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Amerindian Heritage Month launched…“Any person not rooted in their heritage will lose their identity” – President Ramotar
“Any person not rooted in their heritage will lose their identity and is akin to a rolling stone,” was the notion expressed by President Donald Ramotar as he declared the 2012 Amerindian Heritage Month activities opened yesterday.
The Head of State pledged government’s support in the preservation of Amerindian cultures, and also related that it is essential for Amerindians to pass on their cultural practices to the younger generations while maintaining the dying indigenous languages.
Yesterday’s official launching ceremony was held at the Sophia Exhibition Centre. This year’s theme is “Embracing our identity, celebrating our Culture”.
A scene from the cultural programme.
Indigenous tribal groups, Members of Parliament, and people from all walks of life, were among the many numerous attendees.
All of the Amerindians present were either completely dressed in their cultural outfits, or had something specially worn to signify their culture attached to their attire. Indigenous tools and an array of delicacies were also on display for persons attending the event to sample.
President Ramotar told the gathering that he has many plans to enhance the livelihood of the indigenous people – developing the roads leading into the interior area, where most of the Amerindian villages are, is among some of the issues he gave asurances will be fixed.
He called for the preservation of Guyanese diverse cultures, and implored Amerindians to take the lead in ensuring a rejuvenation and preservation of their traditions.
Meanwhile, Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, another featured speaker at last night’s proceedings, said that Guyana is home to thousands of Indigenous people, approximately 10 percent of the total population.
She emphasised that Amerindians continue to play pivotal roles in the nation’s development, as their contributions in various areas such as education, economic and social development, culture, health, and human rights, stand out.
Special mention was also made of the Late and Former Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Dr. Desrey Fox, who served the country in some of the highest fora and was a role model for many Amerindians in Guyana.
Sukhai called for all to embrace the theme of this year’s heritage month activities, while noting that government allocated $35M in this year’s Budget to assist with ventures aimed at preserving the Amerindian Culture.
Chairman of the Toshaos Council, Dereck John, noted that Amerindians in Guyana are continuously evolving and have achieved many goals throughout the decades
The formal activities for Amerindian Heritage Month are scheduled to conclude with a dinner at the Regency Suites, Hadfield Street on Friday, August 28.
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