Signed by Indigenous WIN Parliamentarians: Dawn Hastings-Williams, MP; Duarte Hetsberger, MP; and Deon Lacruz, MP
The Indigenous peoples of this nation have historically remained quiet regarding the issues affecting them, not due to fewer challenges, but because their dignity is often met with silence from those elected to serve them. However, this silence does not grant leaders the license to ignore their fundamental human rights or absolve the state from its duty to ensure equal treatment and access to necessities for every ethnic group.
During the recent visit of Opposition Leader-in-waiting, Azruddin Mohamed, to the Amerindian Hostel, many residents felt empowered to speak out against the deplorable and inhumane conditions under the PPP government’s administration. Mr. Mohamed’s presence did not create these concerns; it merely provided a safe environment for truth to be voiced.
Mr. Mohamed has always been a humanitarian at heart. His commitment to the well-being of all people he serves is evident in how he listens and respects those he represents. His visit to the Hostel was in direct response to the concerns raised by residents about their living conditions, emphasizing his urgent dedication as an MP and Opposition Leader-in-waiting.
Predictably, the PPP government’s propaganda machine attempted to misconstrue this moment of truth-telling into a false narrative, accusing WIN MPs of “bullying” the Minister of Amerindian Affairs. Any fair-minded observer knows this is untrue. The Minister engaged with WIN MPs as any experienced political figure would, armed not with solutions but with excuses and a hastily assembled “plan” that seemed to emerge only after the Opposition’s visit.
Minister Sarah Browne-Shadeek, as an Indigenous woman herself, should have a deep understanding of the suffering our people have endured for decades. The PPP has governed for 28 of the last 33 years, during which neglect and deplorable conditions have persisted.
Where was your voice then, Minister Browne-Shadeek? As Parliamentary Secretary for the last five years, why didn’t you advocate for your people during those years of hardship? Why did you only appear after the Opposition was invited by residents who sought help? How much longer must our Indigenous brothers and sisters wait for decent living conditions—another 28 years under the PPP?
Mr. Mohamed visited the Hostel because he was invited and genuinely cares about the residents’ plight. He will continue to speak out for the Indigenous community, acknowledging and feeling their suffering, unlike many others in political positions.
Minister Browne-Shadeek, you are not inexperienced. To use your identity now as a means of deflection is both dishonest and a distraction from the real issues. Shame on you for disrespecting our people’s right to express their grievances.
Moreover, it is troubling that the government seeks to manipulate Indigenous institutions, including the National Toshaos Council (NTC), to deflect accountability and cover up the shameful conditions at facilities meant to support Indigenous people.
Our communities protect our forests, and while the PPP government boasts about receiving substantial carbon credits, our people continue to live in degrading conditions even in the capital city, Georgetown. Is the NTC content with this arrangement?
Instead of advocating for better living conditions, the NTC has allied with this corrupt government against our people. Our ancestors lament this betrayal.
Our Indigenous brothers and sisters deserve better—not tomorrow, not in another election cycle, but now. They are equal citizens of this Republic, entitled to basic human necessities and protections under the law. Their voices matter. Their suffering matters. Their dignity matters.
It is time for all Indigenous people to stand firm and demand the respect, care, and equality that has long been denied to them.
WIN stands resolutely with our First Peoples—today, tomorrow, and always.
Signed,
Leslyn Lowe, WIN Representative
Dawn Hastings-Williams, MP
Duarte Hetsberger, MP
Deon Lacruz, MP
