If our forests and rivers are destroyed there will be no Indigenous traditions and heritage to celebrate

Sep 03, 2021 Letters

Dear Editor,

I would like to wish all my Amerindian brothers and sisters and the entire Guyana happy heritage month, despite the Covid-19 pandemic that is creating havoc in the world. This being said, we must remember all our loved ones who passed away caused by COVID-19. Additionally, I salute the Government and the organisers for their hard work in making some of the heritage activities possible this year. Kudos to all of them!
As we celebrate heritage month this September 2021, apart from remembering Mr. Stephen Campbell and his legacy, with dancing and other mediocre activities that reflect a one-sided exotic aspect of us, we must also try to ponder on the challenges and threat to our lands, the environment and, in general, the biodiversity that we protected for centuries, which is part of our common home in Guyana. This important aspect of our culture is paramount to reflect upon, especially how to continue sustaining it in the midst of so called ‘development’ triggered by neocolonialism which causes pollution of our rivers and creeks and the destruction of forest by logging and mining.
Editor, this month is ideal to highlight the sociocultural and environmental issues along with the traditional customs of our people, because if all our forests and rivers are destroyed there will be no Indigenous traditions and heritage to celebrate. As such, there is need to highlight this crucial aspect through music and art that can depict these concerns, which are downplayed during heritage celebrations annually.
On this note, I must say that I admire the singers for their initiative and talents, and I love their songs that are played for heritage observance every September. However, I found some of the music boring with no ‘conscientious vibes’ that can awake social awareness of our reality at heritage celebrations. If I had the talent in music, I would produce some more to boost the variety, and to spice things up conscientiously.
This being said, I believe the musicians need to produce more songs, poems, arts, etc. to get the critical messages out there during this month about our forest destruction, the pollution of rivers and creeks; and also, to promote the languages and more demarcation of land and extensions. To sing about the vulnerable education system and the skullduggery induced of Amerindians by politicians for votes, besides other social issues and challenges we face on a daily basis. To show the critical aspects of Indigenous Amerindians experiences during this month, besides the exotic activities that reflect us during heritage celebrations.
Happy Heritage to all!

Indigenous critical thinker

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