The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs has donated $1M to Waramuri, Region One, as it makes preparations for Amerindian Heritage Month in September.
According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release Waramuri was selected this year’s ‘Amerindian village’.
Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai who was in Waramuri recently to ascertain the needs of the community presented $200,000 to Toshao Bernard Laud on behalf of the village council. The minister said $200,000 was previously given to the council and an additional $600,000 will be allocated.
Sukhai noted that Waramuri should capitalise on the opportunity to showcase itself as a domestic tourism destination as local and international visitors will be travelling to the area.
She said the celebrations will also give communities in the Moruca sub-region a chance to advertise their potential. Moruca, in particular, “is a beautiful area which has a lot to offer in terms of adventure and eco-tourism,” she said.
The minister indicated that some Amerindian communities including Surama in the Pakaraima Mountains are advancing their tourism efforts. Surama, a Macushi village, boasts eco lodges for visitors and this community tourism initiative has been hailed as highly successful. Nearby is the famous Iwokrama Canopy Walkway.
Sukhai said Waramuri can capitalize on the advancement of tourism as an economic activity since it will provide employment for youths and women, and also market for local produce.
