APA..Newsletter # 3
National News..Center for Amerindian Rights and Environmental Law Launched

Toshao Tony Jamesat the launcing of the Centre for Amerindian Rights and Environmental Law

On March 24, the Centre for Amerindian Rights and Environmental Law (CAREL) was officially launched to the public. The Centre is a joint initiative of the APA and Guyanese lawyer Melinda Janki, who is the director if the Centre. The purpose of the Centre is to provide legal advice and training to Amerindians and to work on environmental issues. The Centre is receiving funds from the Rainforest Foundation US. In recent months, the Centre has been following up on APA work in the Upper Mazaruni concerning land rights and problems caused by mining and with the problems that Chenapou in Region 8 is experiencing with the extended Kaieteur National Park.

The Centre was launched at a reception attended by former President Janet Jagan, Prime Minister Sam Hinds, the Canadian and British High Commissioners, the American Ambassador and many other dignitaries. Some 25 Captains from Regions 1, 7, 8 and 9 were also in attendance. Unfortunately, the Minister of Amerindian Affairs did not attend. Melinda Janki and Toushao Tony James of Aishalton, who is also a member of the board of the Centre, made opening speeches at the reception. Melinda stressed that the Centre was established to support Amerindians, but not to speak for Amerindians, as Amerindians are very capable of speaking on their own behalf. Toushao James began his speech with a prayer in Wapisiana. Following is the rest of his speech:

<---------Region 8 Toshaos and Prime Minister Sam Hinds

It is indeed a pleasure and an honour to stand here in front of all of you tonight on behalf of my Amerindian brothers and sisters. It is good that you are here as part and parcel of this gathering to listen to something which is very important to us and which has an historic meaning for us. You will realize that since 500 years ago a lot of things have happened since people came across the great water. At the break of the new millennium we have seen the strides forward that Amerindians have made to address our struggles. It is good to note that people are beginning to realise the importance of our participation and the importance of consulting with us, the first peoples of Guyana.

As you will agree that from the time the other people came here we were the first peoples of Guyana and protectors of this land. We were always here and we will continue to be here. Our ancestors entrusted the land to us for us to continue to protect it and now we will have to pass on these same lands to the generations that are coming up. The land belongs to us and we belong to the land. Our cultures are linked to the land. Our opinion of the land is different to other peoples’ opinions. The land is very sacred because of our cultures, because of our activities like hunting, fishing, gathering nuts and just for walking in the forest for the quiet enjoyment of our Amerindian brothers and sisters.

Some people may not be in favour of the kind of struggles or the kind of activities that we sometimes get ourselves into, but we will and must be heard, we will no longer be silent. You will agree that over the last few years we have been gaining some recognition through hard work, through the support of interested people who have been able to help us. Some of you standing in this room have been able to give us assistance in one way or another. I assure you that we are not anti-development. I want to assure you that we will work with any authority, but we have to do so with our full participation, we have to do so with our full, free and informed consent for all activities that are going to take place in and around our areas. We have to think about our children that are coming up. We have to think about the future of Amerindians in Guyana. Like any other ethnic group, we can contribute to the development of Guyana as long as we are given the chance, as long as you are willing to listen to us.

You will agree that we take time in making decisions, our decisions are not made at one time. We have to consult, we have to speak with people, we have to speak with the spirits so that they can give us advice, so that they can give us the right direction. It is important and I feel honoured right here that this is a history making event. The spirits are turning and will continue to turn , they are turning in all directions. I want to assure you that the direction we are going to take is to assist in the development of our country and the development of the Amerindian nations of Guyana.

I see a bright future for our people once were are consulted and respected. I see something on the horizon for our people as long as we can work together. We are willing to work. A lot of people have shown that they are willing to listen to us. The Prime Minister who I have had several meetings with is a man that I admire for being very patient, for listening to us, giving us not only one side of his ears, but both of his ears. I feel real honoured and I want to thank the spirits for giving me the strength and courage to stand here in front of you. I leave tomorrow to go back to my people and I have good news for them. Thank you.