APA..Newsletter # 1
National News..Toushaos Statement

We the Toushaos, Councilors and Participants present at the National Toushaos Conference unanimously make the following statements, resolutions and recommendations. Together we represent the vast majority of Amerindian communities in Guyana. We have gathered here in the spirit of peace, friendship and unity, deeply concerned that the situation of the Amerindian peoples of Guyana is desperate. We ask that the Government and the Guyanese people listen to and respect the decisions made by us here, as stated below, and hope that we are not ignored as we have been many times before.

We fully recognise the importance of the Statements of Toushaos’ and National Amerindian Organisations submitted to the Constitution Reform Commission and are in full support and have signed individually to endorse the statement.

We acknowledge the struggle of our brothers and sisters in Region 7 Upper Mazaruni in their lawsuit seeking protection for their land rights and are in full support of this.

Banners at Conference site Zeriwa

1. We demand that the Government stop granting concessions to mining and logging companies in and around Amerindian lands. And all mining and logging operations be suspended immediately, until all Amerindian land right issues are settled.

2. We reject all demarcation of our lands and demand the Government demarcate based on our ancestral, historical occupation and use of the land that we know to be ours. This must be done to the satisfaction of the people.

3. Amerindian lands that were leased or given to individuals and companies must be returned or given back to the Amerindians concerned.

4. All illegal mining activities must be stopped immediately until all outstanding Amerindian land right issues are adequately dealt with.

5. We have the right to accept or reject any permission or permissions given to Non-Amerindians entering into Amerindian villages by the Amerindian Ministry. Furthermore, should we invite someone to our village the Minister should respect our wishes.

6. All projects in Amerindian Villages be monitored and in cases we could also manage and execute same, our own local people should do these projects.

7. To reserve the right to participate in the decision-making process pertaining to Amerindian issues e.g. the revision of the Amerindian Act.

8. We reaffirm our support for Ms. Jean La Rose, as our representative on the Constitution Reform Commission. We believe that she is representing our interests and are proud of the job she has done so far.

Resolutions

Having recently been informed of the latest development of the Presidents’ Order to extend the boundary of the Kaieteur National Park, which is in clear violation of the basic Human Rights of the people of Chenapou. We wish to to state that we reject this order and therefore we demand that this order be withdrawn, and further discussion take place with the people of Chenapou to resolve this matter. We further state that we will reject orders which may affect other Amerindian communities e.g. Kako Head (Mt.Roraima), Shell Beach, Wai Wai area, New River Triangle etc, which are being proposed as Parks of the NPAS Programme. This order is totally contrary to the wishes and lives of our brothers and sisters as it would now subject them to serious disintegration and complete elimination as a people . We are fully aware of the severe consequences and hardship being brought to bear in their very existence by this order. Be it resolved that we are committed to this struggle against this heinous Act and Order and will fight to the end for the restoration of our ancestral lands

2. Whereas we the Macusi, Wapisiana and Wai Wai nations of Region 9 are deeply concerned about the vast areas of our Amerindian ancestral lands that have been granted to the Vanessa Mining Company. Whereas no proper consultation with the peoples concerned was done prior to the granting of this concession. This is seen as a total violation of our Indigenous human rights. Be it resolved, that this National Toushaos Conference demands that the Government revoke all documents and reconnaissance permits granted to the Vanessa Company and other logging and mining companies until proper consultation and our consent is given. Be it further resolved that the Macusi, Wai Wai and Wapisiana peoples of Region 9 have all their outstanding land claims settled to their satisfaction.

3. Whereas Shiriri Mountain bears historical significance as a battle ground between the Wapisiana and the Macusi peoples; Whereas this mountain has provided for the past and present generations with natural plants and food; Whereas, this mountain also bears spiritual and cultural significance to our peoples; Be it resolved, that we totally object to the proposal of the establishment of a National Park in this area.

4. Whereas the NAC is not functioning now and has not functioned since it started; Be it resolved that we the Toushaos and participants of this meeting hereby declare that the NAC is officially dead and cannot be considered a representative of the Amerindian peoples of Guyana.

5. Whereas the Amerindian peoples of Guyana have been and are still been discriminated against both in law and practice, especially concerning our rights to own our ancestral lands; Be it resolved that we demand that all discrimination against our peoples be immediately stopped and remedied.

Recommendations

1. We call upon the Government to enter into meaningful dialogue with the Amerindian peoples to bring about a peaceful settlement of all land claims.

2. All Captains must be trained as Rural Constables and sworn in immediately. Also, all Captains must be sworn in and trained as Justices of the Peace as provided by Section 14A of the Amerindian Act.

3. Captains’ stipends must be substantially increased to the level of a salary. Those villages that wish to pay their Captains must be allowed to do so.

4. Rules and regulations made by the communities must be legally binding and not subject to interference by the Minister of Amerindian Affairs as provided for by the Amerindian Act.

5. Public servants salary claims be approved.

6. We demand that the Government recognise the three National Amerindian Organisations as our legitimate representatives and act accordingly.

7. Full recognition be given to the Alleluia Church of Guyana and must be respected by other religious groups in Guyana.

8. There must be equal access to all forms of education in the interior including secondary education. Educational facilities must have the same equipment and trained teachers as those on the coast. Amerindians have been discriminated against in the field of education for too long. Also, Interior Scholarships must be increased and better living conditions provided for Hinterland Scholars.

9. We call upon the Minister of Agriculture responsible for forests and the Commissioner of Forests to release the current version of the draft Forests Act so that it can be reviewed by Amerindian communities; that we be given an opportunity to study and make recommendations for changes, so that we can ensure that our legal and traditional rights are not violated . We note that the Amerindian Peoples Association has already made recommendations on the draft Forests Act and will continue to do so.

Dance troupe from Paruima, Upper Mazaruni

CULTURAL NIGHT

The conference ended with a cultural evening that included dances and songs and stories in the different Amerindian languages. The Wai Wais from Akutho were especially splendid in their regal headwear. The only disappointment was not seeing the firemaker in action. Apparently someone had stronger magic which prevented his firesticks from bursting into flames.