Latest update November 21st, 2024 1:00 AM
‘Timely’ reconstruction of the Umana Yana a must – APA
When translated from Wai-Wai to English the term “Umana Yana” means
The original state of the Umana Yana
“Meeting place of the people.”
Even as curtain closes on the celebrations for Amerindian Heritage Month, the Amerindian Peoples’ Association, (APA) is calling on the government to honour its promise to rebuild the Umana Yana, which was destroyed by fire earlier this month.
Highlighting the importance of the structure to the unique heritage of the indigenous people and more specifically Guyana, APA spokesperson, Laura George, noted that the government must not procrastinate in its plans to rebuild the Umana Yana.
The edifice was constructed to duplicate a habitat for Amerindians. It served as a V.I.P lounge and recreational facility for the Non-Aligned Foreign Ministers Conference, which was held in Georgetown in August 1972.
It was said to be handcrafted by a group of Amerindians from the Wai Wai tribe, who under the leadership of their Captain “Elka,” built it without the use of hammers nails and other conventional tools. The Umana Yana was completed in a mere 80 days at a cost of $26,000, on August 8, 1972.
On September 9 last, the unique historical site which was located in Kingston, Georgetown was razed by a fire suspected to be of electrical origin. Despite the quick response from the Guyana Fire Service firefighters reported that the building, which was primarily constructed with dried palm branches, was quickly engulfed. Less than 48 hours after the devastating event, President Donald Ramotar declared that his Government is committed to rebuilding the structure.
Culture Minister Frank Anthony, whose Ministry is responsible for the building, said that he also promised to include estimates for reconstruction of the historic site in the 2015 budget.
“We will then have to include this for next year’s budget, because this is an important heritage building and we would want to see it erected back as fast as possible,” said the Minister.
The Umana Yana after it was destroyed by fire
However, George stressed the significance of rebuilding the edifice in a timely manner at its original location. She said that the building’s uniqueness lent a picturesque effect to its surroundings as well as served as a landmark to both locals and tourists.
The APA spokesperson noted that the Umana Yana gave locals and visitors an opportunity to see and experience an important aspect of Amerindian culture without the inconvenience of travelling out of Georgetown.
“They don’t have to travel miles to see what a natural Amerindian habitat is like. The Umana Yana was situated in the centre of Georgetown for all to see and experience. I know there is an Amerindian Village in Sophia but it still does not offer anything quite like the Umana Yana.”
George noted too that it would be a plus if the site can be upgraded in terms of its size.
“A bigger Umana Yana would be great, since the facility could be utilized to bigger functions and events.”
The Umana Yana sheltered an area of approximately 460 square meters. It was a 55-foot high cone-shaped benab (or shelter) constructed from thatched allibanna and manicole palm leaves, and wallaba posts lashed together with mukru, turu and nabbi vines.
The largest of its kind in Guyana, the structure, which was built close to the Pegasus Hotel, has been a permanent and much admired part of scenery, and is in constant use as an exhibition and conference centre.
The national landmark which represented the pride, not only of our Amerindian people but all Guyanese has been used most extensively as a centre for medium sized meetings and events. The Umana Yana, currently one of the gazetted monuments of Guyana.
On August 26, 1974, President Forbes Burnham unveiled the African Liberation Monument outside the benab “in memory of all of those who have struggled and continue to struggle for freedom from Human Bondage”
The monument which consists of five polished greenheart logs encased in a jasper stand on a granite boulder, like many others across Guyana, is collectively our heritage and a reminder of the history from which we have all emerged.
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