Minister Norton delivers on promise to Batavia Culture Group

DSCCYS – During a recent visit to Cuyuni-Mazaruni, Minister of Social Cohesion, with responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. George Norton, met with members of the Batavia Culture Group to officially hand over several guitars.

Head of the group, Michelle Williams said, “We started this group in 1996 to support the preservation of Indigenous culture and language of every Indigenous nation. We seek to preserve their language, adornment and traditional attire, as well as music.”

Williams further related that young people are the critical component of the group, “The group consists primarily of young people, so right now we are teaching the children, that way we can ensure that the culture of the indigenous people isn’t lost. We must ensure that the culture is transferred from one generation to the next.”

Other than teaching young people, the group uses every opportunity presented to showcase Indigenous culture, “We would participate in National Heritage Celebrations locally and cultural events across the Caribbean; the group recently participated in events held in Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago,” Williams explained.

Prior to the presentation, the group met the Minister in Bartica, Region 7 and sought his support for the donation of musical equipment. Minister Norton at the time, committed his support and subsequently delivered on his promise.

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