Amerindian development, cultural heritage mainstreamed nationally
AMERINDIAN development and cultural heritage continue to be increasingly mainstreamed into the socio-cultural aspect of national development every year.
According to Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Ms. Pauline Sukhai, this is  a result of the policies and programmes designed by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) to improve the lives of the country’s indigenous population.

The indigenous peoples of Guyana have access to even more opportunities today, under the PPP/C Administration, and they continue to play important roles in the development of the country as a whole.

“Amerindian development has expanded in our country as our revenue base expanded under the current government…the execution of social and, most recently, economic programmes for Amerindian development have allowed for greater and improved levels of service,” she remarked.
Sukhai was speaking at the Amerindian Heritage Month 2011 launching, in the Sophia Exhibition Auditorium, last Thursday night under the theme ‘Our Culture, Our Heritage and Our Life: A Fusion of Indigenous Diversity’.
She said that the PPP/C Government remains proud of the decision, taken in 1995, to designate the month of September as Amerindian Heritage Month and, since that time, has never allowed the geographical location of Amerindian villages to deter development of the hinterland, where the population comprises mostly  Amerindians.
“I want to reiterate the Government’s position regarding the development of[the] indigenous peoples’ population, since we have managed to bridge and close the gaps in areas particularly in social and infrastructural aspects, which are progressing with more attention and focus being placed on economic aspects,” Sukhai said.
In addition, the minister noted that the democratic system of government, as is mandated by the Amerindian Act, is facilitating increased capacity development with  respect to administration of village affairs by the people themselves.
As a result, Amerindian leaders are constantly engaged with relevant sectors by contributing, participating and helping to shape  growth in various sectors, including forestry, agriculture and mining.
As to the advantages of this participation, she said: “The involvement of Amerindians across the spectrum of administration and governance is very noticeable. It is also very visible in the professions. This demonstrates that there are going to be improved delivery of services to our people, by our people, the Amerindians.”

MULTI-ETHNIC HERITAGE

Minister Sukhai pointed out that, at this time in our history, Guyana is richer for the multi-ethnic heritage and cultural diversity, “which makes us one, an aspect that continues to be fostered by this Administration through the celebration of many facets of Guyanese culture, among them, Amerindian Heritage Month and the International Year of Peoples of African Descent.”
She continued: “Our Government, as is usual, hosts national events during September, facilitating the participation of everyone within various regions. This engagement and the joining in the celebration is most welcome and demonstrates that Guyanese, as a people, have matured and, as we celebrate our heritage with openness and unity, we create an increased interest in cultural development at the village, regional and national levels.”
Sukhai expressed the hope that the younger generation will strive to ensure that the unique and rich Amerindian culture remains solid in the future.
She took the opportunity to remind the gathering of the important contributions made by two Amerindians, former Minister in the Ministry of Education and former Curator of the Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology, Dr. Desrey Fox,  who died  in 2009; and Stephen Campbell, the first Amerindian to enter the Legislative Council of then British Guiana.
Sukhai lauded the sterling contributions made by President Bharrat Jagdeo, including his wisdom and courage and the achievements made under his tenure towards the continued development of indigenous peoples.
“This is an ideal moment for not only Amerindians but for all Guyanese to build on the wealth through the opportunities which are afforded us, which our Government, the PPP/C has ensured and continues to ensure that  there is constant development in everyone’s life,” the minister added.
As Guyana celebrates its 16th annual Amerindian Heritage Month this year, the focus will be on the reflection of the indigenous people’s origins, their achievements and challenges and the entire nation will join in paying homage to the numerous contributions made by them towards the historical development of the country.