Improvement of Amerindian village economies, while preserving the indigenous people’s rich culture, is a priority of Government; and to achieve this objective the PPP/C Administration supports exhibitions and activities that will foster economic gains and the upkeep of their culture. Moruca Day, on the May 29 last, has become an annual event since it was launched in 2005 in the Region One district, a perfect occasion for marketing products produced in Amerindian communities and displaying their marvellous and unique culture. These lend to promoting tourism through craft and food displays, aquatic competitions and the most anticipated event, the Miss Moruca Pageant.
Demonstrating Government’s involvement and commitment towards the improvement of Amerindians in this respect, the Ministries of Amerindian Affairs and Tourism, Industry and Commerce participated in and contributed to the event through booth displays and a financial contribution.
The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs contributed $125,000 to the committee and a beauty package for the pageant winner.
To allow the appreciation of the beauty of Moruca’s natural landscape, with its winding waterways, boundless savannah and hills and wonderful people, the event was decentralized. In spite of the inclement weather all venues had scores of spectators, a blend of locals and foreigners.

Craft and food displays
Amerindians are known for their craft skills and unique array of foods that are usually made from cassava and other ground provisions; as such Santa Rosa and other neighbouring communities that participated showcased their respective cultures.
Admiring some of the craft pieces on display, particularly those created by the Urukutan Women’s Group, which included hand bags, earrings made from coconut shell and buck bead, and embroidered hand towels.
Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, highlighted that there is a clear indication that the women are now greatly improving with their craft production.
Minister Sukhai noted that the annual event exposes them to more varieties of craft work, will help them to market their products.
Helen Thomas, speaking on behalf of the group, noted that the expo is one area in which it is able to market its products. She noted that the group usually makes craft items but extended its mandate for the expo by catering as well.
Thomas indicated that through big events like this, the group is able to raise additional funds.
Craft work on display included canoes and arrows and bows. Spectators expressed their interest and amazement over the craft pieces since they are neatly done and depicted the Amerindian culture.
Aquatic Competition
The aquatic competition was one of the most relevant events in the expo, since most of the communities in Region one are riverain. Speaking to locals, it was highlighted that before road access to most of the communities, commuters depended on the river as the main mode of transport.
Additionally, fishing is also one of the main economic activities of many Amerindian communities and as such a person’s ability to swim and canoe is quite important.
The aquatic competition was held at Savannah View, Cabacalli, and saw the participation of various communities. Minister Sukhai, who was present at the competition, said she was proud of the Moruca Expo Committee for making the event successful, even though it was raining.
Spectators were elated with the various sporting activities, including swimming and canoeing; but for participants, it was more than entertainment, it was the pride of communities.
Coach, Guyana Swimming Association, Stephanie Fraser, who was present at the competition, emphasised that she was enjoying the event and saw great talent among the participants. Fraser noted that she was looking at the various swimming segments for strong swimmers to take to Georgetown to train for swimming competitions.
Pageant
The Miss Moruca Pageant was one of the most anticipated events of the expo, since it showcased the true beauty, culture and knowledge of the various communities.
It saw the participation of seven beautiful and talented Amerindian girls from Kwebanna, Assakata, Santa Cruz, Warapoka, Waramuri, Manawarin and Santa Rosa, and attracted a large gathering at the Santa Rosa Recreational Centre ,despite the rain.

Pageant
The delegates, during their introduction, each marketed their communities as an ideal tourist destination by highlighting location, access and significant features that will make anyone’s stay interesting.
They also modelled various Amerindian clothing made from local materials, including beads and straw.
The contestants demonstrated that Amerindian youths, especially the women, are empowered and talented. The talent segment showed off a variety of skills, including singing, guitar playing, dancing and drama.
Many topical issues such as HIV/AIDS and violence against women were raised which indicated that women even in remote areas are knowledgeable about their rights to request the use of condoms during sex and to stand up against abuse.
The final question which saw the crowning of Ms. Waramuri, Taryn Abrams as Ms. Moruca, was, “What is your understanding about Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy?”
Ms. Waramuri’s winning response was, “It is a plan or vision that the Government of Guyana came up with in an effort to protect and maintain our forest so as to fight global warming and at the same time attract resources to develop our country.”
Her response sent the crowd into wild cheers, and most of the spectators had already decided that she was the queen before it was announced.
Minister Sukhai presented the beauty package donated by the Ministry to the Queen, while Mindy Pierre, Miss Moruca 2009, crowned her.
“I believe that the Moruca Day event was really a big event and I think they excelled this year. In terms of the pageant, I do believe that we have a lot of international pageantry material here, and I am satisfied with the announcement of the winner,” Minister Sukhai stated.
Region One Executive Officer, Mary Williams, expressed similar sentiments and noted that she was pleased with the final question asked and the response given.
She noted that the entire event was exciting, but the talent segment of the pageant was marvellous.
Waramuri Toshao, Bernard Laud, with smiles, indicated that he is proud that Abrams won the pageant since the community co-operated to ensure her success and they have achieved that goal.
“We are a part of the Low Carbon Development Strategy and my community is working hard to sustain and secure our forest and we are proud of that,” Laud said.
He further stated, “Our community looks at the strategy as very important, something that can benefit us and our community is prepared to opt in.”

Chairman of Moruca Expo, Murphy De Souza, emphasized that it is six years since the expo has been in existence and it is expanding every year, despite the rains, but the committee will consider holding the event at another time to avoid the rainy season.
He noted that the committee wants to change the event from a small to larger event and this year invited communities to participate. (GINA)