A mini totem pole, which will be used as a symbol of Guyanese unity, was unveiled on Friday at the National Art Gallery, Castellani House.
According to a GINA press release, the totem pole, which was carved to commemorate Guyana’s Golden Jubilee Anniversary will travel across the country so that every Guyanese will have the chance to celebrate with the symbol of unity.
The release quoted Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs Valerie Garrido-Lowe thus, “This piece of art will travel the length and breadth of Guyana, in the same way that an Olympic torch does, so that every Guyanese will have the opportunity to celebrate regionally and nationally as one people, one nation with this symbol of unity.” She pointed out that each of the 10 administrative regions is represented on the pole.
The totem pole was conceptualised by Vice President and Minister of Indigenous Peoples Affairs, Sydney Allicock and spearheaded by Minister within the Ministry of Education Nicolette Henry, who has responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport.
According to the release, Henry said the pole is very important as it seeks to promote the first peoples’ culture.
Allicock said his ministry thought it would be very fitting to have a symbol of indigenous origins that can travel the country and remind everyone that “though we may be geographically separated, we are one country.”
The release said that Foster Simon carved the totem pole, while Winslow Craig, Oswald Hussain and others who helped in sculpting and conceptualising its design. Telephone company Digicel supported the endeavour.
Consultations that started in December 2015 saw residents, councillors and toshaos from all 10 regions providing their input in the design of the pole, the release said.
