Latest update May 22nd, 2026 12:38 AM
Amerindian peoples are taking development in their own hands
Dear Editor,
International Day of Indigenous Peoples was observed on Wednesday 9th September. This is a good time to reflect on the difficult road our indigenous peoples traverse over the centuries and the challenges they still encounter in their quest for a better life.
Let me say from the very inception that our indigenous peoples have made a solid contribution to the development of this country. All the other ethnic groups came and met them and together they have weaved a fabric that is uniquely Guyanese.
It is no exaggeration to say that our indigenous peoples have come a long way since the early days of colonial and PNC dictatorial rule. Those were the days when our Amerindian brothers and sisters were treated as second class citizens. It was the PPPC administration that established a Ministry of Amerindian Affairs and took steps to mainstream Amerindian development into the overarching national development process.
True enough, many challenges still remain to be overcome but few can deny the fact that much has been achieved by this current administration in terms of Amerindian development.
It is not accidental that Amerindians today are the fastest growing segment of our population thanks to better access to health care and educational opportunities.
An increasing number of Amerindian children are today the beneficiaries of higher education through national and overseas scholarships. This is resulting in greater empowerment of the Amerindian peoples who are taking Amerindian development in their own hands.
Hydar Ally
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