CMC – Guyana has told an international conference that members of its indigenous population have an equal and relevant place in the society and that the government remains committed to removing any existing gaps through the promotion of policies and decisions to promote Indigenous Peoples’ rights.
Addressing the 16th Session of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP) Guyana’s Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, speaking on the topic “Interactive Dialogue with the Expert Mechanism on the Right to Development,” said President Irfaan Ali is committed to building a “One Guyana,” that places the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country “on an aggressive path of inclusive, equitable and sustainable development”.
She said that the Amerindians, Guyana’s indigenous peoples, “have an equal and relevant place on this path” and that cognisant of the outsized role of Indigenous peoples worldwide in the protection of the forest and its resources, “it was only appropriate that the government recognize our Amerindians for their contribution”.
She said that one of Guyana’s ground breaking national development strategies is the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) which seeks to transform the economy while combating climate change.
Sukhai said Guyana maintains the second highest percentage of forest cover in the world and is part of the carbon market.
She said 15 per cent of all revenues earned from the sale of carbon credits has been allocated to the indigenous communities to be expended through Village Sustainable Plans, which are approved by the indigenous peoples and represent an addition to the government sectoral investments.
“This policy is the outcome of nationwide consultations which included the full engagement with the indigenous peoples and endorsed by the duly elected body of Indigenous Leaders in Guyana, the National Toshaos’ Council.
“Guyana continues to prioritise indigenous peoples’ development through the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, which provides direct investment to indigenous villages and communities to be utilised in a manner that has been determined by the people. “
She said this is done through the provision of ‘Presidential Grants’ & investments funds which are utilised for infrastructure, social or economic projects within villages; capital investment which enhances long-term benefits propelling village economy and infrastructure development to ensure access to amenities and markets, securing land tenure, food security, income generation and employment and Indigenous Peoples’ sustainable livelihoods.
She added that the government embarks on annual capacity building programmes to enhance skills and knowledge of indigenous leaders and Youths specifically through scholarship programs, our novel Youth Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship Programme as well as Leadership and Governance Training.
“These are all cumulative efforts by the government in partnership with indigenous peoples to ensuring not only the promotion of Indigenous Peoples’ right to development but ensuring that their development is informed by their decisions,” Sukhai told the conference.
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