans to revise the Mining Act. This will pave the way for Guyana to become a modern society by updating legislations and implementing new laws.
I would like to assume that the recent discovery of oil by one of the world’s most powerful corporations has prompted the government to make changes to include International Laws.
On the other hand, I would also like to assume that changes are being made to put systems and penalties in place to prevent smuggling of gold and precious stones, mining accidents, trafficking in persons and contamination of state forests and waterways among others.
However, the government must make its intention clear or its actions will become questionable. Editor, as a youth from the Middle Mazaruni Region, I am optimistic that with the revision of the Amerindian and Mining Acts, if some sections are made crystal clear it will be suitable with present day situations and not based the laws of an era that has long gone by.
I am also compelled to raise a few questions because I would like to live in a society where everyone is considered equal in economic, social, cultural and political matters.
The Amerindian and Mining Acts are soon to be revised but will they comprise the following;
(1) Provide jobs for youths by establishing more field stations in hinterland areas?
(2) Make river and creeks that pass through Indigenous communities safe and free of mining concessions?
(3) Allow Indigenous communities to develop their own resources without possible harassment by state agencies?
(4) Abolish the state policy of “All minerals belong to the state” that lies beneath top soil, including private lands” which may include Amerindian Titled Lands?
(5). Uphold and respect Indigenous rights where our people may not consent to large scale mining?
(6) Respect that village rules must be upheld when any state agency needs to carry out an assessment of activities on Amerindian Lands?
There are many more questions that I would have liked to raise but I will not abuse the space limits because others need to express their concerns. Editor, we are living in a world where changes become realities and I wish to make a correction to one of Kaieteur News columnist distasteful and sometimes amateur writings which I see as a disrespectful and a false assertion of Indigenous people and the way they live.
Indigenous communities like mine and many others have carved and choose their own economic paths and do not depend solely on the government to provide financial resources. I have one wish each for the Ministers and the columnist.
(1) For the Ministers of Natural Resources and the Minister of Indigenous Peoples Affairs, I wish you continuous support from villages like Isseneru and others who have waited long for a change in mining policies and the way State Agencies transact their business. (2) For the columnist, to take a visit to Isseneru and other villages to write about their concerns and experience firsthand what Amerindians can do when they are given support, rather than making false assertions that all Amerindians depend on patrons.
Dwight Larson.
Isseneru Village
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