Deputy Speaker roasts Government for failing to consult Amerindians on various issues

Shuman’s latest criticism of the government stems from an agreement that the government signed with a Canadian-based gold company for prospecting work to be done in Murudi, in the deep South Rupununi region.

Deputy Speaker roasts Government for failing to consult Amerindians on various issues

The Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly and Leader of the Liberty and Justice Party Lennox Shuman is hitting out at the government again, this time over the lack of consultation with indigenous leaders.

Shuman’s latest criticism of the government stems from an agreement that the government signed with a Canadian-based gold company for prospecting work to be done in Murudi, in the deep South Rupununi region.

Residents and Community Leaders have complained about not being consulted about the project and being left out completely in the decision-making.

In a statement, Shuman lambasted the Government for not facilitating any meaningful dialogue with Indigenous Peoples on the Marudi Mountain gold mining agreement.

He wants the agreement revoked and for discussions to be held with the villagers and community leaders.

“It is my informed view that the Government of Guyana under the Peoples Progressive Party (PPP) has zero inclination to meaningfully consult the Indigenous Peoples on any matter. It is also my informed view that they intend to throw money at the problems the Indigenous Peoples face instead of genuinely trying to find comprehensive solutions to address them. By addressing the issues comprehensively, it empowers Indigenous Peoples which poses a problem to the PPP and that is far removed from the MO and intent of the PPP,” Mr. Shuman said in his latest statement.

Shuman said that he had hoped that the government would have considered his offer to help the administration meaningfully help Indigenous people. He said the government’s focus appears to be elsewhere.

Shuman posited that the government does not seem to have the best interest of the Indigenous community at heart.

“Indigenous Peoples have consistently asked for one thing from the Government of Guyana – “to respect our rights’ which are tied to the singular conditionality upon Guyana achieving independence – rightful control over the lands and territories we have traditionally owned. Until such, it matters not which administration preaches a mantra of One Guyana social cohesion, or whatever new slogan will be championed, the two sides of the coin will continue to show us their freshly polished brass in vague light trying to pass off as newly minted gold,” Shuman said.

Shuman, who is also an Aviation Advisor to the government recently claimed that his job as Aviation Advisor was under threat because of his criticisms of the government.  

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