In response to a recent report by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) accusing Guyana of violating the rights of the Akawaios indigenous group, Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has vehemently dismissed the findings as inaccurate and biased.
The IACHR report, published in April, highlighted serious concerns regarding the well-being of the Akawaios community and recommended reparations to address these issues.
It noted that despite the government of Guyana requesting an extension to respond to the report’s concerns, it has not yet provided a formal response to the regional body.
Speaking at a press conference, Vice President Jagdeo criticized the credibility of the IACHR, particularly its association with the Amerindian Peoples Association (APA), which he accused of activism and attempting to block funds intended for 242 Amerindian villages.
He echoed sentiments expressed by Gail Teixeira, questioning the IACHR’s understanding of Guyana’s national policies and circumstances.
Defending Guyana’s record, Vice President Jagdeo asserted that Guyana’s treatment of indigenous peoples surpasses that of any other country in the Organization of American States (OAS), claiming that indigenous communities in Guyana receive significant benefits directly from the government.
Despite the dismissal of the findings, Vice President Jagdeo assured that the government, through the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, is in the process of preparing a response to the IACHR report.
The controversy surrounding the IACHR report underscores ongoing tensions between international human rights bodies and the Guyanese government regarding indigenous rights and sovereignty.