Granger recommits to revise Amerindian Act

Sep 15, 2016 News

President David Granger on Saturday committed his government to the revision of the Amerindian Act of 2006.
The Head of State made the commitment during his address to hundreds who attended the Heritage

President David Granger, first lady Sandra Granger and Amerindian Minister Sydney Allicock at Heritage Village Day in Region 2.

Village Day hosted by Mainstay/Whyaka in Region 2.
He committed to this undertaking “so that we get a fair act after consultation with all the indigenous communities of our country, there will be a new or revised or reformed Indigenous Peoples’ Act under this administration.”
President Granger challenged the indigenous leaders of the 212 villages and communities to “let us work together in all of our communities to bring to the table, the changes that need to be made to the indigenous peoples’ act that is supported by the government, supported by the regions and supported by the communities.”
Several recommendations were made by Indigenous leaders during the just concluded national Toshao’s Conference since they believe the Act in its current form needs immediate strengthening.
It is the belief of the leaders that the Act does not fully recognize the rights of Amerindians as declared in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples 2007, and the International Labour Conference Convention 169.
President Granger’s commitment comes at the most opportune time; since the call was made by the indigenous leaders to have their recommendations heard and assented to in a timely manner.
The leaders proposed that this process conclude before the end of 2016 so that it can be re-titled the Indigenous Peoples’ Act of 2016.
At a recent press briefing hosted by the National Toshao’s Council NTC Chairman Joel Fredericks, said that the time has come for the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs and the NTC to put their hands to the plough and work together.
President Granger also committed to the protection of Indigenous lands, a cause Indigenous pioneer, Stephen Campbell, fought for so many years ago.
“I have committed and we are recruiting people to serve on the indigenous lands commission. One of the great contributions of Stephen Campbell 50 years ago, when he went to London to participate in the independence talks was to ensure that indigenous lands rights were protected,” the President assured.
The Amerindian Peoples’ Lands Commission was established in 1966 under Mr. Patrick Fort who served under the then President Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham.
The distinguished Arawak politician and political activist and first Indigenous Parliamentarian Stephen Campbell before his death, actively pursued the protection of Indigenous Heritage Lands.
Monday September 26 has been reserved specifically for the honouring of Mr. Campbell’s contributions.
The ceremony is set for the Umana Yana from 10 hours.