As Guyana celebrates Amerindian Heritage Month, greater attention must be placed on preserving the country’s indigenous languages, Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony has urged.
Minister Anthony, who represented Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Sarah Browne-Shadeek, at a fitness walk this morning, said language remains a critical part of Guyana’s indigenous heritage and warned that without deliberate efforts to use and pass on these languages, they could eventually disappear.
He pointed to the greeting delivered in an indigenous language by Government Member of Parliament, Alister Charlie during the activity as an example of the practices that must be encouraged more regularly.
“As you know, this tradition of celebrating heritage month started sometime back in 1992. when Dr Jagan declared that every September were designated as Amerindian Heritage Month. And from then on, we have seen these festivities grow, and we have seen that many communities across our country taking ownership and doing different types of heritage activity,” the minister explained.
Dr Anthony said UNESCO has identified Guyana’s indigenous languages as endangered, making their preservation an urgent responsibility for communities and the wider country.
He, therefore, encouraged indigenous communities, particularly younger generations, to speak, write and actively use their traditional languages as part of efforts to keep them alive.
“Unless we have people who are going to be speaking them, who are going to be writing, who are going to be using it, then the language would disappear,” he said.
The minister also commended the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs for the growing range of Heritage Month activities, noting that communities across Guyana are increasingly taking ownership of their cultural traditions.
He urged that this momentum continue beyond September, ensuring that Guyana’s indigenous languages, traditions and practices are preserved and passed on to future generations.
Amerindian Heritage Month celebrations will continue until September 30, with several activities planned, including an Amerindian Heritage Dinner, school tours and an Amerindian Heritage Safari.
The month-long observance continues to provide a platform for Guyana’s First Peoples to celebrate, preserve and showcase their unique culture, traditions, talents and significant contributions to national development.