Dear Editor,
GUYANESE, more particularly our Amerindian brothers and sisters, mark September as Amerindian Heritage Month. This year’s theme, ‘Our Culture, Earth’s Future,Save the Environment,Live the Indigenous Way,’ could not be more apt, given the rich culture of our First Peoples.In the settlement of the Americas, the various tribes brought their customs and traditions. These customs and traditions have shaped our nation; these are customs and traditions we all identify with and benefit from. The names, places, foods, architecture, building materials, etc, of our First Peoples have seamlessly been woven into the nation’s fabric and have helped in shaping our aspiration to be ‘One People, One Nation, One Destiny’.
The name Guyana is of Amerindian origin. So too is the Cacique Crown which graces our Coat-of-Arms and is one of our national honours. Pepperpot, cassava bread, and cassareep – just to name a few – are among the dishes taken for granted today. That stands out about our brothers and sisters is their unwavering belief in the right to self-determination. This conviction has seen valiant struggles carried out to protect the right to shape their lives and to live consistent with their ideals. That the Government of Guyana has respected and protected this in the constitution is indicative of the fact that our Amerindian brothers and sisters were on the right track centuries ago. After the Amerindians fought against the odds and lived to tell the stories of struggle and success, their heritage is worthy of celebration.
Happy Amerindian Heritage Month!

Yours faithfully,
Sharma Solomon