By Tiana Cole | HGP Nightly News
Even as the Government of Guyana continues to tout its commitment to indigenous rights on global platforms, local indigenous leaders say their communities face persistent and systematic violations, particularly regarding land ownership and environmental protections.
The criticism comes in sharp contrast to recent remarks by Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai, who told the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues that the empowerment of indigenous women remains a national priority.
However, Mario Hastings, President of the Amerindian Peoples Association (APA), used the same international stage to reveal what he described as a stark disconnect between the government’s rhetoric and the lived realities of Guyana’s Indigenous Peoples.
Ongoing Violations of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC)
Hastings emphasized that the right to Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC)—a critical element of international indigenous rights—is still not legally recognized or respected in Guyana.
“In Guyana, indigenous peoples—despite having titles to our lands—have no ownership over the resources from them, nor are we consulted when these resources are to be exploited by companies or our government,” he stated.
He called the continued denial of FPIC a violation of self-determination and urged that international laws, particularly the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), be formally incorporated into Guyana’s national legal framework.
Carbon Credit Scheme Under Fire
Hastings also took aim at the government’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and its related carbon credit initiative, alleging that many indigenous communities were not properly consulted or given the opportunity to consent before being included in the scheme.
“Our sacred lands, passed down through generations, are being desecrated by extractive industries,” he said. “Rivers are poisoned, and forests exploited—all without proper community involvement or transparency.”
A Call for Reform and Oversight
The APA President reiterated longstanding calls for the revision of the 2006 Amerindian Act, noting that village and district councils have repeatedly submitted recommendations that remain unaddressed.
He urged the government to include full indigenous participation in any revision process, and appealed to the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues to monitor the government’s actions closely.
“We call on the Government of Guyana to take tangible steps—now—not just for show, but to safeguard our lands, cultures, and futures,” Hastings concluded.
