Paruima village honours pioneers in heritage celebration

Georgetown, GINA, October 1, 2012

Amerindian Heritage celebrations were brought to a close in several villages on September 30, 2012, including the Mainstay and Tapacuma, Region 2, and Paruima, Region # 7, the latter reportedly being the only Arecuna- speaking village in Guyana.

Paruima village, in their heritage activity honoured the pioneers of the community with the unveiling of a monument. The fenced monument has a rock from the near-by mountain range and has a plaque embedded with the names of the pioneers – Chambers, Percy, Henrito and McNaughton.

Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Permanent Secretary – Nigel Dharamlall and the daughter of Chambers one of the honorees who is over 100 years old. Alongside them is the monument to Paruima village pioneers.

Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Permanent Secretary – Nigel Dharamlall and Principal Regional Development Officer, Deon Johnson attended the celebrations.

Amerindian Heritage Month 2012 was celebrated under the theme “Celebrating our Culture, Embracing our Identity.”

With regards to the latter part of the theme PS, Dharamlall noted that there are several reasons why Amerindians and other Guyanese should embrace their identity; “they are a proud people, they are Guyana’s first people and they are the hardest working.”

Residents gathered at Paruima’s bandstand to witness the heritage celebration.

He added that the culture should always be celebrated because like other people around the world, the Amerindians have not changed their language to fit into society. He added that much has been achieved to foster individual and village development and their traditions have not been altered.

Dharamlall emphasised that Amerindians are not a second class people, premising his statement on examples such as there are 33 Amerindian doctors with an additional one returning from Cuba shortly, and 80 youth are receiving secondary education at President’s College.

The Permanent Secretary highlighted Amerindians serving in leadership positions including Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carolyn Rodriques-Birkett and the late Dr. Desrey Fox.

Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Permanent Secretary – Nigel Dharamlall viewing the village produces on display.

Following the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs’ sports day, which was part of heritage celebrations, one of the female footballers from Paruima is being considered for a spot on the national female football team. The Football Federation has also indicated its interest in organising next year’s Heritage Football Tournament.

Dharamlall indicated that the tractor and trailer that were promised to the village are in Georgetown awaiting transport to the village.

Residents partaking of indigenous food prepared for the occasion.

With regards to honouring the village’s pioneers, Johnson noted that apart from their efforts towards pushing developing at the level of the community, the efforts of Steven Campbell, the first Amerindian Parliamentarian and the late former President, Dr. Cheddi Jagan should also be recognised.

Paruima’s football team receiving footballs and cones from Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Permanent Secretary – Nigel Dharamlall and Principal Regional Development Officer, Deon Johnson.

Johnson also acknowledged developmental initiatives facilitated through the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs such as the Community Development Plans (CDP), the solar electrification and water programmes. He encouraged the community to continue promoting their culture.

The heritage celebration also included presentation of cultural items, sports and a display of the village’s produce and food common to the area.