More must be done for Indigenous Peoples, stop viewing them as primitive and backward

Dec 10, 2022 Letters

Dear Editor,

The majority of Indigenous people in the interior of Guyana whose population is approximately ten percent have a strong worldview, supported by extensive use of the local languages and strong cultural practices. This can be interpreted as a result of the relative lack of interest that the earlier colonizers and post independent governments had towards us of the interior over the years (as opposed to the plantations and modern-day business commerce on the coast). A belief that we were incapable of bringing any economic benefits and are still seen as primitive and backward people by some.

However, the irony at present is that the western world and capitalism have been recognizing the value and importance of our contributions in keeping forests intact. According to a new study the world’s healthiest, most biodiverse, and most resilient forests are located on protected Indigenous lands. It further suggests that protecting Indigenous and human rights is not only compatible with climate conservation goals, but key to future efforts. Also, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has also recently recognized Indigenous peoples as vital partners in global conservation and climate change efforts. It is no coincidence that our traditional territories cover around 22% of the earth’s land surface, but hold 80% of its biodiversity. The granting of land rights for Indigenous peoples is a recognized climate change solution since we manage around 24% of the total carbon stored aboveground in the world’s forests.

According to the link, voanews.com, “U.S.-owned Hess Corporation, a consortium partner in Guyana’s offshore oil sector, has agreed to buy$750 million worth of carbon credits from the South American nation in the next decade as it works to ensure Guyana’s almost intact Amazonian rainforests remain standing for decades to come, officials said Saturday.”https://www.voanews.com/a/hess-to-buy-750-million-in-carbon-credits-from-guyana-/6861072.html

This is great news for the country to earn economically from the forests. In this view, it is evident that the Indigenous stewardship of conserving the forests in Guyana was the stone that the builders rejected, and that it has now been recognized in caring for biodiversity, as a cornerstone for economic growth of the country. In the midst of this obsession for international market for the forest, credit must be given to Indigenous people and their ancestors for firstly occupying and taming this wild land that eventually evolved into a nation state, because most times our historical and cultural story as the country’s original conservationists gets downplayed by our leaders.

Editor, to recompense our Indigenous people who have kept the jungle intact over the years, I wish to see more significant projects for their contribution. For example, there should be access to quality internet access and other modern technology, adequate electricity and water supply including a relevant/ quality education that enables us to dialogue and survive in the modern world as we maintain our cultural practices and continue to be stewards of the forests. Thus, it is hoped that appropriate, quality and sustainable projects to Indigenous people’s development be executed in communities that can contribute to our welfare, so we could have a dignified life. Perhaps for the above to materialize in a significant way, we must not be passive in receiving top downwards deliveries, but be proactive collectively in communities in making plans and proposals on how we want to see development occurring in our villages. Additionally, as grassroots people in unity, we must request authorities to revise the activities of forest destructions and pollution of rivers in Guyana’s interior.

In concluding, I would recommend that with the money acquired for the forests, the relevant authorities should assist other vulnerable brethren in rural places and those on the peripheries of the urban areas, as a caring government of the struggle masses who put them in power.

Yours sincerely,

Medino Abraham, SJ

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More must be done for Indigenous Peoples, stop viewing them as primitive and backward

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