Govt to reintroduce Amerindian language lessons in 2023

The Amerindian Affairs Ministry would be reintroducing the Amerindian language revival programme in 2023 to students being housed at the Hinterland Scholarship Dormitory at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.
The language revival project is intended to preserve the nine Amerindian languages which are spoken by the various tribes: Arawak, Akawaio, Arekuna, Carib, Macushi, Patamona, Wai Wai, Wapishana and Warrau. It was first initiated in 2013 under President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo.
Senior Social Worker Christopher Sookdeo has said the students would benefit from the initiative. “We would like to share some of our plans for the new academic year, which include the reintroduction of indigenous language lessons for our dorm students, internship fairs for students, career guidance and internship programmes throughout the country,” Sookdeo said at the annual Hinterland Scholarship graduation ceremony on Wednesday.
The students would also benefit from music programmes, additional recreational facilities, and mental health and developmental programmes.
The language revival project has seen revival of the Arawak language in Wakapao village, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam). Due to the success of the programme, it has been expanded to include other languages.
Subject Minister Pauline Sukhai has revealed that the Ministry would fund culture groups in several villages as part of the cultural preservation efforts in 2023.
“We want to ensure that, according to the Amerindian Act, we also support the cultural development of the people… Our language and our culture make us who we are; it identifies us, and so we will be supporting a few groups next year when the budget (is passed),” she promised.