–situation completely misrepresented, politicised by Mohamed

THE Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, on Friday, clarified a recent situation that it said is being misrepresented and politicised by the Team Mohamed.
The clarification came in a press release in which the ministry noted that the Surama Culture Group is scheduled to perform on Friday, 12th, and Saturday, 13th of September at the Culture Night celebration set to be held at the Amerindian Village at Sophia exhibition centre compound.

“The Group was formally invited, sponsored, and fully accommodated by the ministry to participate in the planned activity. However, due to unforeseen circumstances beyond the ministry’s control, a decision was made to postpone the launch of these events to the following week,” the release added.
Against this backdrop, it was stated that the decision was taken in good faith and with full consideration of the group’s prior engagement in the inter-faith service, which the group was also invited to attend.

It was noted that the group returned to Surama and will return to Georgetown to participate in the rescheduled activities.
The ministry added: “It is deeply unfortunate that this matter is being distorted and used as a political tool to gain cheap political points by Mr. Azruddin Mohamed. The ministry strongly condemns the gross mischaracterisation and the blatant disrespect shown by Mr. Mohamed and his party in its public commentary on this issue.”

The ministry said it remains steadfast in its commitment to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage and traditional way of life of Guyana’s Indigenous peoples.
The release added that the heritage month celebrations continue to be a national priority and a platform for unity, pride and cultural expression.

“The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs stands by its actions and will not allow political opportunism to undermine its dedication to the Indigenous Peoples,” the release added.