…Minister Allicock tells Heritage Month launch
MINISTER of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Sydney Allicock, charged the indigenous people of Guyana to take up the mantle as “guardians of the environment” as the country prepares to become a thriving oil and gas nation.
Allicock was, at the time, delivering remarks at the opening ceremony of Indigenous Heritage Month on Sunday afternoon at the Indigenous Heritage Village at the Sophia Exhibition Centre. This year’s Indigenous Heritage Month is being celebrated under the theme “Maintaining our traditional practices, while promoting a green economy”.
“The theme this year is most timely and apt as our country is rapidly preparing for transformation into an oil-rich nation, and the numerous challenges of a newly developing oil-rich nation. Our new wealth in no way absolves us from responsibly managing our development in sync with the protection of our environment,” Allicock noted.
“We, as indigenous people, have an important role in maintaining balance between our natural environment and our country’s development. Are we prepared for this task? I believe that as guardians of the environment, whose culture is integrally linked to our natural environment, we are now ready to take advantage of the opportunities that are available with the emerging oil sector. We are on the right path if we remain conscious of the value of our natural environment, while undertaking any development that requires the exploitation of any of our resources.”
Even as we put value to the developing oil and gas industry, Allicock says, we must not forget that our natural environment still remains a valuable resource to our economy. With proper strategic management, it is possible for both to be valued without one hampering the development of the other.
“Our fresh water resources and our pristine forest are among our most valued resources, therefore, it is imperative that we find a way to manage these resources while making full use of the opportunities to develop our communities,” Allicock said.
“We should not have misconceived idea that with oil, we do not need to work. Protecting our ecosystem requires diligence and work becomes much more challenging now. With prudent management of our resources, there would be no need to choose between development and conservation. Strategic development is critical if we are to embrace the reality of life where we need facilities to accommodate training.”
Notwithstanding the imminent oil and gas industry in Guyana, government has placed great interest in the country’s dedication to being a green economy, embracing and promoting environmentally friendly practices. “The green economy, which underlines our Green State Development Strategy, demonstrates government commitment and support for sustainable development for the benefit of all Guyanese. I urge you to take advantage of the tremendous opportunities that our transformation brings. I am not suggesting that you abort your cultural way of life, instead, use the resources that will be available to advance training and techniques to refine your natural skills for the development of your communities,” Allicock said.
Sunday marked the beginning of Indigenous Heritage Month, which is celebrated annually throughout the month of September. The celebration will see a number of indigenous activities being carried out across the country. The Indigenous Heritage Village will run until this Saturday, and will include daily cultural extravaganza, and an indigenous food and craft exhibition. At the National Gallery of Art, Castellani House, an Indigenous Heritage Art Exhibition will run from September 7 – 30.
On September 10, in Rivers View, Region 10, there will be a celebration of the life and works of Stephen Campbell, the first indigenous Member of Parliament in Guyana; there will also be an Indigenous Heritage Village in Rivers View on this date.
Other activities planned include a Hinterland School Educational Tour at various sites around Georgetown from September 16 – 20; Educational Lectures and School Visits on September 18 and 25, at the Umana Yana; Heritage Sports/Indigenous Games at the Everest Cricket Club from September 20 – 22 and the Indigenous Pageant a the National Cultural Centre on September 28.