Amerindian Affairs Ministry pays tribute to late Amerindian MP, Stephen Campbell

Georgetown, GINA, September 11, 2012

The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs on September 11 hosted an evening of reflection and exhibition, in tribute to the life and contributions of the late Amerindian rights advocate, and first Indigenous Parliamentarian, Stephen Campbell.

The ceremony was held at the Umana Yana, Kingston, and forms part of the Amerindian Heritage Month activities held under the theme “Embracing our identity, celebrating our culture”.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds paying tribute to the late Stephen Campbell at an Evening of Reflection and an Exhibition

The gathering was treated to dances by the Mainstay Cultural group and a video presentation by David Campbell, son of the late parliamentarian.

Campbell was the first Guyanese of Amerindian descent to enter the Legislative Council of the then British Guiana.

During his tribute, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds stated that Campbell’s life illustrated the challenges faced by people to eke out a living in Guyana.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Vetalene Edwin, student, reigning Miss Amerindian Heritage Queen, Naomi Samuels and Nigel Dharamlall, Permanent Secretary, during the opening of Exhibition and Reflection on the Life of Stephen Campbell

“Campbell’s life is a good role model, not only for Amerindians but, all Guyanese making and earning a living, and utilising opportunities accessible to us,” he said. Today, through the PPP/C Administration, Amerindians have full access to primary and secondary education throughout the 10 Administrative regions.

PM Hinds stated that he considers himself as one of the beneficiaries of Campbell’s work. Campbell’s political will was aroused during his tenure at the Waini sawmill, where Amerindians and other sections of the Guyanese population were seeking representation. Campbell started his formal political career in 1956, at which time he was 60 years old.
The Prime Minister explained that the same approach to improving livelihood in Amerindians communities applies to all Guyanese.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds viewing the displays at Exhibition on Life of Stephen Campbell at the Umana Yana

Campbell was born, in the Moruca sub- district of Region One, on December 26, 1819 to parents who both died when he was at a tender age, leaving him in the care of his grandmother. He was also a student of the Santa Rosa Mission School.

In 1928, Campbell got married at the age of 31, and migrated to various locations in Regions One, Two, Seven, and Nine, where he was involved in teaching, road construction, gold mining, rubber tapping, fishing, and tree spotting.

With the proposal of Universal Adult Suffrage in 1951, this gave Amerindians the opportunity to participate in general elections, and Campbell began to show interest in politics.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Nigel Dharamlall during his remarks stated that not only did Campbell express nationalism but, he also spoke about agriculture, skills training, land titling and access to telecommunication in the Amerindian villages.

Among his greatest achievements were the move towards crafting the Amerindian Act, and developing better health facilities and a postal service in the North West District.
Dharamlall urged persons to take heed and cherish the advice that Campbell has left.

April 27, 1956 marked the first time in the history of Guyana that Amerindians were allowed to exercise their franchise.

Campbell died on May 12, 1966, two weeks before British Guiana gained independence from Britain.