By: Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly News|
A growing controversy has erupted over the living conditions at the Amerindian Hostel on Princess Street, Georgetown, as Member of Parliament Dawn Hastings-Williams of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) movement has condemned what she described as “deplorable, devastating, and cruel” circumstances endured by Indigenous residents.
Her visit followed residents’ urgent plea for support, prompting Hastings-Williams, presumptive Opposition Leader Asen Mohamed, and several other MPs to assess the situation firsthand. According to the parliamentarian, the state of the facility stands in stark contrast to the billions allocated over the years for upgrades to the hostel.
“As a government that claims to care for Indigenous people, you must ensure that systems are in place — not just bring people here and leave them to suffer,” she stated. Hastings-Williams also highlighted critical issues, including inconsistent transportation for medical checkups and widespread discomfort caused by extreme heat, inadequate bedding, and malfunctioning washroom facilities.
Residents reportedly endure non-functioning toilets, the need to fetch water manually, the absence of fans and mosquito nets, and mattress conditions so poor that cases of scabies have increased.
Hastings-Williams questioned the Government’s stewardship of the funds approved by Parliament. “Millions were allocated in 2024 for repairs, electricity, and upgrades. Where did the money go? We expect value for the money spent.”
The unfolding situation grew more heated after a widely circulated video showed a confrontation between Minister of Amerindian Affairs Sarah Brown-Shadick and WIN General Secretary Adessa Primus. Brown-Shadick accused the Opposition of attempting to intimidate her, while Primus insisted their visit was solely to witness the suffering of residents.
Minister Brown-Shadick later told the media that the Government is in the process of constructing a new facility, though she did not offer a timeline for its completion. Hastings-Williams responded that the minister’s recent appointment does not exempt her from responsibility, noting that a proper handover from the former minister should have ensured continuity of care.
“The residents are suffering. That is the harsh reality,” Hastings-Williams said. “The Government must act immediately.”
As public attention intensifies, calls are mounting for urgent intervention to restore safe, dignified living conditions for the country’s first peoples.
