Don Stoll, Policy Officer at the Amerindian Peoples Association (APA), has sharply criticized the Government of Guyana’s handling of Indigenous issues, telling a global audience at the 24th Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) that persistent gaps exist between official policies and the everyday realities Indigenous peoples face — particularly Indigenous women.
Speaking boldly during her presentation, Stall highlighted that although there has been an increase in Indigenous representation, this does not translate into meaningful inclusion at the local governance level.
“The increase in representation does not reflect meaningful inclusion in local governance, where our voices are still too often sidelined,” Stall stated.
Her remarks came just days after Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai told global leaders that Guyana had reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to empowering Indigenous women, spotlighting progress in political inclusion, education, and economic development.
Sukhai reported that:
- 39% of women in Parliament are Indigenous.
- Three Indigenous women have led the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs.
- 63% of participants in the government’s Youth Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship Programs are Indigenous women.
- Expanded healthcare and telemedicine services were being rolled out in Indigenous communities.
However, Stall countered this narrative, arguing that real conditions on the ground tell a different story. She pointed out that Indigenous women still face enormous barriers, including:
- Language barriers when seeking healthcare.
- Weak infrastructure in hospitals and communities.
- Basic shortages of medicine and essential equipment.
“Our hospitals still lack the basic equipment and medicines to treat our families and communities,” Stall said.
Stoll further criticized a government-produced textbook that negatively portrayed the Indigenous community of Chinese Landing, a village already embroiled in conflict with the state over land rights and illegal mining. She condemned the textbook as another example of state-led marginalization and warned that structural discrimination remains deeply rooted in Guyana’s system.
She urged the Government of Guyana to fully implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) — particularly the principle of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) — in its policies and governance.
“While the UN Declaration was adopted, the government often downplays its binding nature and limits its implementation,” Stall emphasized.
Stall’s call echoes recent criticisms by other Indigenous leaders at international forums, challenging the government’s claims and highlighting disparities between promises and realities for Indigenous communities in Guyana.
As pressure mounts internationally, Guyana faces renewed scrutiny over its treatment of Indigenous peoples, especially amid growing extractive industry pressures and environmental concerns.
