Prime Minister – Amerindians are important to present-day Guyana

On Monday Amerindian villages in Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo (Region Nine) came together in celebration of Amerindian Heritage Month, for a week-long celebration at St. Ignatius.

It was noted that Prime Minister, Mark Phillips declared the celebration open in the presence of Amerindian Affairs Minister, Pauline Sukhai.

As such, the Phillips and Sukhai travelled to the region to celebrate the rich diverse culture of the Rupununi.  The Prime Minister expressed the importance of Amerindians to the Guyana we know today.

“The conception of Guyana as a nation, as a country began with our Amerindian people. That is why sometimes you are referred to as our first people but as far as I’m concerned, you are our most important people because without you, there will be no Guyana as we know it today,” he said.

PM Phillips reaffirmed government’s commitment to equitably developing Guyana. “We took a decision that the revenue from oil and gas will be utilised for the development for all the people of Guyana. It doesn’t matter if you live on the coastland or if you live in the hinterland, development must come to you in your communities,” he declared.

The minister noted that the celebration of Amerindians underscores government’s commitment to the ‘One Guyana’ concept.

Sukhai revealed that through continuous support by the Government, Amerindians have been empowered to be proud of their culture and tradition.

“No longer are we the people of the forest as we were once termed; however, today we are embracing our culture and identity with pride,” Minister Sukhai said

She continued, “We need to give credit to the PPP/C Government led by our former leader, Dr. Cheddi Jagan, who in his wisdom, thought that to resolve the issue of us Amerindians being looked upon as second class, that he dedicated and entire month in which we can showcase how rich our culture, tradition and custom are.”

It was revealed that Amerindian Heritage month is celebrated in Guyana every year in September and is being observed this year under the theme, ‘Celebrating our traditional culture while building a One Guyana.’