APA..Newsletter # 3
National News..Region 1 Residents Petition the President Against Beal

Future genration at Beal picket

Region 1 Residents Petition the President Against Beal

In response to recent informa- tion that the deal with the American-based company, Beal Aerospace, would be signed within a few days, the Amerindian communities of Santa Rosa and Waramuri in Region 1 petitioned President Jagdeo against signing the deal with the company. The petition stated:

"We are disappointed in the manner decisions are being made. We are denied our rights to participate fully in the decision making process of the state ... We will also be denied our rights to access natural resources within the project area. Our rights to cultural, other traditional practices and our rights to the whole environment in the project area will also be denied."

It concluded: "we humbly ask that you use your high office to suspend the Beal Deal with immediate effect. We further humbly request that your good government keep the deal suspended until our long pending land issues are properly addressed."

The petitioning communities are two that will be affected by the company’s operation. Part of this deal involves selling 20,000 acres of land to Beal and the relocation of some 400 Amerindians.

The Region 1 communities were supported by Toushaos from Regions 7,8 and 9 who picketed the Office of the President in early March to protest the Beal Deal.