The formal commissioning of a new nursery school at Kumu and a village council office at Parikwaru-nawa were among the activities held in Region Nine last weekend as part of Amerindian Heritage month.
These were in addition to celebrations held at Annai also in Region Nine, which included Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai, Permanent Secretary Colin Croal, Region Nine Regional Executive Officer Ronald Harsaywack, toshaos from several villages, coastlanders, Brazilians and Amerindians from Yakarinta, Massara, Surama, Rupertee and Bina Hill. The ministry contributed $210,000 to the community for preparations for the celebration.
The Government Informa-tion Agency (GINA) said in a press release that craft items such as handbags, earrings and beads made from coconut shells and embroidered hand towels were displayed and foods including cassava bread, piwari and casiri were on sale. According to GINA, visitors were delighted by the detailed artistry of the craft items as many depicted various aspects of the Amerindian culture. An archery competition was also a huge draw as it proved challenging for male and female participants who were impressed by the accuracy of the indigenous people when they participated.
Sukhai said Amerindians should be celebrating their numerous achievements over the years. She also noted that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic government has invested in boosting their livelihoods with the implementation of the National Secure Livelihood Pro-gramme which aims to transform the villages’ economies, and the recently established Indigenous People’s Com-mission.
The minister urged residents to make full use of the resources that the government has made available to them and to co-operate to further develop the communities and boost economic activities, particularly in the agriculture sector. She pointed out that 90% of the region’s community development plans for 2010 have been submitted and urged the negligent villages to submit theirs as soon as possible.
“In Guyana, the indigenous people own their own lands which they work, use and traditionally occupy. They also have a legal framework which provides the mechanism for them to ensure that the ownership of the land is guaranteed,” Sukhai said.
Region Nine Vice-Chairman Claire Singh said Amerindians must continue to work hard to further enhance their lives. Toshao at Annai, Michael Williams said that Amerindians should be proud as their heritage is now being celebrated nationally. He added that these celebrations are a way of reviving the norms and urged persons, particularly youths to continue practicing the first people’s culture and heritage as a means of preservation.
