Santa Aratack celebrates Indigenous Heritage Month.  

– Minister Harmon donates Weeding Machine.

– REO donates Fuel to transport Pensioners and clean creek.

– Director of Sports donates Sports equipment.

DPI, Guyana, Saturday, September 15, 2018

Hundreds of visitors from across Guyana and some from overseas braved the sunny weather and travelled up the Kamuni Creek today, to participate in Santa Aratack’s Village Day.

The Village Council of Santa Aratack under the leadership of Toshao Hilton Williams opened the day’s activities with a formal cultural programme, at the newly constructed Multi-Purpose Hall which was made possible by a Presidential Grant that was given to the community. This was followed later by several sports competitions and displays of the community’s heritage sites.

The welcome and opening remarks were delivered by Toshao Williams. “Santa Aratack is a peaceful settlement of Indigenous people from the Arawak nation and we are always happy and excited during this time because people of all walks come and enjoy our culture, our way of life. We welcome you with open arms. I encourage you all to make lasting memories here and when you go back home spread the word of our beauty and encourage more people to come next year,” Williams said.

Representing the Ministry of Indigenous peoples’ Affairs was Martin Chung who alluded to the many achievements of Government within Indigenous communities, including the establishment of several radio stations, the current review of the Amerindian Act, Presidential Grants that are used to develop small economic projects which are expected to economically empower the communities, pure water supply and scholarship programmes of which many Santa Aratack youths benefited.

Chung assured the residents of Santa Aratack that the doors of the Ministry are always open to all.

The feature address was delivered by Regional Executive Officer, Denis Jaikaran who brought greetings to the community from President Granger and Minister of State with Parliamentary Responsibilities for Region Three Joseph Harmon. Jaikaran called on the residents of Santa Aratack to continue living in harmony as they grow from strength to strength.

“The greatest and proudest moment today is the inclusivity of all in this cultural programme. I have sat and witnessed the participation of children, young people and senior citizens, Indigenous and non-indigenous people. Social Cohesion is the way to go and I am happy to be a part of this activity.”

The REO also committed to providing the fuel for the boat to facilitate pensioners travelling to Timehri to uplift their monthly pensions.  Also, a boat and engine have also been placed at Santa Aratack to provide better egress and ingress for all residents of the community and to enable residents to clean the creek every quarter.

Additionally, the REO on behalf of Director of Sport Christopher Jones donated various sports gear to youths in the communities. Minister Joseph Harmon through the REO also donated a weeding machine. Toshao Williams thanked the REO and all those who donated gifts to the community.

The celebrations continue tomorrow September 16, 2018, with a village ‘wash down’

Story and Images Ganesh Mahipaul.

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