Response to MP Vincent Henry’s misrepresentation of the Acquisition of Lands for Public Purposes (Amendment) Bill 2024

Dear Editor,
I strongly reject the misleading claims made by Opposition Member of Parliament Vincent Henry regarding the Acquisition of Lands for Public Purposes (Amendment) Bill 2024, as well as the caption shared on December 18, 2024 by “Credible Sources,” an affiliate of the APNU+AFC Facebook page, which stated, “MP Vincent Henry warns Land Bill threatens Indigenous Rights, demands Select Committee review.”
It is clear that MP Henry and the Opposition used the debate as an opportunity to score cheap political points, deliberately distorting the content and intent of the Bill to mislead the public and create unnecessary fear.
The Bill focuses on improving the efficiency of land acquisition for public purposes, while maintaining full compliance with legal safeguards. It has no connection to Indigenous land rights, does not bypass the Amerindian Act of 2006, and poses no threat to the constitutional protections for our First Peoples.
MP Henry’s accusations that the Bill grants unchecked powers to the minister, or violates international commitments such as the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), are baseless and dishonest.
The Bill fully respects constitutional protections and established legal procedures, including the requirement for free, prior, and informed consent, where applicable. Claims to the contrary are simply unfounded.
What is most disappointing is the Opposition’s hypocrisy in pretending to champion Indigenous rights now, when their track record in office was marked by neglect and broken promises to Indigenous communities. This attempt to politicise an unrelated bill is a disingenuous ploy to distract from their own failures.
The PPP/C government has consistently supported the rights and development of Indigenous communities through investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, and land titling. This commitment remains strong as the PPP/C government continues to prioritize meaningful improvements for all Guyanese, particularly our Amerindian brothers and sisters. I urge MP Henry and the Opposition to stop spreading misinformation and using divisive tactics for political gain. The Guyanese people deserve honest and constructive debates in Parliament, not fearmongering and attempts to mislead.

Regards,
Alister Charlie, MBA
Member of Parliament
(PPP/C)