-Villagers say private land owners restrict their fishing, hunting

THE Ministry of Indigenous Affairs is currently investigating numerous complaints made by residents of Nappi and its satellite communities of Hiowa and Parishara over their being restricted from hunting, fishing and farming by private land owners.

Speaking with this publication on Saturday from Lethem in Region 9, Subject Minister, Vice President Sydney Allicock, told the Guyana Chronicle: “I have received the complaints, and we are trying to ascertain the critical nature of the complaints.”

The Minister said his Ministry has been engaging representatives of the National Toshao Council (NTC) on the issues.

“I am going to be visiting the location as soon as is possible,” he said, noting that the complaints made by the residents of the three communities were also made by other Indigenous groups in Regions 1, 7, and 8.

Minister Allicock said he and a team will first be visiting communities in the South Savannahs of the Rupununi, and then work their way across to the areas affected.

“We have had some issues we need to clear out…. As it relates to Amerindian land titling, my staff are investigating,” he informed.

He said that based on the investigations being carried out, the Indigenous Affairs Ministry would be in a better position to “take the necessary action.” He made it clear that action cannot be taken unless all of the relevant facts and information is before him.

The residents of the indigenous communities located to the front of the Kanuku Mountains have argued that their only means of survival is being restricted. On February 26, the frustrated residents protested the restrictions being placed on them.
They say their fundamental rights as Indigenous peoples must be respected at all times.

The Makushi people have been seeking extensions to their titled village lands, and have since written the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs on the issue, but, to date, have not received an official response from that Ministry.

The road the villagers use to go fishing, hunting, and gathering resources has been ploughed up by the holders of private land leases. Residents of the three conjoined villages are allegedly being prevented from “passing through the area.”

“Our fishing pools have become stagnant because a huge dam was built across the creek where we fish. We are asking the minister to please tell us about our request for land extension, and how this will be dealt with, given what is happening now…this area being titled to others,” John Alfred, a former toshao, told Guyana Chronicle in February.

According to Alfred, the residents of the three communities were formerly able to hunt, fish and farm without restrictions, but since private land leases have been issued, they are being restricted. Signs have been erected that state “no trespassing, no hunting, fishing or shooting”.

Contacted on Saturday, Alfred said that while he is pleased that the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs is investigating the complaints, he wants to see a written acknowledgement of the complaints made to that ministry.

“If they are taking steps on that, I will be grateful,” he said noting that he was in communication with the Ministry of the Presidency and was informed that “they are looking into the matter”.

“We want this information in writing from the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs,” the former toshao said.

He called it strange that the issues are being investigated but the toshao of the communities, Walter Henrico, has not received word of this.

“We haven’t gotten any answer from anybody in the form of a letter,” he said, noting that for the people of the three satellite communities, the upcoming 50th Independence celebrations will be noting to celebrate.

“We won’t celebrate; we won’t smile unless our issues are resolved,” Alfred said while acknowledging the significance of the 50th Independence celebrations. “The 50th Independence celebrations are great, but how far (progressed) are we as Amerindians? Has the government been looking into our affairs?” he asked.

He maintains that the rights of Indigenous peoples ought not to be restricted so as to facilitate the needs of “big wigs.”

(Ariana Gordon)