— Min. Sukhai promises, even if it is does happen to be virtual

By Naomi Parris

OWING to the outbreak here of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the usual pomp and ceremony associated with the lavish and colourful celebration of Heritage Month will be held virtually this year, but with much the same energy and attention to detail as we’ve all grown accustomed to in the past.
Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai sought to reassure those of us who look forward to this event every year that in spite of the novelty of the situation, an exhilarating programme of activities has been arranged to honour the country’s First Peoples.

“We have taken into consideration the advent of COVID-19, and we are going to ensure that our menu of items will not put at risk our nation, neither put at risk the participants and supporters who are expecting us to entertain them, and to observe in recognition the heritage of Guyana’s people,” Minister Sukhai said Tuesday during a virtual media briefing, which also served as the official launch of the month-long activity.

The Minister noted that given the situation with the pandemic and the effects it has had on Indigenous communities here, the theme of this year’s celebration is: ‘Fostering Traditional Practices for a Safe Environment’, which speaks to the significance of the traditional way of life practised by the Indigenous Peoples to achieve desirable outcomes for social and economic balance through appropriate use of natural resources and the environment.
“Amerindian Peoples continue to safeguard the natural environment, which has contributed to robust climate change practices,” Minister Sukhai said, adding: “The forest waterways and ecosystems continue to provide significant support to the ways of life of Guyana’s Amerindians; customs and traditional practices are manifested in the talent and the cultural heritage displayed by our people.”

She said that in keeping with the theme, the Ministry Of Amerindian Affairs, in collaboration with other stakeholders, will observe, recognise and pay tribute to the Amerindian population in the upcoming celebrations.

A PACKED AGENDA

“The work we will continue to ensure with the virtual package, or the menu of activities that will be displayed virtually, will provide activities such as a ceremonial launch of Amerindian Heritage Month, which will take the place of the direct interactive launch at the Amerindian village that we are accustomed to,” Minister Sukhai said.

She added that during this time, members of the media are expected to play a major role in streaming and broadcasting the events to provide widespread coverage across the country. “We, of course, include in the menu of activities cultural presentations. The cultural presentation, of course, will be virtual, where the various media houses will provide support by ensuring recorded presentations by talented Amerindian groups to be aired and showed, so that their talent can be appreciated and showcase.”

Additionally, the Ministry will be introducing Online marketing, which will allow artists and other creatives to market their craft during the celebrations.
“For the Amerindian art exhibition, we will be putting on display the arts and craft and paintings etc. by renowned Amerindian artists; we will also introduce this year Online marketing for craft and other produce for Amerindian villages, so that we will be able to meet some of the demands that we are accustomed to during the month of September,” the Minister noted.

Not forgetting the delightful cuisines, the Ministry will also be hosting several cuisine days, where samples of various Amerindian dishes will be made available to the public. Several educational lectures are also slated for this year’s events, along with a special programme to honour Guyana’s first parliamentarian of Amerian extract, the late Mr. Steven Campbell.

“We will not forget the first Amerindian parliamentarian as well, Steven Campbell, Minister Sukhai said, adding: “For that event, we will ensure that we provide the Guyanese people with a programme or documentary that will provide information about this very important and historical individual who led the battles to the rights of our land.”

The minister added that despite the settings being different this year for Amerindian Heritage Month celebrations, no one will be left behind, as the ministry is expecting to provide several Indigenous communities with a platform to display their talents.
“Amerindian villages this year will not be left out; we are planning to ensure that the villages with robust and organised cultural groups will be provided the opportunity to display cultural presentations that will be prerecorded, so that we all can enjoy the shows of the past and the recent years,” Minister Sukhai said.

Some of the events slated for this year’s celebration are several cultural presentations, art exhibitions, cuisine presentations, and a number of educational lectures.