LCDS: Amerindian Land Titling Project still a priority

The Amerindian Land Titling Project has gotten a ‘fresh start’ after a setback from 2015 to 2020. This is according to Lead Coordinator for the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030 consultation, Vanessa Benn who noted that during the period of 2015 to early 2020, not many achievements occurred in terms of the implementation of activities and expenditure of funds resulting in low titles being distributed.

The project is intended to assist Indigenous people to attain titles for their land and facilitate applications for extensions to those lands on which their forefathers settled. The deadline for completion has passed; however, it is included in the Government’s LCDS 2030 draft which is currently up for comments.

Benn explained that the project will continue with the aim to ensure that the targets are completed. So far, she said two land titles have been allocated since 2020.

In an interview with the BIG Smith News Watch, Benn said the project continues to be a priority for the policy makers and coordinator, Miss Monica Sharma, is leading that effort on the ground.

A lot of effort is being expanded to regain time that was lost.

When asked about how the indigenous residents are responding to the restarting of the project after the standstill, Benn explained that is of great welcome by the members of the communities. She said, “the residents are happy to hear about this and residents are constantly asking for updates.”

She noted that even though the project was halted, the Toshaos, village councils and residents have continually expressed their interest in seeing the process come to a good conclusion, where they can get their applications processed.

She said, “there is quite a lot of interest in seeing the conclusion of the project, particularly those communities that would have put forward applications, for titles and for the extension of their tiles.”

The project will continue to gain the support of the government through the Office of the President and implemented by the Ministry of the Amerindian Affairs, with the support from respective agencies.

To comment on the LCDS 2030, visit https://lcds.gov.gy/