Ministry considering virtual Indigenous Heritage Month celebrations

The Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Ministry has disclosed that it is exploring the possibility of hosting a virtual celebration for Indigenous Heritage Month in September this year.

Principal Regional Development Officer (PRDO) Anil Roberts

According to the Department of Public Information, that Ministry’s Principal Regional Development Officer (PRDO), Anil Roberts, has said the matter was debated in an initial discussion.
“We are looking to have it (live) streamed nationally, and especially in the hinterland communities,” he told DPI.
However, Roberts explained that the Ministry is awaiting the ongoing transition of Government to the new administration, and a budget to move ahead with plans for the month-long observance.
Hosting a virtual celebration for Indigenous Heritage Month is in keeping with the social distancing measures that are necessary to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
The month of September is recognised nationally as Indigenous Heritage Month, and a series of activities hosted by the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs is planned to honour the work, culture and contributions of Guyana’s first people.
The very first Indigenous Heritage Month was observed on September 10, 1995, in honour of Stephen Campbell, Guyana’s first Indigenous Member of Parliament.
Last year’s Heritage observances were held under the theme, “Maintaining traditional practices while promoting a green economy”.