-being celebrated under the theme: “Traditional Embodiment for Amerindian Development”

THE spotlight will be on Guyana’s indigenous people, the Amerindians, throughout next month, designated Amerindian Heritage Month and the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs has planned a series of activities to celebrate the occasion. 

Amerindian Heritage Month 2014 was officially launched by Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, yesterday, during a press conference at the Ministry under the theme: “Traditional Embodiment for Amerindian Development”.
Since 1995, September was declared Amerindian Heritage Month by then Executive President Dr. Cheddi Jagan of the PPP/C Government after the administration recognised the need for Guyanese to celebrate its indigenous people.
The activities for the month’s observances will begin with an inter-faith church service at Umana Yana and will culminate with a heritage dinner and prize-giving ceremony at the Georgetown Club, Camp Street on September 26.
Programme Coordinator of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Jude Da Silva noted that September was historically dedicated to the official observance of the development prospect and cultural heritage.
She added, “It is the month where we converge not only in Georgetown, but also in all of our villages throughout the length and breadth of Guyana to celebrate our culture and our heritage.”
Da Silva recognized the major role the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs plays in coordinating and planning the celebration of Amerindian Heritage Month.

HERITAGE ACTIVITIES
On August 31 at 17:00hrs, there will be an inter-faith service at the Umana Yana. Pauline Welch, the coordinator of the inter-faith service indicated that there will be a service highlighting the initial religion that was practised by early Amerindian families, along with other religious denominations.
According to Da Silva, the next big event will be the launch of Amerindian Heritage Month on September 1st at 17:00hrs at the Heritage Village, National Exhibition Complex, which will be graced by numerous dignitaries, including President Donald Ramotar. This launch will include cultural performances including dance, song and poetry.
During the course of the month, numerous activities will be held throughout the country. From September 2nd to 6th, there will be a cultural extravaganza, commencing at 8:00hrs daily at the Heritage Village, National Exhibition Complex.
The craft and food exhibition will be held also at the Heritage Village, from September 2nd to 6th. The craft exhibition will feature the display and sale of bamboo, tibisiri and balata products, as well as indigenous jewellery, such as beads and necklaces. The food exhibition will ensure that Guyanese get to taste a wide variety of dishes prepared and used by the Amerindians.
Heritage Day will be celebrated on September 10 at the Umana Yana, and will highlight Stephen Campbell, the first Amerindian to be a Member of Parliament. Heritage Village celebrations will be held at Karrau Village, Region 7 (Cuyuni/Mazaruni) on September 13th.
Sporting activities will be held from September 20th – 21st at Everest Cricket Club at 9:00hrs daily, and will include athletes who will play games, including cricket, football and volleyball. Tickets cost $200.
There will be a Dinner and Appreciation at the Georgetown Club, Camp Street, Georgetown on September 26th at 19:00 hrs. There will be a cost of $7,000 attached, which will go towards assisting patients seeking medical attention at hospitals.
An invitation was extended to all Guyanese to attend the launch, as well as all the other activities planned for the entire month.

(By Sandy Agasen)