AS part of the events in observance of Amerindian Heritage month, the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs on Wednesday held a ceremony of reflection on the life and contributions of renowned advocate for Amerindian rights and representation, Stephen Campbell, the first Amerindian to enter the Legislative Council of then British Guiana.

At the Umana Yana, a packed audience attended by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Minister within the Ministry of Health Dr. Bheri Ramsaran, Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud, other Government officials and students were treated to a variety of cultural performances by Amerindian performers which included dancing, singing and poetry in both native Amerindian dialects and English.

Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai, in her tribute, acknowledged that Stephen Campbell’s achievements and vision for the advancement of the Amerindians earned him a place in the history of this country.

She said Campbell was a selfless and charismatic leader who dedicated his life to help to improve that of his fellow Amerindians and his efforts to promote Amerindian development, especially in lobbying for support for road construction linkages among remote Amerindian communities, were supported by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP).

The administration has continued this legacy by its determination not to allow the issue of remoteness among Amerindian communities to stagnate its development efforts.

Campbell is also credited with advocacy for land rights for Amerindians, a work which the Government continues to advance so as to ensure that his dream articulated for his people is made possible.

A report from the Government Information Agency (GINA) alluded to the fact that Amerindians today are responsible for crafting their own strategy for development.

Minister Sukhai noted that, with the support of the Government, many of Campbell’s dreams have become reality such as Amerindians’ access to education, healthcare, improved infrastructure, transportation and communication.
She said that Government is committed to work with elected Amerindian leaders and residents to help realise Campbell’s vision.

The Minister also expressed gratitude to the late President Dr. Cheddi Jagan for the recognition given to Amerindians to the extent that an entire month is set aside annually dedicated to the history, achievement and progress of the indigenous people.

The ceremony also saw tributes being paid by representatives of various Amerindian organizations including Ashton Simon of the National Amerindian Development Foundation (NADF) and Peter Persaud of the Amerindian People’s Association (APA).

Stephen Campbell is the main reason for September 10 being declared Amerindian Heritage Day.

Campbell was born in the Moruca sub-district of Region One on December 26, 1897 to parents who both died when he was at a tender age, leaving him in the care of his grandmother.

He was a student of the Santa Rosa Mission School and was someone who had a passion for learning in his early life and this influenced his character as a person with a discovery method.

Campbell married at the age of 31 in 1928 and migrated to various locations in Regions One, Two, Seven and Nine where he was involved in teaching, road construction, gold mining, rubber tapping, fishing and tree spotting.

His political will, however, was aroused during his tenure at the Waini sawmill where Amerindians and other sections of the Guyanese population were seeking representation.

With the proposal of Universal Adult Suffrage in 1951, this gave the Amerindians the opportunity to participate in General Elections as Campbell began to show keener interest in politics.

April 27, 1956 marked the first time in history that Amerindians in Guyana exercised their franchise and the following year, Campbell at the age of 60, was first elected to the Legislative Council of British Guiana.

He subsequently entered the National Labour Front (NLF) and became the first Amerindian to contest the General Elections in British Guiana.
This historical event was the turning point in Stephen Campbell’s personal life which was influenced by a sense of duty towards the Amerindian people.

“In the year 1957, I entered politics at the request of the Amerindians who felt that they had no one to represent their interests in the Central Government,” Campbell had said.
Among his greatest achievements was the move towards crafting the Amerindian Act and to develop better health facilities, a postal service and agriculture in the North West District.
Campbell died on May 12, 1966 – two weeks before Guiana gained Independence from Britain.