The Government of Guyana will be dispatching a broad-based delegation to Chinese Landing in Region 1, to conduct a comprehensive situational analysis following the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights’ (IACHR) issuance of precautionary measures in favor of the Indigenous Community of Chinese Landing.
This decision was disclosed by Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, General Secretary of the PPP/C, in response to the serious and urgent risks faced by the community due to their opposition to mining activities on their lands.
On July 21, the IACHR issued a Resolution granting precautionary measures to protect the rights of the members of the Indigenous Community of Chinese Landing, who are currently at risk of suffering irreparable harm to their human rights. The risks stem from their resistance to mining activities on their ancestral lands.
In light of the IACHR’s decision, Dr. Jagdeo announced that the Guyanese government will respect the Commission’s decision and assemble a diverse team to assess the situation. The multi-faceted team will address environmental, social issues, and mining rights concerns while engaging with the local community. The delegation will prepare a comprehensive report that will be submitted to the IACHR.
Dr. Jagdeo acknowledged the complexity of the situation, highlighting that the Caribbean Court of Justice had previously ruled in favor of the miners, despite an earlier “cease work order” issued by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC). The GGMC believed that the miners breached the Amerindian Act and should have provided the village with at least 10 percent royalties.
The General Secretary of the PPP/C expressed hope that the issues at hand could be resolved with representation from all stakeholders. He emphasized the importance of facilitating dialogue involving the entire village, considering the diverse opinions expressed by different groups within the community.
Addressing the concerns of threats and security, Dr. Jagdeo stated that the team would investigate the veracity of such claims. He assured the community that their well-being and human rights are of paramount importance to the government, and any violations will be penalized accordingly.
The government’s decision to send a broad-based delegation reflects its commitment to address the challenges faced by the Indigenous Community of Chinese Landing and protect their rights amid the ongoing tensions over mining activities. The team’s forthcoming report to the IACHR is expected to shed light on the situation and offer potential pathways to resolve the complex issues at hand.