Amerindian development continues to be high on Government’s agenda

Sep 13, 2008 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,
This agenda was set well before the PPP/C took Office in October 1992 and is not only reflected in the 1992 and subsequent election manifestos of 1997, 2001 and 2006, but is continuously translated into reality, as evidenced by the tremendous improvement in social services from which Amerindians have been benefiting, as well as the provision of physical infrastructural development which they now enjoy.

The celebration of Amerindian Heritage Month; an initiative of our late President Dr. Cheddi Jagan, has not only provided opportunity to showcase the talent, the work, the achievements of our Amerindian brothers and sisters, but also provided opportunities and forums for the display and marketing of their foods, beverages, craft, pottery, sculpture and for improving their entrepreneurship through symposia such as those held on August 20 and September 2 at the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre through the collaborative effort of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs and the Commonwealth Secretariat.

These symposia targeted 34 Amerindians, primarily women drawn from various handicraft groups throughout Guyana, and focused on improving the design and quality of handicraft products, and the marketing of these products.

Thus Amerindian Heritage Month celebrations must not be viewed or seen as mere entertainment, but edification and seriousness also.

Amerindians in Guyana have, under the PPP/C Government, been doing themselves proud. The evidence is there for all who have eyes to see. And honest Guyanese, like Toshao Aubrey Samuels of Santa Aratak Village, have been acknowledging this progress.

In brief remarks at the launch of Amerindian Heritage Month 2008 at the Amerindian Village on September 1, 2008, Toshao Samuels acknowledged the opportunities offered and grasped the strides made by the Amerindians in Guyana, especially in the areas of improved access to quality education and health care, improved river transportation and communication, acquisition of land titles and land demarcation; assistance to farmers and the cultural preservation of our Amerindian heritage through activities offered by events such as Carifesta X and Amerindian Heritage Month.

So, even as we spend on improvements of social service and other infrastructure; even as we allocate large sums to meet the challenges of food security and climate change; we yet spend on promoting/preserving Amerindian culture and helping to create opportunities for display and sale of the produce of their artisans.

This year’s Heritage Month had as its springboard the Amerindian Village, which brought not only many aspects of Amerindian real life to people, but the nine tribes together.

Indeed, many of our visitors to Carifesta were elated at being able to see our Amerindian tribes in person, as opposed to ‘through books only’. As our President, His Excellency Bharrat Jagdeo, opined at the launch: ‘It was money well spent’.

As I reflect on the activities of the launch of Heritage Month 2008, the picturesque display of indigenous attire and craft is recaptured, the aroma of food and the pungency of the beverages remain alive, interspersed with the lively display of dance and song, and the heartfelt greetings from representatives of various Amerindian groups, and the address of our Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Hon. Pauline Sukhai, and His Excellency, President Bharrat Jagdeo.

Ms Nadia De Abeu was certainly the Master of Ceremonies and Ms Abigail Whittaker undoubtedly spoke for the hundreds in attendance as she expressed thanks to all those who contributed to the event.

The launch was certainly an inspiration for those of us who were there (and there were many non-Amerindians) to want to move forward in unity.
Mr. Norman Whittake

Discover more from Kaieteur News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Latest News