THE Ministry of Amerindian Affiairs has taken umbrage at what it describes as “the Opposition’s intimidatory tactics” in deploying a group of misfits to disrupt a peaceful protest by Amerindians outside the Public Buildings. The following is the full text of a statement issued yesterday condemning the incident. 

“The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs condemns the Opposition’s intimidatory tactics which today targeted Amerindians who were protesting peacefully the Opposition-imposed cuts of $1.1B earmarked for Amerindian Development.
“Supporters of the APNU/AFC were mobilized by the Opposition to intimidate hundreds of Amerindians on the second day of their protest action outside the Parliament Buildings.
“Opposition supporters hurled derogatory, discriminatory and threatening remarks at the group of over 400 Amerindians from various Regions across Guyana.
“The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs (MOA) is concerned about this development, and urges the Opposition to desist from this known tactic of intimidation and bullyism in efforts to deny Amerindians’ right to protest and freedom of expression.
“The MOA insists that Amerindians have legitimate rights to protest against a matter which has severe consequences for their livelihood and wellbeing.”