PRESS RELEASE

Government Gives Commitment on Amerindian Rights

During his trip to the Upper Mazaruni, the Hon. Prime Minister was given a warm welcome by the Akawaiyo people of Kambaru, Abau, Chinoweing, Jawalla, Kako and Kamarang and met by villagers with garlands and presents. The communities praised the Prime Minister for taking the time to visit them and listen fully to their concerns, despite a packed schedule.

The major concerns expressed by the Communities were the problems caused by mining activities and the lack of land titles. Several speakers pointed out that the Amerindians were the first occupants of the area and had rights to their ancestral lands that had to be recognised. They complained about the pollution of water, social problems and the encroachment of miners on Amerindian lands. In relation to mining the Prime Minister agreed that miners must respect the rights of Amerindian communities, including those still to receive formal legal title.

At a meeting on Wednesday 2^nd February at Imbaimadai, the mining community, expressed strong dissatisfaction with the neighboring Amerindian communities. Mr da Costa, a local Imbaimadai miner, claimed that Amerindians were lazy and prone to drunkeness He also claimed that they were being prompted by organisations such as the APA into making allegations against miners. In rejecting these comments Czar Henry, the elected Captain of Jawalla pointed out that there was a lack of any reasonable understanding between the miners and the Amerindian community and that the time had come for full consultation and participation of Amerindian communities. He reminded the meeting that conflicts arose because miners were encroaching on Amerindian lands. He called for closer monitoring of mining activities, more regular visits by the GGMC and the training of Amerindians as mines officers.

The Prime Minister agreed that there should be regular meetings between the GGMC and the Amerindian communities along with the miners to identify and resolve problems that might arise. He stressed that this was not a problem between coastlanders and Amerindians but a clash of lifestyles and that development for the benefit of our nation could not take place without the consent and participation of the Amerindians. He also encouraged Mr da Costa to meet captains and councillors and keep them informed of his activities.

The Prime Minister also accepted sixteen recommendations made by the community of Kambaru for protecting the communities and the environment from the negative effects of mining and pledged that there would be a meeting to discuss in detail how to put these recommendations in place. He also instructed the Commissioner of the GGMC to hold a follow up meeting in April to begin the process of dealing with problems caused by miners in the Upper Mazaruni. The APA who accompanied the Prime Minister suggested that the miners should also be told of their legal rights and offered to work with the GGMC to reach a common understanding between the communities and the miners.

The Hon Minister of Amerindian Affairs who accompanied the Prime Minister on his visit also confirmed that the Government would respect Amerindian rights. On the issue of land titles he explained that the demarcation process was a priority and only after that was completed could the Government look at more lands.

Health and education were also cited as issues and the Prime Minister was accompanied by an EPA officer and a doctor as well as regional officials.

The APA consider that the Prime Minister has given the communities important commitments and that this is an important step in recognising and respecting the rights of Amerindians as well as ensuring that development can take place with the full participation of the communities.

APA Executive Committee

7^th February, 2000