– PM Phillips says

GUYANA’S rich Indigenous heritage and the promise of a thriving cultural tourism industry took centre stage on Thursday evening, as Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips, lauded the upcoming Rupununi Music and Arts Festival as “an investment in our Indigenous people and their extraordinary culture.”

Delivering the keynote address at a fundraising auction hosted by British High Commissioner to Guyana, Her Excellency Jane Miller, Prime Minister Phillips praised the annual festival for its transformative role in youth development, cultural preservation and regional advancement, particularly for hinterland communities.

“The Government of Guyana recognises that our First People (Amerindians) are active partners in our development and therefore seeks to embrace the invaluable lessons learned from their traditional knowledge, cultural practices, and sustainable way of life as we chart our course forward,” PM Phillips said.

He alluded to the festival alignments with Guyana’s eco-tourism strategy and the significant economic opportunities it offers to the hinterland communities.

With this, he noted, “Rupununi offers an exceptional cultural richness that has become central to our tourism strategy. The music, crafts, traditions and stories of our Indigenous communities work like a magnet for tourists, making Guyana a distinguished destination. The Festival Village itself envisioned as an eco-friendly space, represents our shared commitment to protecting our natural heritage while promoting sustainable cultural tourism.”

The fundraising campaign that was launched back in 2022, now seeks to establish an eco-friendly and iconic Festival Village that will support cultural tourism and the sustainable livelihoods in the Rupununi.

PM Phillips praised the High Commissioner’s approach, by describing the initiative as an example of modern diplomacy.

He said, “By promoting and supporting grassroots culture, you are weaving a strong social fabric for Guyana while strengthening the ties between Guyana and the United Kingdom.”

The PM also highlighted the festival’s role in youth development. According to him, it provides a valuable platform for emerging artists to showcase their talents while helping to preserve art and craft, as long as many other art forms, for upcoming future generations.

As a way to encourage attendees to support the evening’s auctions, PM Phillips said, “when you bid on an item, consider the young person you are investing in and how you are contributing to the preservation of our cultural heritage. Our youths are our most treasured assets.”

The Rupununi Music and Arts Festival, which draws performers from Guyana, the Caribbean, and South America, will return to Manari Ranch this October, promising a weekend of vibrant music, traditional arts, and immersive cultural experiences that celebrate Guyana’s diverse Indigenous identity.