Plans to make St Cuth-bert’s Mission a model for other indigenous communities and a leading attraction for tourists were revealed by Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs Sydney Allicock as he addressed hundreds of residents at their annual heritage celebrations yesterday.
Since the village is the closest Amerindian community to Georgetown—within 50 miles—the minister said that it will serve as an ideal location to showcase how things are done traditionally, he pledged to work with the community to achieve academic and economic strength which will be an example to others.
Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo declared that residents deserve much more than lip service and one visit during the heritage celebrations and another during elections campaign, since the indigenous people were the first people of Guyana, from which the country achieved its name. He urged the residents to work together and support the government in achieving the goals.
The artistic demonstrations and bold creative acts of residents which were enthusiastically dished out on stage in various forms during the opening of the celebration, represent a legacy of the indigenous people of St Cuthbert’s Mission and Guyana which can significantly impact the Caribbean and the further afield, the Prime Minister declared.
Nagamootoo encouraged the villagers to work hard to preserve their legacy and culture as he noted that they were included in a ten-point plan that President David Granger announced at the National Toshaos’ Conference, which will improve the lives of the Indigenous people.
He also assured them that the government and the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs will support the restoration and preservation of all the dialects of the Amerindian tribes, while support will also be given to upkeep their culture.
Noting that it was the indigenous people who guarded the forest, he stressed that they are not “bush people” or “children of the forest,” but rather guardians of the forest.
He also promised that the government will settle matters involving titles for their lands once and for all, while he reminded them that they play a significant role in preserving the forest, a gift of fresh air which is presented by them to the rest of the world.
Nagamootoo further reminded the gathering of the tremendous contributions which they can make towards nation building, while he challenged them to not just sit and wait but begin to make things happen.
The Prime Minister also challenged residents to continue to fight for Guyana as he affirmed that Guyana will not give up one blade of grass.
“We are telling Vene-zuela and the rest of the world that we are prepared to stand up to fight and die for our country… We are a people who have guts, who have spine and we have courage…,” Nagamootoo stated.
The Prime Minister emphasised that the commitments he was making to the people are very serious.
Meanwhile, hundreds of residents decked out in their cultural garments gathered as some proudly displayed craft, foods and creations which were on sale while others revelled in a spirit of merriment.
A major section of the gathering also included children from the community, while scores of persons joined the celebrations from other communities and around various parts of Guyana.
Many of the residents who had migrated for different reasons also return-ed for the celebrations.
Today the festivities will continue as a grand ‘wash down’ is planned which will be held at the Mahaica River which is known for its cool black water.
Also addressing the gathering were Toshao Lenox Ron Shuman and Chairman of the National Toshao’s Council Joel Fredericks amongst others.
Two students Roberto O’Selmo and Rehanna Daniels were also honoured at the celebrations for their academic achievement. Daniels was the top CSEC student at the Institute of Professional Education (IPE), while O’Selmo was the top CSEC student at the St Cuthbert’s Secondary School.
A resident, Leyland Clenkian, was also honored for his selfless service to the community.
