DIGICEL Guyana yesterday donated an undisclosed sum to the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs to assist in the hosting of Amerindian Heritage Day of Sports slated to be held from September 21 and 22 at Everest Cricket Ground, Georgetown.

Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, at a media briefing yesterday at the ministry’s boardroom at Quamina Street, Georgetown, lauded Digicel’s contribution and partnership over the past eight years. She said that the ministry has the responsibility to promote the Amerindian heritage activities and it is pleasing to see corporate members of the business community offering their assistance.
Sukhai also noted that Digicel’s contribution is indeed critical to the development of the telecommunications sector, as communication is of vital importance in hinterland communities. She added that the company has also shown great support to the world of sports and to Amerindian athletes.
She noted that this donation will be of tremendous benefit to the athletes who have to travel from the hinterland communities in order to participate in the activities. Sukhai asserted that this shows goodwill and aids in Guyana’s development and the Amerindian sector.
Digicel’s Sponsorship Manager and former national athlete, Gavin Hope said that Digicel is always willing to contribute to the ministry as they have recognised the importance and value of the culture.
He added that Digicel is a company which is very committed to sports and so the sports feature of the Heritage Month activities was the perfect event to sponsor. He also expressed expectations that there will be fantastic games.
Digicel Guyana Public Relations Manager, Shonette Moore said that she is very pleased to be a part of the significant handover as Digicel as a company is happy to have been giving back to the culture and the Amerindians over the years.
She added that the Amerindian culture plays a critical role to Digicel’s development and the company also recognises the great potential in the Amerindian activities and athletes.
Meanwhile, Minister Sukhai and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Mr Nigel Dharamlall gave a brief overview of the Heritage Month activities.
There will also be a reflection on the life and achievements of Stephen Campbell, the first Amerindian to be a Member of Parliament. This year will be more educational and interesting for young people as the presentations will be done in the form of two dramas.
The heritage dinner and fundraiser will be held at the Georgetown Club on September 15 at 19:00hrs. Tickets for this event cost $7000. The funds raised will assist Amerindian patients seeking medical attention at the Georgetown Public Hospital.
The Arawak Language Revival Project, which will be funded by the Amerindian Affairs Ministry, will be launched on September 19 at Capoey Village, Region 1.
Sporting activities will be held from September 21 to 22 at Everest Cricket Ground and athletes from the 10 administrative regions will compete in games such as cricket, football and volleyball. Tickets will be sold at the gate and will cost $300 each.
Bringing down the curtains for the month of celebrations will be the Miss Amerindian Heritage Pageant on September 28 at the National Cultural Centre at 18:00hrs.
Ten ladies from the 10 administrative regions will vie for the crown and the contestants will be sashed at the Heritage Dinner.