Vice Season 9 Episode 7 Guyana for Sale & Moors Rising

In this episode of Vice, titled "Guyana for Sale & Moors Rising," the show investigates the land disputes and political turmoil in Guyana, a small country in South America.

The episode starts by introducing viewers to Guyana's complex history, which includes colonization by the Dutch and British, slavery, and political corruption. The country is also home to diverse ecosystems, including the Amazon rainforest and savannas, which are under threat due to deforestation and mining.

The first segment of the episode focuses on the land conflicts between the indigenous communities and big corporations. The show interviews indigenous leaders who describe how their communities are being pushed out of their ancestral lands by mining companies, who are seeking to extract gold and other valuable minerals. The companies often bribe local politicians to secure land rights, leaving Indigenous communities out of the process.

Vice correspondents visit a mining site in the Amazon rainforest, where workers use mercury and cyanide to extract gold from the earth. This process is not only hazardous to workers' health but it also pollutes nearby rivers, harming aquatic life and the health of downstream communities. The show highlights the environmental and health risks associated with mining in the region.

The second part of the episode focuses on the political situation in Guyana, which is currently facing a constitutional crisis. In March 2019, a no-confidence motion was passed against the government, which led to early elections being called. However, the government has refused to step down, leading to protests and uncertainty about the country's future.

Vice visits a protest site in Georgetown, the capital city, where opposition leaders and activists are demanding that the government respect the constitution and allow for fair elections. The show describes how the government is clamping down on dissent, including censoring the media and arresting activists.

The episode also explores the rising political power of the Muslim community, known as the Moors, who are asserting themselves in a country that is predominantly Christian. The Moors are mainly descendants of indentured laborers who migrated to Guyana from the Indian subcontinent in the late 19th century. The show interviews Muslim leaders who describe how the community is advancing economically and politically, but also facing discrimination and Islamophobia.

Overall, "Guyana for Sale & Moors Rising" is a fascinating and eye-opening look at a country that is facing significant challenges. Through interviews with Indigenous leaders, political activists, and religious figures, the episode provides a nuanced understanding of the complex issues facing Guyana today. It also raises important questions about the role of corporations and politics in shaping the future of the region.