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Georgetown, Guyana — The Alliance For Change (AFC) is pressing for an immediate and comprehensive revision of the 2006 Amerindian Act to address pressing issues affecting indigenous communities. Speaking at a press conference on Friday, AFC representative Laura George highlighted gaps in legislative protections and criticized the government’s lack of transparency in the Act’s revision process.
George expressed concern over the apparent stalling of the revision process, which was announced by President Irfaan Ali in September 2020. “There is a seeming lull and silence in terms of what exactly is taking place with the revision process,” she said, adding that indigenous groups had already documented their priority concerns and recommendations.
The AFC is calling for updated legislation that recognizes indigenous governance structures, ensures environmental and human rights protections, and facilitates sustainable development. “The Amerindian Act needs to provide in law full rights, full empowerment, and recognition of indigenous governance,” George emphasized.
The party also criticized the government’s approach to climate change and resource management. George noted that Guyana’s recent Biennial Transparency Report to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change lacked human rights commitments, despite the increasing pressure on indigenous lands. “Human rights and environmental rights go hand in hand,” she said, urging the government to codify these protections in the revised Act.
The AFC also proposed creating a permanent fund for indigenous communities, allowing them direct access to resources for addressing climate change impacts like drought and food insecurity. George stated, “Communities should not have to wait annually for the government to allocate funds from carbon credits financing.”
The party stressed that the revision is urgent as Guyana navigates foreign investment, climate change mitigation, and sustainable development initiatives. “Effective legislation that protects the rights of indigenous peoples and respects their participation in national policy development is essential,” George said.
