Beautiful Indigenous Village ready for Heritage Month
THE 2015 Indigenous Heritage Month was given the greenlight Saturday when contractor Colin Andrews officially handed over the spanking new Indigenous Village to Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe. The facility at reference will house most of the activities of this year’s celebration.
Andrews delivered on his 21-day promise which he had made prior to starting construction. He told the gathering that with his staff of 21, they were able to refurbish several benabs, while building three new ones.
The workers, who travelled from Moraikobai, in Region 5 (Mahaica-Berbice), also constructed a benab where persons can sit and eat comfortably, and an indigenous bar over the northern side of the village.
Minister Garrido-Lowe was ecstatic with the village, and promised to maximise its use way beyond the Heritage Month celebration.
She said she was extremely impressed with the level of craftsmanship that has gone into the buildings, especially since it continues to represent all the indigenous peoples of the country.
“This is truly a remarkable village; I have never seen the Indigenous village look so good. All credit must go to Andrews and his team who worked tirelessly over the last three weeks.”
ALL-YEAR VENUE
Minister Lowe said her ministry aims to make the Indigenous Village an all-year venue–pointing to it becoming a weekend getaway for people in the city who want to experience Indigenous life.
“We will have Indigenous experiences every weekend. Sometimes it might be making cassava bread, making of hammocks, indigenous crafts or the cooking of delectable indigenous meals.”
She pointed out that in the near future the aim is to dig out the canal that runs through the village, so that persons can experience canoeing.”
“The Indigenous culture should be experienced by all Guyana, it is not just meant for the Indigenous population.”
Having this Heritage Village in the capital promotes the Indigenous way of life; the tranquillity that resonates in Indigenous Communities can now be experienced in Georgetown. This village will promote nature and the environment in a very sustainably way.”
There was also a prayer ceremony by Catholic Priest Father Jerry Dias, who also blessed the entire village.
Heritage month activities begin today with an Inter-Faith Service, followed by the official launch tomorrow at the village, in Sophia, which begins a six-day cultural extravaganza, with performances from some of the best Indigenous performers. Also on the card will be a Stephen Campbell Symposium (September 10); an art exhibition at the Castellani House (from September 7); a fashion show; a beauty pageant slated for the National Cultural Centre; a charity dinner at the village; and a sports weekend. (F. Deo)
