The Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) recently participated in the statutory meeting of the Upper Mazaruni District Council (UMDC), held in Chinoweing Village, Region Seven. The APA delegation included Governance Coordinator Paul Atkinson, Policy Officer Don Stoll, Mapping and Monitoring Coordinator Linburg Pearson, and Communications and Visibility Officer Lakhram Bhagirat.
The UMDC statutory meeting, held quarterly, brings together Toshaos and Councillors from across the Upper Mazaruni to address shared concerns, strengthen collective leadership, and plan for their communities’ future. The three-day gathering in Chinoweing saw leaders reaffirm their commitment to Indigenous governance and set clear priorities for advocacy and development in the Upper Mazaruni.
The UMDC is comprised of eight communities, namely, Paruima, Waramadong, Kamarang/Warawatta, Jawalla, Kako, Phillipai, Chinoweing, and Omenaik/Kambaru.
The District Council meeting saw key discussions around protecting their territory. A priority resolution was passed demanding urgent protection from mining activities within Indigenous territories and the headwaters of the Mazaruni River. The resolution also emphasised the importance of respecting Indigenous governance structures. Additionally, the Council called for the urgent reform of the Amerindian Act 2006 and other related legislation to better reflect and uphold Indigenous rights.
The Upper Mazaruni leaders also advocated for the inclusion of Arecuna and Akawaio languages in schools across the district, the establishment of a technical training institution, and improved access to health and social services in all villages. They also discussed the issue of formal recognition of the UMDC.
The APA team also took the opportunity to provide updates on its ongoing work and shared plans for the remainder of the year, reinforcing its commitment to supporting the self-determined development of the Upper Mazaruni communities. The team also commended the UMDC for its work in collectively addressing the issues in their district.
The meeting marked another important step in advancing Indigenous leadership and rights in Guyana, with the APA standing in solidarity with the people of the Upper Mazaruni in their pursuit of justice, recognition, and sustainable development.