Dear Editor,
I stand in full solidarity with Toshao Nikita Miller and the residents of Chinese Landing, who are defending their rights, titled lands, and community at Tassawini. I traveled to the area, witnessed the situation firsthand, and listened directly to Toshao Miller and residents. Their concerns are serious and urgent: heavy machinery has reportedly entered Village Council territory without consent, while residents have maintained a peaceful, round-the-clock stand to protect their land. They should not have to place themselves on the front line simply to secure rights already guaranteed under Guyanese law.
The continued inaction of Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat and Minister of Amerindian Affairs Sarah Browne-Shadeek is untenable. Minister Bharrat appears content to hold meetings and refer to discussions with stakeholders, yet the community remains without a clear, enforceable resolution. Equally troubling are reports that Minister Browne-Shadeek has not responded meaningfully to Toshao Miller’s concerns. At a time of such tension, silence, inconclusive engagement, and the absence of responsible state agencies amount to an abandonment of the people whom these ministers are duty-bound to serve.
I call on the government, the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission to intervene immediately, prevent any escalation, respect the authority of the Toshao and Village Council, and ensure that no activity proceeds without the community’s lawful consent. The government must also fulfill Guyana’s obligations under the precautionary measures issued by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. The people of Chinese Landing deserve safety, clean water, respect for their land rights, and decisive action, not more meetings without conclusions, unanswered appeals, or broken promises.
Yours faithfully,
Sherod Duncan, M.P
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