MINISTER of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton, on Friday, delivered on his promise when he made donations to villages in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

The village of Apoteri received a fully accessorised keyboard, along with 10 tablet computers, while Kwatamang Village received two guitars. The Village of Sand Creek also benefitted from a keyboard.

The items were all handed over to the Toshaos of the three villages, who were attending the National Toshaos’ Conference in Georgetown.

The instruments donated to Apoteri were part of the delivery of a promise Minister Norton made to assist the culture and youth groups of that community. “When Minister Norton visited us a few days ago, we just mentioned some of the things we needed, and he was very prompt in not only making the promise to us, but delivering it as well,” Kenny Thomas of Apoteri said, in a release from the Ministry.

While the Toshao of Kwatamang, Rocky Vanlong was accompanying Thomas to uplift the donated items for Apoteri, he made mention of the Kwatamang Culture Group and its need of some assistance which saw two guitars immediately being presented to the Kwatamang Toshao.

“It was very sudden, and we are very much grateful to the Minister for his very kind and sincere gesture,” Toshao Vanlong said. The Toshao of Sand Creek also expressed gratitude for the keyboard presented to him by the Director of Culture (ag), Tamika Boatswain.

The Toshaos all agreed that the donated items will go a long way in helping to preserve the Indigenous Cultures in Region Nine. “I am glad that these communities reached out to us. We can only assist if we know what the needs of these communities are,” Minister Norton posited.