River’s View eyes prosperous future – Pres. David Granger
─Village hosts first National Heritage Village Day activities in region
DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, September 11, 2019
River’s View made history on September 10 as the first Upper Demerara-Berbice, Region 10 village to host the National Heritage Village Day activity since it began in 1995.
Hundreds of residents travelled from neighbouring Bartica Town and other parts of the country to enjoy the wide array of food, arts and craft, dance and songs displayed by the residents of River’s View. While others came just to enjoy the atmosphere of the scenic village which spans the Essequibo, Demerara and Berbice Rivers.
Delivering the feature address at the opening of the event, H.E. President David Granger noted that River’s View which straddles two of the richest Regions in Guyana – Regions 7 and 10 – is on the verge of prosperity. The Head of State said the community has the potential to provide a good life for all of its people through mining, logging, agriculture and eco-tourism. However, he emphasised that it is through education that the promise of prosperity can become a reality.
“How will you attract the revenue from mining and logging, you will do so with an educated population…Education is not only a sideshow, education is central to the development to not only River’s View but to the entire Indigenous community in the entire country of Guyana…It is through education that you will be able to develop the economy of these two regions.”
The President said that Guyana is on the threshold of another revolution of hinterland education. In 2020, the government will launch the Decade of Development 2020-2029 of Guyana, which will lead to better schools, improved infrastructure, transportation, accommodation and more investments in teaching, provision of educational tools, smart classrooms, ICT Hub and scholarships.
“Where will the money come from? It will come from the sea, our petroleum will be invested first and foremost in you and your children, to provide a world class education to the Guyanese population. So, the decade of development beacons it is just a few months away,” President David Granger stated.
In his remarks, Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Hon. Sydney Allicock said Indigenous peoples have much to celebrate and noted some of the ‘change-makers’. At the level of the ministry, there is Indigenous Culture Coordinator Ovid Williams and Attorney at Law, David James. Minister of State, Hon. Dawn Hastings Williams and Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs Hon. Valerie Garrido-Lowe are among the first Indigenous women to serve as government ministers in the Caribbean and himself as the first Indigenous Vice President.
He also highlighted the government’s economic ventures that also warrant celebration. The Pakaraima sundried tomato project, the Monkey Mountain lapidary are achievements that will long be remembered as part of the country’ s history, Minister Allicock noted.
He charged the River’s View residents to capitalise on the opportunity to market their products, share their knowledge and experience with those who are visiting for the first time.
“There is something distinct about in every village that others will be curious to learn about. You can also share many aspects of your culture and lifestyle during your Heritage Village activities. This title holds tremendous significance and you should not downplay your development and achievements that have earned you a place among those villagers that were given this honour.”
This small riverine community has produced several distinguished persons, including our current Social Cohesion Minister Dr. George Norton who was among the prominent Indigenous Guyanese including the late Steven Campbell, recognised for their dedication to community development.
The Head of State also handed over an outboard engine to the village council.
Among those who also attended the Heritage Village event was Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Hon. Valerie Garrido-Lowe, Minister of State, Hon. Dawn Hastings-Williams, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings, Minister of Natural Resources, Hon. Raphael Trotman and Minister of Youth Affairs, Hon. Simona Broomes.