‘Political interference’ fuelling abuse, neglect in Region Nine – Rodrigues

(Kaieteur News) – Mark Anthony Rodrigues, Head of the Indigenous Peoples Delegation of Guyana, has accused the Government of neglecting hinterland communities while alleging political interference in investigations into serious human rights abuses in Region Nine and surrounding areas.

Rodrigues, whose organisation was launched in April 2024, made the allegations in a public declaration issued on behalf of local representatives, campaign teams and grassroots advocates. He said the vast geography of the Rupununi makes outreach to remote communities extremely difficult, particularly during the rainy season.

Speaking on behalf of local representatives, campaign teams, and grassroots advocates, Rodrigues emphasized that the region’s geography makes simple outreach an immense trial, noting that “the logistics of reaching out to our people here in the Rupununi is a serious challenge.” Navigating five sparsely populated sub-districts during the rainy season presents severe operational hurdles, creating a scenario where “the geographical layout for transportation and communication presents many problems.”