Guyana has much to celebrate

- Prime Minister at Heritage Day celebrations at Micobie

Georgetown, September 8, 2012

The village of Micobie, Region Eight on September 8, saw an influx of persons from across the regions who gathered to be part of the ‘Heritage Village’ celebrations, one of the main events during Amerindian Heritage month celebrations.

Many people, who were visiting the village for the first time, were quite taken by the scenic environment, while others were busy sampling the mouth-watering Amerindian delicacies, indulging in the drinks, admiring the beautiful craft pieces and enjoying the songs and dances.

From left: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Nigel Dharamlall, Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Juan Edghill, Micobie Toshao, Julie Johnson, Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Norman Whittaker, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Regional Executive Officer, Region Eight, Ronald Harsawack at the opening ceremony of the Heritage Day celebrations at Micobie

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds who attended the celebrations informed that Government as is traditional will be making a special heritage contribution to the village of $5M to support income generation, infrastructure or other projects as proposed by the Village.

A group of young Amerindian children performing a cultural dance at the Village Day celebrations at Micobie, Region Eight

“The improvement that we have made through our work and through our working together over the last 20 years, we have achieved much…we in the PPP/C Government recognise that our major task is to the development of our people and our country and so we have been focusing particularly on aspects such as improving education and other important social services,” the Prime Minister said.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds checking out one of the craft booths on display

He spoke of the many young Amerindians who have improved themselves as a result of the opportunities that were made possible through Government such as scholarships and are today returning to the communities as professionals.

Members of the Surama Cultural Group performing a special dance at the celebrations in Micobie Village

The Prime Minister also updated the residents on the progress of the Hinterland Electrification Programme, which is currently being implemented to provide an overall 11,000 solar home systems to residents, as well as the Hinterland Roads programme, which will provide vital links to the various communities and will pave the way for more economic opportunities.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds doing a dance with a Micobie resident

Meanwhile, Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Norman Whittaker said that the fact that the Amerindian population in Guyana has been able to keep their culture virtually intact despite other influences is a success story by itself.
Amerindian culture is recognised at the highest level of Guyana, as it is enshrined in the constitution.

Minister Whittaker spoke of the Amerindian Act of 2006, which is a product of Amerindian input and which defines the way in which villages are governed. Other important achievements are the establishment of the National Toshaos Council and Indigenous Peoples Commission. They are also represented at many important international forums.

“You have achieved…and with the continued support of the PPP/C Government, you will continue to achieve more and more,” Minister Whittaker said.

Also present at the celebrations was Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Juan Edghill and Permanent Secretary of the Amerindian Affairs Ministry, Nigel Dharamlall.
The village of Micobie is situated approximately two miles downriver of the famous Tumatumari Falls in the Potaro River. It is accessible by road via the Linden /Mabura and Bartica /Potaro roads or by aircraft to Mahdia then by road.

This year, Amerindian Heritage month is being celebrating under the theme, “Embracing our Identity, Celebrating our Culture.”