WITH reference to the article: “More questions than clear answers at rushed LCDS consultations”, Stabroek News, March 17, 2010. I have joined the LCDS, Multi-stakeholders Steering Committee in July, 2009 as a representative of Guyanese Organisation of Indigenous People (GOIP).
In the month of September, I was part of a team of LCDS representatives that conducted various consultations on the LCDS in Region Seven and Eight respectively. The scope of the consultation allowed for continuous awareness and interactions with the people of these communities on the LCDS.
At those consultations representatives from the communities, NGOs and other organisations such as NGOs, GOIP, NADF, TAMMOG, APA and GFC-OCC, actively participated in those deliberations.
The indigenous organisations always felt that it was important to follow up after every consultation with the communities involved. Listening to questions and providing answers wherever necessary.
The questions in relation to land issues, in the Upper Mazaruni areas could not have been adequately address because it is the matter currently in our court of law. All questions and comments were documented and placed in the LCDS website for public access. Copies were also sent to organisations that were representative on the LCDS MSSC. At the end of those consultations a complete report was prepared and sent to the Office of Climate Change and the other organisations.
I must say that I was indeed surprised to read the above mentioned article which does not reflect the true facts. We were always actively involved and shared information whenever necessary.