We are opposed to the sedition clause

Dear Editor
IT IS with great concern to the Indigenous Peoples of Guyana that I write to you today. It is our understanding that the IT Bill (Cybercrime) is soon to be adopted by Parliament. While we support protective measures within any law to protect the interest of the nation, it is the indigenous peoples view that the sedition clause in the Bill is unwarranted and stands to infringe upon our rights as guaranteed by Article 146 of Guyana’s Constitution.
As indigenous peoples, we are consistently fighting for our rights to be recognised. This fight, because of the geography of Guyana, sometimes see indigenous peoples network to garner support from other international organisations, and by virtue of that support, we often become critical of governments that fail to respect our rights. Most often that discontent first point of public contact is the social domain. By virtue of this sedition clause, it criminalises our peoples and further marginalizes an already marginalized group of people.

Considering the many infringements on the rights of indigenous peoples that occur within geographical Guyana, it is important to understand and recognize that the indigenous peoples will continuously be placed in a position of disadvantage and under this proposed new law, stands to be charged by the court.

Further, Sir, Guyana being a donor to the Inter-American Development Bank, has signed on to an Indigenous Peoples Policy. By virtue of being a signatory and donor to that institution, the Indigenous Peoples Policy adopted by the bank was subsequently ratified by all donor countries. In said policy it states under a variety of Articles, that any decision that affects indigenous peoples must engage the indigenous peoples’ leadership. I can formally communicate that the indigenous leadership–The National Toshaos Council–was not consulted on this issue and are hereby requesting to be given that opportunity to address this proposed piece of legislation. The NTC remains disposed to progressive nation building and we look forward to be given our opportunity to have the indigenous peoples’ input into this Bill.

Regards
Toshao Joel Fredericks
Chairman – National Toshaos Council

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :
Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp
All our printed editions are available online
emblem3
Subscribe to the Guyana Chronicle.
Sign up to receive news and updates.
We respect your privacy.