THE manner in which economic activities are conducted within Amerindian communities was of concern to Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Mr. Kellawan Lall, which he highlighted at a conference for Amerindian Leaders of Regions Eight and Nine on May 22 through 23 in St. Ignatius, Lethem.

Minister Lall said he received complaints about some contractors and other persons who try to exploit resources in these areas, and take advantage of the Amerindian communities. He also alluded to claims that some members of certain Amerindian communities exhibit a tendency to undersell themselves and their communities.

He said Amerindians have to be watch dogs in their communities so as to ensure that the arrangements in the councils are adhered to, and that the communities benefit from those agreements and arrangements.

There are instances where big companies go into some areas and promise the Amerindians certain benefits, but they too exploit the resources and very little is given back to the Amerindians.

A statement from the Government Information Agency (GINA) said the Minister alluded to the Amerindian Act which also addressed the cultural and traditional rights of Amerindians.

He referred to instances where people go into the hinterland communities and extract information and take it away. This he said has to be stopped.

“The Amerindian Council, the Amerindian Affairs Ministry, and the Government of Guyana have to say who can come here, what kind of research they do, what happens to the materials afterwards,” he said.

The various councils are part of the Government structure and will be acting as local Government, Minister Lall said. The councils are responsible for the socio economic and other development within their respective areas.

“You act as the Government in your area. You are the Government body in your area and you have a very big responsibility and I am sure that the Toshaos and the councils will carry out their responsibilities and meet the expectations of the communities,” he added.

Government has implemented legal and institutional arrangements that allow Amerindians to control the development in these areas. This is an important step forward …the fact that you are equal to everybody else in Guyana and that you have the ability and capacity to take control of your own development in your various areas,” Minister Lall stated.

The Minister acknowledged that Amerindians in Guyana have played an important role in the country’s development though this fact is not recognized by many.