GUYANA’s progress with regard to the advancement of indigenous people’s development was brought to the fore, as the country joined the world in observing International Day of World Indigenous Peoples.

Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Ms. Pauline Sukhai on Thursday joined Chairman of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Derrick John, President, National Amerindian Development Foundation (NADF) Ashton Simon and President,The Amerindian Action Movement of Guyana(TAAMOG), Peter Persaud  at a press conference where she noted that as the country joined the world in celebrating this day, it can do so with the knowledge that Government is reaffirming its commitment to forging ahead with heightened support and  building strong alliances to continue indigenous development.
“…as we join the world in this International Day of World Indigenous Peoples, our government affirms its commitment to forward Amerindian development without losing sight of international concerns that beset our indigenous brothers and sisters all over the world,” she said.
She noted that an end could only be put to indigenous people’s concern in an environment of trust and willingness to advance together. She warned that “all attempts to disrupt and to fracture relationships among Amerindians will benefit no one, but  those with motives for survival, whose existence would be threatened.”
Meanwhile, John said that the NTC is pleased with the United Nations General Assembly’s designation of a day in recognition of indigenous peoples. The NTC Chairman noted that in Guyana, “indigenous peoples have come a long way, over the two decades.
“Our Government has committed itself to treat every Guyanese equally,” he said. He also noted that today, a lot of focus is being placed by Government on transforming the developmental landscape of hinterland communities, but said Amerindians must never be satisfied with their achievement, but instead “remain united as a people and not allow anyone to deceive and separate us.
“Let us work to make constructive arrangements with the relevant partners as we participate in decision making at all levels,” John advised.
“In some countries, indigenous peoples are heavily discriminated against, killed and forced to leave land on the basis of their ethnic origin…fortunately in Guyana, the human rights of our indigenous peoples are not violated, but more so recognised and respected, where the constitution of Guyana, the supreme law of the land and the Amerindian Act 2006 provide the legal basis for the protection and promotion of indigenous people’s rights and their self-determination,” Persaud said.
He said that on this day, therefore, indigenous peoples need to count their blessings, because their human rights are highly respected in Guyana, enabling them to achieve their aspirations.
Simon echoed Persaud’s sentiments, saying that in totality he believes the indigenous peoples in Guyana have gained, noting that even though some critics and lobbyists have also sought to highlight indigenous people’s development in a negative way, the record however stands and illustrates the opposite.
He noted that indigenous peoples are aspiring and have used the opportunities available to them to push into all spheres of the country, without hindrance.
International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples was first proclaimed by the General Assembly in December 1994, to be celebrated every year during the first International Decade of the World’s Indigenous Peoples (1995 – 2004).
In 2004, the Assembly proclaimed a Second International Decade, from 2005 – 2014, with the theme of “A Decade for Action and Dignity.” The focus of this year’s International Day is “Indigenous peoples building alliances: Honouring treaties, agreements and other constructive arrangements.”
The theme aims to highlight the importance of honouring arrangements between states, their citizens and indigenous peoples that were designed to recognise indigenous people’s rights to their lands and establish a framework for living in proximity and entering into economic relationships. (GINA)