The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs is actively addressing the significant backlog in the approval and distribution of Amerindian land titles, with plans to distribute 25 titles by the first half of 2024. Minister Pauline Sukhai announced this during a press conference, revealing that six land titles were distributed in 2023, surpassing the previous year’s record.
The re-established Amerindian Land Titling Unit is set to notify of 23 extensions and three first-time titles. Land titling is a crucial process that offers legal recognition to lands occupied by Guyana’s indigenous people.
“In the last three years, we have moved to re-establishing a functioning unit that is taking seriously the titling of lands for Amerindians, and last year we titled six, and 25,677 Amerindian residents across our country are land secure,” stated Minister Sukhai.
The six villages that received titles in 2023 are Four Miles (Region One), Paramakatoi (Region Eight), Copoey Extension, Mashabo Extension, Akawini, and Wakapao (Region Two).
While Guyana has a 10% indigenous population and 16.4% of the landmass, the land titling process has faced delays due to a backlog from the previous government. Minister Sukhai explained that the slow process stems from the need to hold consultations with various stakeholders, national institutions, and commissions, compiling reports with findings and recommendations, which are then examined at a technical level.
In 2024, the ministry aims to hand over the remaining titles and conduct 39 demarcations. Minister Sukhai highlighted that 18 of the 23 extensions are completed investigations, expressing hope to address them and complete the remaining investigations in the coming year.
The Amerindian Land Titling process is governed by the Amerindian Act of 2006, originally scheduled to conclude in 2016 but extended multiple times. The ministry’s commitment reflects its dedication to providing legal recognition and security to indigenous lands in Guyana.
