ONE of the most significant achievements for the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs (MoAA) in 2024 has been its progress in the Amerindian Land Titling programme. Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, has hailed the initiative as vital to ensuring land security and empowerment for Guyana’s Indigenous communities.

“Land for the Amerindians is something very significant,” Minister Sukhai emphasised, noting the government’s longstanding commitment to addressing land tenure security since 1992. She pointed out that over the years, the landmass owned by Amerindians has expanded from 6 per cent to 16.4 per cent of Guyana’s total land area, a testament to successive administrations’ efforts to prioritise this cause.

In 2024, the Ministry was allocated $800 million to continue the land titling programme, resulting in significant progress. Reflecting on this achievement, Minister Sukhai contrasted the current administration’s success with the lack of progress under the previous A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) government.

“The public is aware of the then-minister’s announcement that he was unable to title lands for Amerindians during his term,” Sukhai remarked. She explained that under the previous administration, key investigative reports and demarcations initiated before 2015 were left untouched.
Since resuming office in 2020, the current government has successfully issued more than 21 land titles in nearly five years, fulfilling a key manifesto promise. In 2024 alone, two certificated titles were granted to Karasabai and Araua, while six absolute grants were issued to Hobodia, Hotoquia, Redhill,

Akawini, Moco Moco, and Sawariwau during the National Toshaos Council (NTC) meeting. Additionally, seven demarcations—actual physical surveys in the field—were completed.
“These achievements reflect the government’s investment, effort, and responsible approach to land tenure,” Minister Sukhai stated. “It may not be an exciting story for everyone, but for Indigenous people, it is monumental.”

The Amerindian Affairs Minister underscored the importance of land titling for Indigenous communities, emphasising its role in securing ownership, fostering development, and preserving cultural heritage.
She expressed pride in the Ministry’s ability to maintain a progressive and incremental approach to titling lands for Amerindians, which has enabled tangible progress. “In 2024, we have had very successful activities, resulting in two certificated titles, six absolute grants, and seven demarcations—all in one year,” Minister Sukhai added.

The Amerindian Land Titling programme continues to be a cornerstone of the government’s commitment to Indigenous communities, ensuring that they receive the recognition and support needed to thrive.