The Village Council of Kanapang has initiated legal action against the State, claiming the “unlawful arrest, detention, prosecution, conviction, and imprisonment” of 27 Brazilian nationals in violation of domestic and international human rights laws. The council is seeking redress for the alleged violations against these individuals.
The Brazilian nationals were arrested around November 12, 2025, in Kanapang, an indigenous community in the North Pakaraimas, Region Eight, and charged with illegal entry and illegal mining.
In a statement delivered by Attorney Darren Wade, the Village Council alleged that officers from the Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), and the Guyana Police Force entered the titled lands of Kanapang without obtaining proper approval or a warrant, thereby breaching the Amerindian Act.
During initial court proceedings in the Mahdia Magistrate’s Court, several Brazilians pleaded guilty and received six-month prison sentences, while others were remanded. These pending matters have been adjourned to January 29, 2026.
Attorney Wade asserted that the State failed to provide adequate translation services for the accused during the court hearings. “The accused persons were unable to properly understand the language spoken in court, as they are fluent in Portuguese and do not sufficiently understand English,” he explained. “The interpreter presented by the State was speaking Spanish, which the accused also did not understand.”
He further noted that while an interpreter was present during the first hearing, none was provided on December 12, 2025, leading to further delays and adjournments.
Wade emphasized that the failure to offer interpretation services throughout the proceedings constitutes a direct violation of domestic law and international human rights laws, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Constitution of Guyana.
“The arrest, detention, prosecution, conviction, and imprisonment of the affected persons under these circumstances are unlawful and amount to arbitrary detention,” Wade stated. He highlighted the severity of the situation, noting that proper prosecutorial authority had not been demonstrated, and the accused were unable to understand the proceedings due to language barriers.
As a result of these actions, the Village of Kanapang firmly believes that multiple breaches of constitutional and international laws have occurred, including infringements on the Right to Personal Liberty, Freedom of Movement, Equality and Equal Protection of Law, and Protection of the Law.
Additionally, Wade mentioned that the Embassy of Brazil has been in communication with his firm concerning the matter, reinforcing the need for legal action. The Village Council is now seeking redress from the State for the alleged violations against the Brazilian nationals.
