Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall is reminding political figures and their supporters that entering Amerindian villages without permission is a criminal offence under the Amerindian Act of 2006, a law he says has been long respected—even before it was codified.
“The Amerindian villages are not public property,” Nandlall said during his weekly Issues in the News programme on Tuesday. “They are private, often communally owned by title, and therefore unauthorized persons cannot simply walk in. If you do, you are breaking the law.
”Nandlall’s comments come amid growing concerns from village leaders that some political hopefuls are violating this principle under the guise of public engagement. At least one Toshao has expressed frustration over what he described as an uninvited political incursion into his community.
Kevin Seegolam, Toshao of Wikki/Calcuni in the Berbice River, said a visiting group entered the village without approval, claiming they were there to meet residents—but reportedly engaging in political activity.
“Any political person who wants to come must do it the right way—write to the Council, get approval. Don’t bully your way in,” Seegolam told the media. He also claimed that many of those present were not villagers. “It wasn’t our people,” he said.
The visit in question was made by members of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, led by presidential hopeful Azruddin Mohamed. The group has maintained that its presence in various hinterland communities is not part of a formal political campaign, but instead a series of outreach efforts aimed at listening to the concerns of ordinary Guyanese.
In previous statements, WIN has pushed back against accusations of political misconduct, arguing that their visits are driven by national interest rather than partisan gain. “We are not campaigning,” a representative said. “We’re meeting with residents, hearing their struggles, and trying to understand how we can serve all Guyanese.”
Still, Nandlall insists that even non-campaign visits must follow the legal protocols. Under the Amerindian Act, only government officers conducting official business are exempt from the requirement to first seek approval from the Village Council.
“If you enter an Amerindian Village without permission, you commit a criminal offence and you can be charged,” the Attorney General said. “The law is clear, and it applies to everyone—regardless of political ambition.
”As the election season heats up, this latest controversy raises broader questions about respect for indigenous governance, consent, and the conduct of political aspirants in rural and interior regions.
