CONGRATULATIONS to our Amerindian compatriots and their communities as they celebrate another observance of Amerindian Heritage Month. This period will be marked by not only exhibitions and displays of Amerindian culture, but more importantly commentaries and illustrations of Amerindian socio-economic development achieved since 1992, that coincided with the return to office of the PPP/C Government. It is recalled that the late Father of the Nation, the revered Dr. Cheddi Jagan, during his PPP/C electoral campaign in 1992 had promised these once neglected and exploited peoples his full support toward their improvement, if elected.

Those of a mature age will bear testimony to those decades when Amerindians, though one of the acknowledged six peoples of Guyana, were thought of as a group  mainly confined  to the far away hinterland areas. Because of this, they were seen mainly in a negative light, and more so outside the pale of the nation’s socio-economic life. This was a situation that perpetuated itself since colonial times, because Amerindian well-being and development were not priorities. However, it was very surprising that this state of affairs continued during the long years of the  former PNC regime, from which much would have been expected given the fact that with the granting of political independence, and more so moving on to republican status,  national self-determination became a fact.  
In fact, it was during the latter period of governance that the reality of Amerindian social life began manifesting itself, in the form of grave functional problems, really part of the larger national problem; infectious diseases; school dropouts, largely occasioned by the long distances that students trekked to schools. In fact, this was because of the very few schools that existed in Amerindian areas at that time.                  
Fast forward to 2013, after 20 years of PPP/C Government, and another occasion of Amerindian Heritage Month – Amerindians of Guyana have very  much to celebrate, for the fourfold progress that has been effecting qualitative changes throughout their communities.
Spearheading this sea–change has been the dynamic Hinterland Programme series. Its well structured components, specially designed for development of Amerindian communities, caters for every facet of Amerindian community development, including roads, health, water, education, and electrification. Of course, there has been also the Amerindian Act, promulgated in 2006, that serves to enshrine   Amerindian rights, with one of the most important being that as a people, they can continue to practise their cultural beliefs, and speak their language.
This was a particular emphasis that President Donald Ramotar reiterated when he addressed the opening of the 19th Heritage Month activities at the Amerindian Village, at the Sophia Exhibition Complex. Urging Amerindians to reflect on their accomplishments as Guyana’s native peoples, he said ”The only way we can develop indigenous culture is by preserving the language, and that ”language is extremely important to our culture”. Not only did he charge that the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs  do all that is possible in order to ensure the preservation of Amerindian culture, but also suggested that tribal languages be recorded and practised.      
Very special mention must be made of the Hinterland Education Scholarship Programme, properly funded and managed since 1992, and which has been producing very notable  performances from the SSEE, and CXC levels  that serves as the basis for future  tertiary education of Amerindians. The success rate has been outstanding, and the results a toast to the gradual rise of the Amerindian in Guyana. There are now Amerindian medical doctors; pharmacists and other allied medical officers; engineers in all spheres; agricultural scientists; and educators. These are in addition to the many others who can now be found at every level in the Public Service, notably the Police Service and the Guyana Defence Force. What must be emphasised is that given equal opportunities of self-development as other Guyanese, Amerindians have been excelling, thereby being able to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Therefore, it was apt that President Donald Ramotar during his address at the Amerindian Village Exhibition at Sophia, referred to the progress made in education and health in indigenous areas. He mentioned that Guyana was able to achieve universal primary education in the hinterland areas, with”widespread” secondary education becoming accessible shortly. This can only further the advancement of Amerindian development, especially with plans to introduce online degree programmes, as President Ramotar further announced.  
Thus, Amerindians will have a lot to celebrate as their calendar of activities unfolds. Their communities now have adequate educational, and health facilities, adequately supported by professionally trained staff comprising Amerindians who have been returning to their respective communities to serve. Add the facility of potable water and modern technology for piping this precious commodity for domestic use; also there is the fact of the electrification intervention that has caused the distribution of approximately 11,000 solar panels  to hinterland communities. Include all these with the roads initiative that is gradually bringing interconnectivity among hinterland communities.
Surely, these hinterland accomplishments could only have been possible, because of the PPP/C administration’s visionary understanding that in a nation as diverse and geographically expansive as Guyana, all must be part of the national development process, wherever they may be.
Congratulations once again, and best wishes for another progressive year!