Heritage month activities officially kick off
GINA, Guyana, Thursday, September 1, 2016
The spotlight is once again on Guyana’s first peoples, their way of life, culture, music and food as another Indigenous Heritage Month is being celebrated.
An indigenous group performing a cultural dance at the launch of Indigenous Heritage Month at the Heritage Village, Sophia Complex
The official ceremony of the launch of Indigenous Heritage Month 2016 was held this evening at the Sophia Heritage Village, Â Sophia Exhibition compound.
The programme which saw President David Granger delivering the feature address was attended by hundreds of indigenous people and other Guyanese. A high- level delegation of Government Ministers including Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and his wife Mrs. Sita Nagamootoo were also part of the audience.
Members of the diplomatic corps, members of parliament, members of the opposition and indigenous representative organisations were also present for the opening.
Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo being garlanded at the launch of Indigenous Heritage Month at the Heritage Village, Sophia Complex
The programme which was organised by the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs provided an opportunity for indigenous youths and talent groups from across the country to showcase their skills.
The National Pledge was recited in the Makushi language by the Rupertee Culture Group, a prayer offered in the Arecuna language by the Paruima Culture Group, the Surama Culture Group performed a dance; another cultural item was performed by the Jawalla Culture Group while the Hinterland Scholarship Choir performed a song for the audience.
President David Granger along with Minister of Indigenous Peoples Affairs Sydney Allicock and Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs Valerie Garrido-Lowe taking the salute at the launch of Indigenous Heritage Month at the Heritage Village, Sophia Complex
All the cultural groups converged on the stage to perform the final ceremonial dance bringing the ceremony to a close. Following this, the President, Prime Minister, Ministers of Government, members of the diplomatic corps and other invited guests toured the complex where indigenous foods, crafts and beverages were on display and on sale.
The public is invited to view the crafts and other items on display and on sale in the booths at the Sophia Complex until Sunday, September 4, 2016.
Indigenous Heritage Month is being observed under the theme, “Our Culture, Earth’s Future, Save the Environment, Live the Indigenous Way.
Some of the craft work on display at the Launch of Indigenous Heritage Month at the Heritage Village, Sophia Complex
This year Mainstay/Whyaka, in Region Two has been identified as Heritage Village. The village will come under the spotlight on September 10, when it will host the grand celebrations for the Indigenous Heritage month.
President David Granger greeting Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Wife Mrs. Seeta Nagamootoo at the Launch of Indigenous Heritage Month at the Heritage Village, Sophia Complex
From right to left- President David Granger, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Seeta Nagamootoo, Minister of Indigenous Peoples Affairs Sydney Allicock, Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs Valerie Garrido-Lowe, Minister of Social Cohesion Amna Ally, Minister of Education Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, and Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman in attendance at the launch of Indigenous Heritage Month at the Heritage Village, Sophia Complex
Some of the craft work on display at the launch of Indigenous Heritage Month at the Heritage Village, Sophia Complex
Some of the Indigenous foods and drinks on display at the launch of Indigenous Heritage Month at the Heritage Village, Sophia ComplexÂ
A section of the gathering at the launch of Indigenous Heritage Month at the Heritage Village, Sophia Complex