Amerindian development also highlighted
THE Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, in collaboration with the Government Information Agency (GINA), Thursday, hosted an evening of reflection and an exhibition on the life and contributions of renowned advocate for Amerindian rights, Stephen Campbell.
The event, at the Umana Yana,  attended by Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, and a packed audience, also highlighted Amerindian developments and achievements.
The exhibition, titled “Reflection on Mr. Stephen Campbell and Amerindian Development”, is part of the programme in observance of Amerindian Heritage Month.
Stephen Campbell, born in the Mourca sub-district of Region One, in 1928, was the first Amerindian to enter the Legislative Council of the then British Guiana.
Campbell entered the National Labour Front in 1957 in a bid to represent the interest of the Amerindian society.
His greatest achievement was the move to craft the Amerindian Act.
Campbell was also pivotal to the development of improved health facilities and agriculture in the North West District of Region One.
“Today, we gather to reflect on the contribution of a very important Amerindian who walked Guyana,” Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai told those at the Umana Yana.
Campbell’s work and contributions during his political tenure are today more noticeable and evident, as they have been impacting on the lives of Amerindians.
Highlighting similar noteworthy current and past Amerindian figures in politics, such as the late Dr Desrey Fox, Minister Sukhai said that Campbell, as a politician, would have been happy to note that while he was the pioneer there were many who followed in his footsteps, many who had ‘taken the bold action to ensure that they directly make representation on behalf of their constituency’.
Touching on Campbell’s work with regard to land titling, Sukhai said that Campbell would have also been happy that the Government of Guyana has made significant strides in propelling Amerindian land ownership.
“Instead of the 64 communities which Campbell would have made representation for, today we are on the verge of granting 109 land titles,” she said.
Minister Sukhai also took the time to highlight the numerous and encompassing developments taking place in the Amerindian communities, including improved and more easily accessible education, which was also the dream of Campbell.
GINA’s exhibits speak to the remembrance of Campbell and the development of Amerindians, the agency’s representative, Leslyn Lowe, said.  
“Having travelled around the country with government Officials, including His Excellency Bharrat Jagdeo and Cabinet Ministers, GINA has amassed footage and pictorial representations of development in Amerindian communities all across Guyana – from the very remote communities, such as Massakenari, to popular areas like Lethem and Mabaruma,” Lowe said, speaking about GINA displays at the exhibition.
“GINA has, in its collection, chronicled the life of Amerindians, events in their communities, and most importantly, developments, hence it would only be fitting that it showcases what has been taking place,” Lowe said.
Anna Correia-Bevaun shared some memories of her grandfather, Stephen Campbell, of his family life as remembered by stories told to her by her grandmother.
Lauren Pierre, with use of extracts from the personal diary of Campbell, along with what was written of him by some officials, including past President L.F.S Burnham, also reflected on the life and work of Campbell.
The pictures showcased transformed Amerindian communities and lives, reflective of government’s many interventions, such as agricultural ventures to ensure food security, the successful pilot Hinterland Secure Livelihoods Programme, elevated educational opportunities, improved linkages, and presidential grant projects.
The life and work of Stephen Campbell are remembered every year on September 8, as part of the list of events to celebrate Amerindian Heritage month. (GINA)