.jpg)
AS an observer living in Lethem for more than 30 years, I am compelled to provide some clarity on the Saturday April 27, 2013 edition of Stabroek News which provided significant prominence to an article titled: “Rupununi Villages boycott, protest mining lottery.” Mr. Editor, several points were highlighted and there were conflicting accounts of why residents were protesting and this was poorly managed by the reporter either by oversight or by design. Hence, the article portrayed conflicting views. Some were protesting because they claimed that they were not eligible to participate in the lottery and were not notified of the waiver of the requirements to own equipment. While on the other hand, some protesters are claiming the lands for the lottery are Amerindian- owned.
I strongly believe that my brothers and sisters of Region 9 have been used as scapegoats and were misled into protesting for a no-case, rather than making a political statement. It was no coincidence that the Alliance For Change Member, Nigel Hughes, was present. He was also present at the inception of the Linden and Agricola protests; let us not forget those outcomes.
If indeed residents of Region 9 wanted to participate in the lottery, they could have, since it was first announced on April 14, via the newspapers and the GGMC’s Lethem Office. This was enough time for those interested to get a piece of equipment, even a two-inch water pump to register. But this requirement was later waived following requests by residents of Region 9 to facilitate those interested. Also, the deadline to register mining equipment to participate in the Lottery was extended; this was published in the Stabroek News amongst other newspapers. This was explained by the GGMC in Lethem.
If indeed the few residents of Region 9 were interested in a discussion on land use, ownership and management, they would have made an effort to do so since the announcement and publication of the Lottery. The maps of the proposed Lottery Blocks were also displayed at the GGMC’s Lethem office for any to view and there was adequate time for a constructive objection if that was the intention.
Mr. Editor, while I hail from proud Amerindian descent, I feel some Amerindians are of the belief that they have a birth right to any piece of land they cast their eyes upon in the hinterland. This is being fuelled by opposition elements using my brothers and sisters as pawns in a political game.
Fellow Amerindian Brothers and Sisters of Region 9 don’t be fooled, we are not weak and don’t need representation from any opposition political figures. Let us work together and channel our views in a constructive manner and have engagements with the relevant authorities.
I strongly believe that my brothers and sisters of Region 9 have been used as scapegoats and were misled into protesting for a no-case, rather than making a political statement. It was no coincidence that the Alliance For Change Member, Nigel Hughes, was present. He was also present at the inception of the Linden and Agricola protests; let us not forget those outcomes.
If indeed residents of Region 9 wanted to participate in the lottery, they could have, since it was first announced on April 14, via the newspapers and the GGMC’s Lethem Office. This was enough time for those interested to get a piece of equipment, even a two-inch water pump to register. But this requirement was later waived following requests by residents of Region 9 to facilitate those interested. Also, the deadline to register mining equipment to participate in the Lottery was extended; this was published in the Stabroek News amongst other newspapers. This was explained by the GGMC in Lethem.
If indeed the few residents of Region 9 were interested in a discussion on land use, ownership and management, they would have made an effort to do so since the announcement and publication of the Lottery. The maps of the proposed Lottery Blocks were also displayed at the GGMC’s Lethem office for any to view and there was adequate time for a constructive objection if that was the intention.
Mr. Editor, while I hail from proud Amerindian descent, I feel some Amerindians are of the belief that they have a birth right to any piece of land they cast their eyes upon in the hinterland. This is being fuelled by opposition elements using my brothers and sisters as pawns in a political game.
Fellow Amerindian Brothers and Sisters of Region 9 don’t be fooled, we are not weak and don’t need representation from any opposition political figures. Let us work together and channel our views in a constructive manner and have engagements with the relevant authorities.
