At last, the first people are first

Sep 05, 2008 Features / Columnists

The Parrot is suffering from Carifesta-done syndrome and is still trying to adjust post-festival. I must admit that it is easier said than done having been pampered over the ten days and not having to find an admission fee for the events. Things were made much easier after the unprecedented rush for the free tickets; none was subsequently required.
Since the 2005 floods, time here seems to be rivalling drivers of Formula One Racing for speed.
It’s from one thing to the next; sometimes from three things to the next. Flooding, national events, Christmas, more national events, elections, Christmas, Rio Summit, Cricket World Cup, still more national events, another Christmas, Commonwealth Finance Ministers Conference, oh boy…more national events to Carifesta X.
It is amazing how we were able to “switch” off from Carifesta and “switch” in to Amerindian Heritage and Education Month. This “switching” was done within a few hours from the closing ceremony at the Stadium. Be reminded that there are still a number of national events to come and, of course, Christmas 2008.
Guyana getting like the big USA – plenty, plenty things to commemorate and celebrate. The “changes” are swift – it’s as if everybody reading from the same cue card; Cari gone, others here. The swiftness can be compared to what happens sometimes on Liberty Avenue down in Queens in the Big Apple; famous for Guyanese. You pass a boutique on your way home one afternoon and on your way to work the next morning, it’s a Chinese restaurant. The transformation is seamless. I experienced some of this while attending the super concerts at the Stadium; while attending one, it was difficult to recognise that the night before one was held. Haven’t we adjusted!
The planning of events for the Carifesta X Grand Market at Sophia, had foresight. With Amerindian Heritage Month commencing the day after the Arts Festival closed, having the Amerindian village at the Exhibition Complex was useful. It allowed for an easy transition as we saw in the launch last Monday.
From all reports, the activities at the Amerindian village during the ten days of Carifesta X were entertaining and attracted large audiences. The aesthetics were mesmerising. Many, who got a glimpse of their culture for the first time, are still in awe. They showed us part of their rich culture at Sophia and will be celebrating during this month. They have many reasons to.
Over the years, Parrots like us have been given the opportunity to better understand and appreciate the Amerindians. An Amerindian Affairs Ministry was established following the 1992 elections which aided this process. With many interventions over the last sixteen years, the Amerindians have taken their rightful place as our first people. No longer are they taken for granted. In many hinterland communities, education and health services have been greatly improved. Many students have been awarded scholarships through the Hinterland Scholarship programme and allocated slots in Cuba. Amerindians are in many decision-making fora; Carolyn exemplifies this.
The Parrot salutes our indigenous people and looks forward to savouring their culture and food during this month. There is plenty being offered. Squawk! Squawk!

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