Dear Editor,
Amerindian leaders are aware of the criticisms from various quarters on the level of support given to Indigenous culture. Personally, as a writer I have no qualms about criticism as long as it is accompanied by hints of solutions. In a society that is homogenous, quite unlike Guyana, people eat the same food, speak the same language, attend the same churches and listen to the same music, etc.
In contrast, in Guyanese society Amerindians live in varying numbers in all 10 administrative regions and to a great extent live, eat, behave as the social group within which they find themselves. This is understandable given the social dynamics of our society. Nothing remains static, not to mention our cultures, no matter what we do and how much we rant and rave. This is a social phenomenon that impacts any culture on this planet. It is a cultural phenomenon which we cannot escape given the Guyana context. It therefore requires an understanding approach, given the context; a supportive stance for the sake of preserving our Indigenous cultural heritage.
That in itself may bring reciprocity from the government of the day in the form of support to establish, in each region, an Indigenous heritage or cultural group. Amerindian culture may be on the decline in some quarters to be honest, due to our unique Guyanese culture, but Amerindian interest groups need to be pro-active, united in the call for cultural revival groups in every Amerindian community throughout Guyana, to withstand the decline, and aid in preserving of our cultural heritage.
Sincerely,
Joseph C. Atkinson
