Climate Crisis Activists in Guyana Face Increased Threats, Especially Women
Climate crisis activists in Guyana are encountering intensified threats, particularly targeted at women, as they voice their concerns against mining, fossil fuel extraction, and sexual violence. The recent discovery of abundant oil reserves in the country has further escalated these threats over the past five months, with activists receiving death threats and facing intimidation tactics.
In response to the escalating threats, Guyanese citizens expressed their support for the activists through a letter issued in late July. Women’s organizations, along with members of the Caribbean diaspora and women across the region, released another statement on July 31, titled ‘Touch One, Touch All.’ The statement aims to condemn attempts to silence individuals who report or protest sexual violence and other forms of extractive violence in the region.
The statement highlights that the struggle of Red Thread, a prominent activist group defending women, indigenous communities, and the environment, is not merely a national issue but a Caribbean-wide concern. It emphasizes that sexual violence and gender-based violence are pervasive across the Caribbean, with alarming rates of femicide reported in Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. The statement further recognizes the urgent need to protect the natural landscape of the entire Caribbean that faces risks from mining, fossil fuel extraction, deforestation, pollution, and dispossession.
Despite the issuance of the statement and reports of threatening emails, there have been questions raised about the nature of the work conducted by Red Thread. Freddie Kissoon, in an article for the state-owned Guyana Chronicle newspaper, questioned the controversial nature of Red Thread’s activities and expressed confusion over the motives behind the threats.
Critics of Red Thread have accused the group of being anti-government and elitist, while the organization contends that it collaborates with all Guyanese, transcending race and political affiliation, to address pressing issues. Red Thread actively shares its progress on social media and its website. However, critics often attach political and class undertones to their commentary.
Although the threats faced by activists in Guyana seem rooted in both extractive violence against the environment and sexual violence against women, they represent broader attempts to silence civil society. According to an anonymous source from Guyana, dissenting individuals and civil society groups have been victimized in various ways, a tactic that has become more intense in the context of the country’s new oil and gas economy. Notably, Red Thread has been organizing monthly protests outside the Office of the President to raise awareness about crucial clauses in Guyana’s oil contracts with ExxonMobil.
Moreover, Red Thread has been vocal in demanding the resignation of Minister Nigel Dharamlall, who is accused of raping a 16-year-old Indigenous girl. The organization has consistently advocated for issues affecting everyday people, such as the cost of living. It is important to note that Red Thread’s work is driven by the public interest, and its critics fail to comprehend the challenges faced by grassroots women involved in its activities.
In light of the threats faced by Red Thread and its activists in Guyana, Caribbean women and women’s organizations have rallied behind the cause by co-signing the statement and expressing their support. They assert, Hands off the women of Red Thread. Touch one! Touch all!. However, concerns have been raised regarding the police response to these threats, particularly related to cybercrime, where reports are made but rarely result in thorough investigations.
As the situation unfolds, Caribbean women and women’s organizations continue to monitor how governments respond to the fearless defense against sexual violence and extractive violence in the region. Karen De Souza, the co-founder of Red Thread, expressed disappointment with the lack of urgency in the police response. Nevertheless, the united support from across the Caribbean serves as a powerful message against attempts to silence activists and undermine their critical work.
In conclusion, climate crisis activists in Guyana advocating against mining, fossil fuel extraction, and sexual violence are facing a heightened and concerning level of threats. These threats primarily target women and are connected to broader efforts to silence civil society. The support from both local and regional organizations highlights the pivotal role that activists play in safeguarding marginalized communities, the environment, and the overall well-being of society.
