“End the Secrecy!” – SATIIM Demands Explanation for US Oil Company’s Return to National Protected Land

*Government ignores local communities requests for information

*Defies historic Supreme Court ruling based on country’s constitution and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

The Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management (SATIIM) calls all those who care about Belize’s biocultural diversity demand that the government explain what an oil company is doing on protected land.

On October 25 SATIIM learned that the American oil company, US Capital Energy had suddenly re-appeared on protected and Maya land -- without prior notice or consent of the communities.

According to reports, the oil company has been operating for over a week inside the Sarstoon Temash National Park (STNP) in Southern Belize. While the park is officially co-managed with the surrounding Q’eqchi Mayan and Garifuna villages, the government never informed SATIIM that a permit had been issued. The company is wasting no time -- a truck equipped for seismic drilling has already arrived along with a drill-ready tractor. Trees were cut for two seismic lines in Sunday Wood village, with rumors of plans to cut more in the village of Crique Sarco.

This is merely the latest ‘surprise’ in a shameful history of secrecy that began one morning in 1997. Five Indigenous communities in Southern Belize woke up to learn that the government had declared their ancestral land a national park in 1994. Ever since, these communities have struggled to defend their land at every turn.

Notably, in 2006 they won a temporary injunction against seismic testing in this protected area, where an entirely new ecosystem was recently discovered. Another ruling from the Supreme Court confirmed Maya rights to land and resources and Belize’s obligation to conform to international standards of informed consent established when it signed the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in 2007.

Nonetheless, the government has kept all dealings with US Capital Energy secret. SATIIM asked for information in several letters to the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and Chief Forest Officer. The government has ignored each one.

When SATIIM met with Indigenous leaders Monday 7 November, all villagers expressed outrage and growing concerns that the government and the company did not inform them about the seismic activities. SATIIM demands that the government respect: 1) the rule of law; 2) environmental justice; 3) economic equality; and 4) its obligations under UNDRIP and legal rulings by Belize’s highest courts.

Most of all, SATIIM demands the government end the secrecy around US Capital Energy’s new operations in Southern Belize. SATIIM and the Indigenous communities have agreed to use any means necessary to bring the government and company in compliance with national and international law.

Source: SATIIM PRESS RELEASE

Amerindians usher in Heritage Month 2011

GUYANA -As Guyana celebrates its 16th annual Amerindian Heritage Month this year, time will be set aside for the reflection of the Amerindians’ origins, their achievements and challenges.

For the next 30 days, Guyanese of all ethnicities will join their Amerindian brothers and sisters to remember and pay tribute to the numerous contributions by indigenous people in the historical development of this country.

Amerindian Heritage Month 2011 was officially opened yesterday under the theme “Our culture, our heritage, our life: A fusion of Indigenous Diversity” at the Sophia National Exhibition Centre, Greater Georgetown, where hundreds turned up to join in the celebrations.

Yvonne Pearson, Chairman of the National Toshaos Council, told the gathering that Amerindians play an important part in society and since they are the “first people” it is their duty to ensure that persons live up to the country’s motto.

“It is our responsibility to merge, to blend, to bring together, to use different forms or different ways to ensure that we live up to our motto of One people, One Nation, One Destiny.”

She added that 2011 is a very important year for all Guyanese since it is the “Year for People of African Descent” and in May, the country celebrated its annual Indian Arrival Day celebrations as well.

Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, stated that Guyana is home to some 70,000 Indigenous people, approximately ten per cent of its total population.

The Amerindians continue to play pivotal roles in the nation’s development as their contributions in various areas such as education, economic and social development, culture, health and human rights stand out.

Special mention was made of the first Amerindian Member of Parliament, Mr. Stephen Campbell.

Minister Sukhai explained that in 1995, September was designated as Amerindian Heritage Month where the diversity of people is highlighted. She referred to the sterling contributions of her late colleague, Minister Desrey Fox, who served the country to the best of her abilities and was a role model for many Amerindians in Guyana.

President Jagdeo, who officially raised the curtain on the month of activities, said that with Guyana being a signatory to a number of international declarations, and the implementation of various pieces of legislation for the protection and promotion of Indigenous people, there have been quantum leaps in Amerindian and hinterland development.

He stated that the first Amerindian Heritage Month celebration in 1995 saw handfuls of people, but every year since the number has grown, until now, hundreds turn up in recognition of this special occasion.

It was noted that in spite of geographical location, Amerindians have better access to education through the construction of schools in their villages, granting of local and international scholarships for Amerindian students to pursue tertiary and secondary education in various disciplines and health care services via the construction of health centres in almost all the villages, and trained Community Health Workers, doctors and other medical personnel.

These include investments in Presidential Grants, National Hinterland Secure Livelihood, Land Demarcation and Titling, Hinterland Solar electrification, Road and Water Programmes, School Uniform and more.

According to the schedule of the month-long activities, Aishalton, in South Rupununi, has been designated the Heritage Village, where the focus will be on September 10.

The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs has planned a programme of celebrations, including an inter-faith religious service at the Umana Yana, which took place on Wednesday.

An exhibition commenced yesterday at the Sophia National Exhibition Centre showcasing food and craft made by Amerindians. This will continue through September 5.

Prior to that is a Heritage Walk, scheduled for September 4, beginning at the Umana Yana, Kingston, Georgetown.

There will also be an exhibition and reflection on the life of Stephen Campbell, at the Umana Yana, on September 8.

The Miss Amerindian Heritage Pageant, at the National Cultural Centre, will take place on September 17 and a Sports and Family Fun Day is set for September 18.

There will be a dinner and appreciation ceremony, on September 30 at Roraima Duke Lodge, Duke Street, Kingston, and on October 1, the “Grand Heritage Finals” will be held at Mainstay, Region Two, to conclude the celebratory month.

Source: KNews

Indigenous clans call for recognition of their rights

In Cumaca, members of indigenous clans who still live in the forests are deeply upset and concerned about unregulated quarrying that is encroaching on their ancestral lands. While to the south, members of the Warao clan are calling for recognition by the state and research and re-education about the history of our indigenous peoples, and their links to clans in the Orinoco Delta of Venezuela.

See the full story at UCTP Taino News:
http://www.uctp.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=704&Itemid=2

Caurita Stone a Carib legacy

Trinidad - Since 1995 when the existence of the Caurita Stone was first publicised in our local newspapers, there has been much speculation as to the origins and meanings of the etchings on its surface. Back then, the stone was known as the "Mystery Stone of Caurita".

Today, the site, in the hills of the Maracas Valley where the stone is located, is the main destination of hikers and descendants of Amerindian ancestry.

Ricardo Bharath Hernandez, chief of the Santa Rosa Carib community, and Cristo Adonis, shaman for the community, led us on a trip up to Caurita, which included members of the National Heritage Council Rawle Mitchell and Niketa Yearwood.

Adonis, well acquainted with the natural vegetation of the area, pointed out several plants that usually go unnoticed by the untrained eye. The roots and leaves of most of these plants are composed of important medicinal ingredients for various illnesses and diseases. Adonis identified many of these precious plants amid the understorey of the forest.

As the trail wound through estates of cocoa, coffee and mixed species of forest, a bubbly stream criss-crossed the way several times. Immortelle trees provided sanctuary for oropendolas, busy as always with the duty of building nests and caring for their young. A large ficus tree welcomed a bay-headed tanager onto its shady bough.

It was just below the area of a large bamboo stool that Adonis revealed how he first found the stone.

"I was in these hills searching for the stone. My little son was with me at the time. When we reached this bamboo stool, an agouti dashed up the ridge ahead. My son said, 'Where the agouti run is where the stone is.' We headed up this ridge, following the direction of the agouti, and found the stone alongside the track."

Eager now to reach the stone, our party headed up the ridge, and just as Adonis had described, there it was, sitting prominently at the side of the trail.

The height and width of the stone is roughly six feet by eight feet, and drawings have been etched into the top half of its exposed surface at the front. These drawings show faintly between the growing mosses that carpet the stone. Mitchell promptly got to work cleaning the stone, so the depictions on the surface could be seen clearly.

Members of the Santa Rosa Carib community view this stone as having special spiritual significance and regard it as part of their natural heritage. Some of the etchings identified depict a chief, other people in ceremonial wear and a deer.

The chief and the shaman present gave offerings to the four porters or gateways: El Tucuche to the north, El Cerro del Aripo to the east, San Fernando Hill to the south and a mountain in Venezuela's Paria peninsula to the west.

It is agreed among Amerindian communities in Trinidad that etchings on the stone bear spiritual significance. The site of the Caurita Stone is now regarded as an important part of the ongoing quest for knowledge and understanding of Amerindian ancestral occupation and life on this island.

Sites such as this bear testimony that our First Nation did set the path for our present way of life and so, as an integral part of our anthem, do represent an important part of our heritage for the future.

Author: Heather-dawn Herrera
Source: Trinidad Express Newspapers

Jennifer Cassar is new Carib Queen

She has what it takes: Incoming Carib Queen Jennifer Cassar at the Carib Centre, Arima yesterday.
—Photo: Curtis Chase

TRINIDAD - AUGUST 6 will signal a new chapter in the history of the Carib community.

On that day, Jennifer Cassar, 59, will walk out of the Santa Rosa RC Church in full Carib regalia, as the new Carib Queen.

The event is expected to draw supporters and members of the indigenous community bearing the traditional halekebe (crocheted poncho).

Cassar will take her place among her predecessors including Dolores MacDavid, Maria Werges, Justa Werges and Valentina Medina.

Her inauguration next month will be the first time in more than a decade that the community has elected a titular head.

For 11 years Medina served as Carib Queen until she succumbed to breast cancer in April at the age of 78.

Carib queens are elected based on their maturity and their vast knowledge of Carib history, practices, customs, way of life and oral traditions.

To say that Cassar is knowledgeable of her heritage would be a big understatement.

Since she was a child, Cassar was groomed in the indigenous customs, so much so that today she is like a walking encyclopedia on indigenous history.

"Although my mother was around, I also grew up with my grandparents and they lived a strict Carib way of life, this involved all aspects of Carib life. My grandmother was involved heavily in the Santa Rosa festival, I had to be part of the the procession with her. I made a commitment before she died that the lifestyle she had, I would emulate. I have to carry the mantle of my ancestors," said Cassar as she sat in the Carib Centre at Arima, surrounded by life-sized wooded sculptures, palm fronds and hand-woven baskets.

Cassar's appointment was based on more than her knowledge of the indigenous community. President of the Santa Rosa Carib Community, Ricardo Bharath-Hernandez explained that Cassar's cultural activism and her public service made her an obvious choice for Carib Queen.

For more than 20 years, Cassar has been involved in Carnival related activities, and has been the main organiser for the regional Carnival committee of the National Carnival Commission.

It is hard to imagine that this wife and mother of two, who is reserved by nature, is also a coordinator for stick-fighting competitions.

She has also spent 40 years as a public servant.

For the past five years, Cassar has also been a member of the Cabinet-appointed Amerindian project committee and has participated in a seminar on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples for the Caribbean.

"Cassar has what it takes," said Bharath-Hernandez, to take the Carib community further.

Cassar made it clear that her role would involve more than simply being the face of the Carib community.

Her duty as Carib Queen will include supervising the Santa Rosa Festival, one of the major highlights on the local indigenous calendar.

She will take on the responsibility of cleaning and decorating the church in preparation for the festival.

Cassar will also take the lead in the procession and offer prayers and she is tasked with passing on Carib traditions to members of the community.

There are burning issues which Cassar says need to be addressed as a matter of priority.

"We want to ensure that the land that was promised to us by the last Government comes to fruition, at least during my lifetime, and to ensure that the people of Amerindian descent become actively involved in the Santa Rosa Carib Community, because there are a lot of them out there who do not want to be identified as Carib or indigenous, so we want to create projects to woo young people and also go out there on a campaign to encourage them to come to the community," said Cassar.

One of Medina's unfulfilled wishes was to see a united indigenous community.

Cassar says she is committed to making this a reality as she paid homage to her predecessor: "She was a very pious individual, very devoted to Santa Rosa, she was like a matriarch. Even though I have a lot of experience in many areas, I am a simple person, very approachable and open to any idea anyone may have on how we can take this community forward."

Author: Kimberly Castillo
Source: Trinidad Express Newspapers