At Heritage Day celebrations… Prime Minister plugs forging more & closer partnerships -in the interest of further development

At Heritage Day celebrations… Prime Minister plugs forging more & closer partnerships –in the interest of further development

THE Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) village of Micobie yesterday came alive as Guyanese from across the regions gathered to be part of the

‘Heritage Village’ celebrations, one of the main events during Amerindian Heritage Month celebrations.
Many people who were visiting the village for the first time were quite taken by the scenic environment, while others were busy sampling the mouth-watering Amerindian delicacies, indulging in the drinks, admiring the beautiful craft pieces, and enjoying the songs and dances.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, who attended the celebrations, informed that Government, as is traditional, will be making a special heritage contribution to the village, as well as an additional $5M to support income generation, infrastructure or other projects. This announcement was met with applause.
“The improvement that we have made through our work and through our working together over the last 20 years, we have achieved much… We in the PPP/C Government recognise that our major task is to the development of our people and our country, and so we have been focusing particularly on aspects such as improving education and other important social services,” the Prime Minister said.
He spoke of the many young Amerindians who have improved themselves as a result of the opportunities that were made possible through Government, such as scholarships; and they are today returning to the communities as professionals.
“How does a country get better? A country gets better by the work of its people; when its people can individually produce more, or provide better service, and when we can work together in greater harmony,” he posited.
The Prime Minister also updated the residents on the progress of the Hinterland Electrification Programme, which is currently being implemented to provide an overall 11,000 solar home systems to residents; as well as the roads programme, which will provide vital links to the various communities and will pave the way for more economic opportunities.
He assured the residents that as long as the PPP/C remains in office, they will continue to work harder to realise the aspirations of Guyanese. He noted that even though they come from different cultures and backgrounds, they have shown the ability and willingness to work as one people with a common destiny.
“The more we can come together in partnerships, the greater the possibilities before us,” the Prime Minister stated.
Meanwhile, Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Norman Whittaker, said the fact that the Amerindian population in Guyana has been able to keep their culture virtually intact despite other influences is a success story by itself.
Amerindian culture is recognised at the highest level of Guyana, as it is enshrined in the constitution.
Minister Whittaker spoke of the Amerindian Act of 2006, which is a product of Amerindian input, and which defines the way in which villages are governed. Other important achievements are the establishment of the National Toshaos Council and Indigenous Peoples Commission. Amerindians are also represented at many important international forums.
“You have achieved…and with the continued support of the PPP/C Government, you will continue to achieve more and more,” Minister Whittaker said.
Also present at the celebrations was Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Juan Edghill, and Permanent Secretary of the Amerindian Affairs Ministry, Nigel Dharamlall.
The village of Micobie is situated approximately two miles downriver of the famous Tumatumari Falls in the Potaro River. It is accessible by road via the Linden /Mabura and Bartica /Potaro roads, or by aircraft to Mahdia then by road.
This year, Amerindian Heritage Month is being celebrated under the theme “Embracing our Identity, Celebrating our Culture.”