‘I see a healthy cultural direction’

Sep 08, 2017 News

—VP Allicock says at Indigenous Month Activity
The National Gallery of Art, Castellani House, in collaboration with the Ministry of Indigenous

Minister of Indigenous Peoples Affairs, Sydney Allicock, delivering remarks.

Peoples Affairs, launched an exhibition on Wednesday, in celebration of Indigenous Peoples Heritage Month.
Amerindian Heritage Month is celebrated in September of each year. This year it is being celebrated under the theme ‘Guyana’s first peoples; sustaining a rich and cultural environment’.
The exhibition which took place at Castellani House was homage to Sister Theresa La Rose, who was a pioneer promoter of Indigenous Art and Craft. It was convened by Ohene Koama and attended by Minister of Social Cohesion and Minister within the Ministry of Education, Department of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. George Norton; Minister of Indigenous Peoples Affairs, Sydney Allicock, artists and ceramists among others.
On display were many craft and artistic pieces with reference to the month-long celebrations.
Minister Norton said the exhibition gives an opportunity for the “wider public to view artworks from the country’s first peoples.” Commenting on Sister La Rose, he said, “If it hadn’t been for her, this exhibition today would not have been possible. This exhibition is offering persons a better appreciation of the time and effort that goes in row, making pieces of art.”
The pieces that were on display spoke of talents and skills possessed by Amerindians. Such were often taken for granted. He added that the pieces remain one of the best ways for the rich cultural heritage to be preserved in Guyana.
Minister of Indigenous Peoples Affairs, Sydney Allicock, said he has no doubts that

Deborah Mathias displays her craft.

Minister Norton in his capacity would be able to expand and present Amerindian arts and craft, since the gift remains hidden. “This will be one good way that they will be able to help to educate the rest of Guyanese of what the Indigenous Peoples can do. This is another way that we will be able to unite this very beautiful nation of ours.”
Allicock said that it is the most appropriate time for people to make use of the Amerindian Research Unit at the University of Guyana.
“Music and art are essential aspects that keep communities alive. Music and art keep the people laughing and smiling; they prevent ‘Gloom and Doom’ situations,” said Allicock, who elaborated on the significance of art and how useful it is.
Allicock said that he is hopeful that one day, through the Castellani House, Guyana would be able to shape a nation that is as colourful as the rainbow. It was explained that the rainbow is not just beautiful because it is divided, but rather, because it maintains its formation. “If the

Amerindian youths participate in a cultural dance.

nation clings to its roots and culture and becomes unified, giving respect, then will Guyana be as beautiful as a rainbow which has seven colours, and reminiscent of Guyana’s ethnicities,” he said.
He sought to inform attendees that one passes through the journey of life just once, and so it becomes fundamental for one’s mark to be left on the generation.
The exhibition draws attention to the pivotal role that Sister Theresa La Rose would have played in keeping Amerindian crafts and arts alive. She was born in 1928 and passed away in 2009.

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