THEME: “Promoting sustainable livelihood and cultural heritage while transforming our village economies.”
Amerindian Heritage month 2010 was officially launched by Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Ms Pauline Sukhai, on August 11, 2010 during a press conference at the Ministry under the theme: “Promoting sustainable livelihood and cultural heritage while transforming our village economies.” The theme was selected from five submitted to the Ministry, and Minister Sukhai believes it is appropriate as Government is actively and dynamically promoting sustainable development in Amerindian communities.
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 people.
The activities for the month’s observances began with an Inter-faith church service at the Umana Yana on August 31 and will culminate with a Heritage dinner and prize giving ceremony at the Georgetown Club, Camp St. on September 29.
The Hinterland students’ dormitory at Liliendaal was also commissioned during the month, on 3rd September.
During Heritage Month celebrations, a week of cultural exhibition and extravaganza is planned for the the Amerindian Village at the National Exhibition Complex, Sophia. This will coincide with GuyExpo and, according to Minister Sukhai, is another demonstration of how the government machinery works cohesively for the good of all Guyanese.
Heritage Village celebrations this year will be in Warimuri, Moruca, Region One, on September 10, the date traditionally celebrated as Amerindian Heritage Day. There will also be simultaneous official celebrations in Regions 7, 8 and 9, as well as other celebratory activities at village levels in other regions.
Following is the proposed official schedule of activities for Amerindian Heritage Month, 2010.