Amerindian Heritage Month ushered in with Interfaith Service

The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs on August 31, 2012, evening hosted an interfaith service to usher in Amerindian Heritage Month 2012 which is being celebrated under the theme, “Embracing our identity, Celebrating our Culture.”

Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai with representatives of the different religious faiths that were part of the interfaith programme

The event was hosted at the Umana Yana, Kingston and was attended by Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai and other Cabinet Ministers, representatives of the Diplomatic Corps and a diverse representation of the different religious faiths of Guyana.

Christian, Hindu, Muslim and Rastafarian leaders including those from the Guyana Conference of Seventh Day Adventist, the Bahai’ Community, the Islamic Organisation, the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, the New Life Anointed Ministries and the Roman Catholic Church were among those briefly addressing the gathering.

Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai and Minister of Agriculture Dr. Leslie Ramsammy among the gathering at the Interfaith Service

They offered prayers, readings, hymns, exhortations and sermons for the successful unfolding of the month’s activities. They also asked for blessings for the Amerindian people, that they remain resilient and strong, and that they grow to accept their responsibilities for the well-being of their communities and the nation and carve out their mark on the country with regards to development.

The gathering at the Inter-Faith Service for Amerindian Heritage Month 2012 at the Umana Yana

Prayers were also offered for the Government and the Leaders of the nation that wisdom, grace and understanding be their guide in the execution of their duties.

Some aspects of the programme were delivered in Amerindian dialect. This included the National Pledge that was recited in Akawio by staff of the Amerindian Affairs Ministry and Co-Chairperson of the night’s event, Deon James. Prayers and thanks given were recited in the Arecuna, Wapishana and Machusi Ameirndian dialect.

The Hallelujah Group of Tassarene, Middle Mazaruni, Region Seven chanting at the Inter-Faith Service

Father John Persaud and team from the Roman Catholic Church singing a hymn at the service

Ras Leon Saul of the Rastafari Council performs an African drumology piece