PERMANENT Secretary, Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Mr. Nigel Dharamlall, at the weekend joined with scores of residents of Annai, Region Nine, for its

village ‘Heritage Celebration’ which attracted scores of Amerindians who were entertained by cultural presentation, beauty pageant, sports and culinary delight.
Dharamlall, delivering brief remarks at the event, underscored the importance of the contribution of Amerindians to National Development.
According to a report from the Government Information Agency (GINA), he stated that annually huge sums are injected by the ministry to host such events, as it depicts that despite everything, heritage and identity is what still hold Guyanese together.
“Amerindians are important to our government and that is why we continue to support your every endeavours…we will also continue to support heritage activities across the country,” GINA quoted him as saying.
The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs handed over a sum of $250,000 for the successful hosting of heritage celebrations in the village. Prior, a sum of $4.8M was injected for the constructed of a Benab which is to be commissioned shortly.
The Permanent Secretary, on behalf of Amerindian Affairs Minister, Pauline Sukhai congratulated the residents for another successful hosting of heritage celebration 2012.
During the day’s proceedings a football match was played which saw Annai Male and Female teams copping the winning prize.
The team from the Amerindian Affairs Ministry also stopped briefly to celebrate with residents of Swan, during their village celebration.
The event is part of activities in commemoration of Amerindian Heritage Month 2012, held under the theme, ‘Embracing Our Identity, Celebrating Our Culture’.
In recognition of the role Amerindians play in society, Government had dedicated a month of activities to celebrate their contribution and way of life.
During the month-long celebration,  a number of events were held including exhibitions at the Sophia Complex, heritage village at Micobie, an inter-faith service, reflections on the life and work of Steven Campbell – the first Amerindian Parliamentarian in Guyana, sports and a dinner which will be held at the Regency Suites, Hadfield Street on September 28.