The CIOG said the roster of activities planned for Amerindian Heritage Month must include checks to ensure that indigenous peoples are able to participate fully in national life.

In a press release the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) said it recognises the contributions made by the first peoples and their struggles through hard work and sacrifice, perseverance, innovation and creative skills.

It said too the many notable Amerindians are exemplars to all Guyanese. Recalling that Stephen Campbell was the first Amerindian to be appointed Member of Parliament, CIOG said there are now three MPs with Amerindian ancestry.

The CIOG also said at a time when the world is confronted with concerns about climate change, it commends the government for recognising the role Amerindians have played in preserving Guyana’s pristine forests. “They have demonstrated to the world convincingly that humans can co-exist with the natural environment,” the release said.