In a step towards advancing Amerindian land rights in Guyana, the government has issued five absolute grants for land extensions and two certificates of title to seven Amerindian villages. The initiative underscores the administration’s commitment to recognizing and protecting the land rights of indigenous communities.
The villages receiving absolute grants are Hotoquai, Hobodai, and Red Hill in Region One, along with Akawini in Region Two. Meanwhile, Arrau Village in Region Seven and Karasabai in Region Nine were awarded their certificates of title. These land documents were formally presented to the respective village Toshaos by Head of State, President Irfaan Ali and Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, during the opening of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC).
The village leaders expressed their enthusiasm and gratitude upon receiving the long-awaited legal recognition of their lands. Karasabai Central Toshao, David Albert, praised the government for realizing the dreams of over 4,000 residents in his sub-district, noting the significance of finally securing legal ownership. “It was something that we really wanted for a very long time, and finally we got through with it,” Albert remarked.
Similarly, Arrau’s Toshao, Manuel Charlie, acknowledged the government’s efforts in facilitating this crucial step, which grants his village legal ownership of 28,875 acres of land. Carson Village, Toshao of Hotoquai, highlighted the potential benefits of the extended 3,764 acres to the village’s agricultural activities, emphasizing the prospects for improved livelihoods and economic growth. “We can gain money in our village and move forward in our daily lives,” he noted.
President Ali commended the efforts of the Amerindian Land Titling (ALT) unit in ensuring that these villages secure their land rights. The Amerindian Land Titling project, governed by the Amerindian Act of 2006, aims to empower Amerindian communities by providing official recognition and legal ownership of their traditional lands and natural resources.
Looking ahead, the government has allocated $800M in the 2024 budget for the ALT project, which is expected to extend legal land recognition to even more indigenous communities across Guyana.
