Attorney General Anil Nandlall has issued a warning regarding unauthorized visits to Amerindian communities, emphasizing that such actions could constitute a criminal offense. He urged individuals to adhere to the proper procedures before entering these villages.
Nandlall’s remarks come in light of a recent incident involving Azruddin Mohammed, the Presidential Candidate for the We Invest in Nationhood party, during his visit to the Wikki/Calcuni community in the Berbice River. The visit coincided with a promotional cricket match and funday activity, where the village’s Toshao publicly denounced Mohammed by grabbing and stomping on the WIN party flag, claiming that no permission was granted for his entry.
The event was a private promotion aimed at welcoming visitors, which included offerings such as table packages for beverages. While the Attorney General did not directly address the incident, he stressed the legal framework governing access to Amerindian villages.
“Historically, Amerindian villages, under the Amerindian Act, are not considered public property. Unauthorized individuals cannot enter these communities without permission. If you do, you may be committing a criminal offense and could be charged,” Nandlall stated during his weekly “Issues in the News” program.
He highlighted that government officers conducting official business are exempt from this restriction, as the law permits them to enter Amerindian communities without prior approval.
Nandlall referenced a similar situation in early 2015, when the Village Council of Moco Moco prevented former President Donald Ramotar and his team from entering due to late notice.
Mohammed’s campaign team expressed concerns that they were being targeted, interpreting the actions of the Toshao and others associated with the ruling PPP as contrary to the principles of free and fair campaigning.
The Attorney General’s comments underscore the importance of respecting the autonomy of Amerindian communities and adhering to legal protocols when engaging with them.
Other News
Food Prices Soar in Guyana: Average Increases Exceed 75% Over Three Years
