The Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) recently participated in the statutory meeting of the Upper Mazaruni District Council (UMDC), held in Waramadong Village, where leaders and representatives from Indigenous communities came together to strengthen unity and advance the collective development of their territory.
The UMDC, which represents eight villages: Paruima, Waramadong, Kamarang-Warawatta, Kako, Jawalla, Phillipai, Omenaik/Kambaru, and Chinoweing, hosted the meeting from October 7 to 9, 2025. Over the three days, community leaders engaged in meaningful and robust discussions on the social, environmental, and economic issues affecting their lands, while identifying joint strategies to address them and safeguard their rights. These discussions were bolstered by the participation of several state agencies like the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), the Guyana Police Force, Regional Department of Health, Regional Department of Education, Assistant Regional Executive Officer (AREO), the National Agriculture Research Extension Institute (NAREI), and the Head Teacher of the Waramadong Secondary School – the only existing Secondary School within the District.
Leaders from neighbouring communities, including Kaikan, Arau, Kangaruma, Tassarene, and Isseneru, also joined the meeting. Their participation reflected the growing collaboration among Indigenous territories in the Upper Mazaruni and beyond in an effort to foster solidarity and collective action in the face of shared challenges.
The APA, a long-standing partner and ally of the UMDC, was represented by Governance Coordinator Graham Atkinson, GIS Technician Jalen Frank, and Policy Officer Sharon La Rose. The team provided updates on the Association’s ongoing work and engaged leaders in identifying new areas of cooperation for the coming year, reaffirming APA’s commitment to supporting the self-determined development of Indigenous communities. APA President Mario Hastings and Vice President Lemmel Thomas, both members of the UMDC Elders Council, also addressed the gathering. They emphasised the importance of Indigenous leadership, inter-community solidarity, and the continued advocacy for recognition and protection of Indigenous land rights.
The meeting concluded with the leaders of the Upper Mazaruni reaffirming their united stance by once again signing a gazetting request to be submitted to the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, as outlined in the Amerindian Act. This action underscores the communities’ unwavering commitment to securing legal recognition of the District Council, though their ancestors have been meeting as a collective from time immemorial.