THE Office of Climate Change (OCC) said it notes with surprise and disappointment what appears to be a carefully timed release of what can only be described as malicious misrepresentations and distortions in  the following articles: “Indigenous Leaders call for hold on LCDS, REDD+ Projects”, Stabroek News, 10th March 2010 and “Amerindian community slams LCDS consultation”, Kaieteur News, 10th March 2010. These articles refer to a statement that was reportedly issued after a workshop on ‘Indigenous Peoples Rights, Extractive Industries and National Development Policies in Guyana’ in which the Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) was a major player.

The OCC, in a statement yesterday, said it is of the view that, as is evident from the articles, there has been a deliberate attempt to mislead the Guyanese public on matters relating to the LCDS and REDD+ activities.

“It is therefore important to reiterate that the LCDS and REDD-plus processes have demonstrated openness, transparency, accountability, availability of information and public participation,” the OCC stated.

Particularly inaccurate and appalling is the fact that the articles report that Indigenous People’s rights with respect to land rights and the right to Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) are not respected in Guyana. This assertion is furthest from the truth.

There are democratic institutions in operation in Guyana to ensure that Amerindian rights are respected and in particular, the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs. In addition the rights of Guyana’s Amerindians are enshrined in the Amerindian Act of 2006.

In order to ensure the openness and transparency of the LCDS stakeholder consultation process and ensure full participation of all,   the Government of Guyana established a Multi-Stakeholder Steering Committee (MSCC) with representation from a wide-cross section of society.

The OCC pointed out that Amerindian Non-Governmental Organisations including the APA were invited to be part of the MSSC.  “All joined this noble initiative, except the APA, who declined,” the OCC declared.

“All of the other Amerindian NGOs are part of the Multi Stakeholder Steering Committee and have actively participated in countrywide meetings and consultations,” it added.