Amerindian Heritage Month celebrations to be done virtually

Guyana’s first people will be recognized and honoured during the month of September virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Amerindian Villages and groups across the country can still participate in the celebrations by signing up with the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs to either sell their produce online or send virtual cultural presentations.

The Amerindian Heritage Month celebrations are being held under the theme: “Fostering Traditional Practices for a Safe Environment.”

Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai during a virtual press conference Friday said that the month of activities will kick off with a Ceremonial Launch on September 01 from 11:00h.

“This is the first virtual package of activities which is not forcibly but which we had to establish because of COVID-19, we also expect that the village leaders across the hinterland will ensure when observing the Month of Heritage 2020 will take place keeping in mind that we have to observe COVID-19 guidelines and protocols,” the Minister said.

She said the month-long activities will not exceed $15M.

Cultural presentations will be recorded and aired on social media and on television. These presentations will be broadcast on Wednesdays at 11:00h, Fridays at 20:00h and Saturdays 16:00h for the entire month.

An online art exhibition is also planned and will include the art, painting and crafts by renowned Amerindian artists.

Online Marketing will also be done for the sale of craft and produce from the various villages. There will also be indigenous cuisine on sale and will be available every Wednesday for pickups only. The Ministry is looking at two locations for pickups the Amerindian Village at the Sophia Exhibition Centre and the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs Office on Thomas and Quamina Streets.

Indigenous lectures will also be held via zoom from September 10.

The first Amerindian parliamentarian, Steven Campbell will not be forgotten in the celebrations. Minister Sukhai explained that a documentary on his life and work will also be done.

Campbell fought for the rights of Amerindian people to be able to own lands among other notable developments.