High praise for the Amerindian people

Sep 13, 2016 Letters

Dear Editor,
Guyanese, more particularly our Amerindian brothers and sisters, mark September as “Amerindian Heritage Month.” This year’s theme “Our Culture, Earth’s Future” could not be more apt, given the rich culture of our First Peoples.
In the settlement of the Americas, the various tribes brought their customs and traditions. These customs and traditions have shaped our nation; these customs and traditions we all identify with and benefit from. The names, places, food, architecture, building materials, etc., of our First Peoples have seamlessly been woven into the nation’s fabric and have helped in shaping our aspiration to be “One People, One Nation, One Destiny”.
Guyana (Land of many waters) is of Amerindian origin. So too is the Cacique Crown which graces our Coat-of-Arms and is one of our National Honours. Pepper pot, cassava bread, and cassareep – just to name a few – are among the customs and traditions taken for granted today.
What stands out importantly about our brothers and sisters is their unwavering belief in the right to self-determination. This conviction has seen valiant struggles carried out to protect the innate desire to shape their lives and to live consistent with their ideals. That the Government of Guyana has respected and protected this in the Constitution is indicative that our Amerindian brothers and sisters were on the right track centuries ago. Having fought against the odds and live today to tell the stories of struggles and successes from these, such a heritage is worthy of celebration. Happy Amerindian Month!
Sharma Solomon

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