…they are a people
Government’s actions and its engagement with the indigenous community are indicative of an unquestionable assessment of the level of its commitment to addressing the issues and welfare of the Amerindian people.
This is according to Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr. Roger Luncheon at a post-Cabinet media briefing yesterday at the Office of the President.
Dr. Luncheon stated that Amerindians are recognised as being more than a culture, as they are a people.  This, he said, points to movement beyond efforts at enhancing Amerindian culture in the context of respect and endorsement of diversity and the recognition coupled with respect for diversity has resulted in dedicated attention on Government’s part to every Amerindian community in Guyana.
Dr. Luncheon stated that significant attention and resources have been made available to bring to fruition the interventions to enhance economic livelihood of Amerindians.
He acknowledged the support of Guyanese for the Government’s position as it relates to the development of Amerindian communities. The communities also are aware of the interest that the administration has demonstrated in their welfare.
The HPS highlighted the significance of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) meeting to be held in October where approximately 200 Toshaos and representatives of the leadership of Amerindian communities across the country will be involved.
The meeting presents the opportunity to witness the responsiveness of the Guyanese people, the administration and the Amerindians, to Government’s attention to the indigenous people.
Dr. Luncheon declared that since 1992, when the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government took office, there has been recorded a quality and level of Government interventions in the welfare of the indigenous people that never existed before.
The HPS also mentioned that with the closure of Amerindian Heritage month activities, the late Dr. Desrey Fox would be honoured for her contribution to the indigenous people.
Cabinet, at its recent sitting on September 28, agreed to honour Dr. Fox’s memory and explored ways to do so.
Adding a commemorative activity in her honour that will join the calendar of events in Amerindian Heritage Month is being considered at Cabinet level, among other suggestions. (GINA)