–As APNU mob disrupts peaceful Amerindian demonstration

ONLY the heightened presence of police ranks outside the Public Buildings yesterday prevented what seemed to be fast developing into A Clash of the Titans as Amerindian protestors, moving into Day Two of their demonstration, were joined by a small band of persons claiming to represent the interest of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU).

The motley group was essentially against the Amerindian peoples exercising their right to protest the combined Opposition’s non-approval of the budgetary allocations to advance their development.

Its members shouted slogans such as “PPP must go!” “We want Granger!” “Rohee must go!” and “APNU Granger!”

The hundreds of Amerindians, who had come from communities across Guyana, retorted,“We will not stop!” and belted out chilling war cries to make it clear that they will not be silenced in their continued fight for their rights.

Police officers were forced at one point to separate the two sides, thereby quelling the tension and avoiding a potentially violent confrontation as the APNU supporters advanced towards the Amerindian protestors.

CROSSING THE LINE
Asked about the tension between the two groups, former Chair of the National Toshaos Council (NTC), Ms Yvonne Pearson, made it clear that the Amerindian demonstrators “will not cross the line,” regardless of the disposition of the APNU band.

“I am uncertain as to who mobilized them, but we are the ones being taunted… I have been involved in this struggle for years; I know the struggle,” Pearson said, adding that Amerindian people have a right to protest.

Last Thursday in the National Assembly, the combined Opposition voted down $1.1B for the Amerindian Development Fund (ADF); $6M for rehabilitation of buildings; $13.5M for the purchase of boats and engines; $20M for the purchase of vehicles and motorcycles, and 3M for the purchase of furniture and equipment, which represented the entire capital budget of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs.

Also disapproved was the $185M designated for hinterland airstrips under the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.

The former NTC Chair added that the Amerindian group has a right to protest the Opposition’s disapproval of important funding, which will have negative impacts on communities and livelihoods.

She lamented the fact that some of the Amerindians who are being affected by the combined Opposition’s actions include Amerindians who voted for the very political parties whose member are sitting in the National Assembly and disregarding the interest of real people, who will suffer real consequences.

“This is a way of expressing anger against the Opposition. We want the Opposition to hear them, because there has to be a change for a better Guyana,” Pearson said.

The Amerindians in the protest shouted vehemently, “We demand what is ours!” “Stop cutting our budget!” “We want development!” and “Opposition is a waste; we need development!”

The demonstrators were clear in stressing that their development should be protected right, as they refuse to “go backwards”.

The Amerindian people generally agreed to continue making representation for what is their right — the right to be able to benefit from developmental programmes taking place in the country.

(By Vanessa Narine)