Keeping the flame alive: Rupununi youth preserving Amerindian traditions

For many, cultural preservation may seem like an old-fashioned concept, but for a young man who only identified himself as Orwin, it’s a way of life—a duty he holds close to his heart. Residing in the serene safaris of South Rupununi, Orwin is a young torchbearer of Amerindian traditions.
With his actions and words, he proudly showcases the values and practices that have sustained his community for generations – traditions left on by his fore-parents.
One of the most striking images of Orwin’s dedication is the sight of him pulling up water from a 15-foot well, using a rope tied to a bucket and skillfully retrieves water from the depths.
This simple yet powerful act caught the attention of the Guyana Times during a media familiarisation trip to the area last week.
“Yeah, at times when there is high tide, the water comes right up and then at times there is clean water as well. But right now, the well is drying down making it harder to get clean water” Orwin explained passionately.
Orwin’s dedication goes beyond preserving traditions for himself. He actively involves the younger generation, showing them the importance of continuing these practices. He relayed that traditions like fetching water from the well are not relics of the past but vital aspects of life in his community.
“We wait for the rain to come to fill the well with adequate water, and then we use the bucket to pull it up. It’s something that we all can do, and it’s important we show the young ones how to manage,” Orwin said.
Despite his deep ties to tradition, Orwin also balances the modern world, proving that preservation and progress can coexist.
“Yes, we do go out ah road and get Wi-Fi and come back; we use the Wi-Fi and have social media,” he said whilst laughing, highlighting the unique duality of his life.
This duality is also reflected in his knowledge of languages.
“Well, you see, if you go out here, the people start losing their ways. Some people know how to do it, and some people don’t… and also our celebrations, most of the people go out next place to go enjoy themselves, but you’ll see more action or more things that take place when you go more out in the villages,” Orwin said.
When discussing the preservation of Amerindian languages, Orwin became animated, emphasising the importance of keeping these languages alive in his region and beyond.
He sees this preservation as essential, especially for young people who might otherwise lose their connection to their heritage.
“Nine different tribes. At times there are some people that I would meet that I would’ve never seen before and I would see them in another village speaking the same language as I do… So, people now, people who live out there, never come to stay and see how we are living. People move all over. People move. People don’t stay long. Just like how you are touring…however my language, which we are speaking. it’s still rich and full,” he explained.
Orwin’s pride in his culture was evident as he shared the joy of hearing his language spoken in other regions, which was quite evident in the resilience of Amerindian traditions.
With wisdom far in front of his years, he reflected on the interconnectedness of his people, quoting a saying often passed down:
“You do always find someone speaking your language on some road despite everyone moving. Two mountains are rich. Two people don’t reach.”
Through his actions and words, Orwin serves as a cultural ambassador. He champions the traditions of the South Rupununi, not as relics of a bygone era, but as living, breathing aspects of identity and survival.