Packed programme to celebrate Amerindian Heritage Month

The Amerindian Affairs Ministry on Tuesday unveiled the calendar of events for this year’s annual Heritage Month celebrations which features a range of activities to reflect the way of life of the first people.
The month will be observed under the theme “Honouring our culture, advancing our future”. The month will commence with an interfaith service at the Umana Yana on August 31 at 17: 00h, followed by the grand launch on September 1 at the Amerindian Village, National Exhibition Complex, Sophia at 17: 00h.
The programme will include several cultural items from the nine Amerindian tribes of Guyana and President Donald Ramotar is expected to deliver the feature address while Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai will give brief remarks.

Coordinator of the launch, Jude Da Silva said more than 500 persons are expected to be in attendance.
“We look forward to have persons from the various ethnic groups to come and join in celebration.”
There will also be a craft and food exhibition at the Amerindian Village from September 2 to 5, from mid-day to 22: 00h, which will display and have for sale bamboo, tibisiri and balata products, as well as indigenous jewellery such as beads and necklaces, while the food exhibition will afford Guyanese the opportunity to taste a wide variety of dishes prepared by Amerindians.
There will also be cultural nights from September 1 to 5 at the Amerindian Village from 17: 00h.
This year, the highly anticipated Heritage Village celebration will be held in Karasabai, Region Nine on September 7, with numerous activities planned. The heritage walk will also be held at Karasabai. There will also be a reflection on the life and achievements of Stephen Campbell, the first Amerindian to be a member of Parliament on September 10, at 10:00h.
Coordinator of the activity Sharon Hicks said this year will be more educational for young people, highlighting that the presentations will be done in the form of two dramas.
The heritage dinner and fundraiser will be held at the Georgetown Club on September 15 at 19: 00h.
Tickets for this event cost Gy$ 7000. The funds raised will assist Amerindian patients seeking medical attention at the Georgetown Public Hospital.
The Arawak Language Revival Project, which will be funded by the Amerindian Affairs Ministry, will be launched on September 19, at Capoey Village, Region Two.
Sporting activities will be held from September 21 to 22 at GNS ground and athletes from the 10 administrative regions will compete in games such as cricket, football and volleyball.
Bringing down the curtains for the month of celebrations will be the Miss Amerindian Heritage Pageant on September 28 at the National Cultural Centre at 18:00h.