Dear Editor,
As we observe the annual Amerindian Heritage Month, the leaders of the indigenous people should use it to take stock of the well-being of the Amerindian people by reflecting on their ‘state of being’, similar to how African Guyanese gathered last month for a week-long conference focusing on the state of African communities. Indo-Guyanese leaders (and the far flung diaspora) are planning to hold a similar parley in March on the state of the Indians, modelled after the African conference of August. Chinese Guyanese as well as Portuguese Guyanese and those Guyanese of other ‘nationalities’ and their diasporas should also plan and organize similar conclaves to celebrate their great contributions to our nation.
The Amerindian Guyanese diaspora has been doing well abroad and should assist in this suggested endeavour of a symposium or convention to address serious issues facing their people, including stereotyping by non-Amerindian politicians. The Amerindians have contributed significantly to the cultural and economic development of our nation and have taught us a lot about basic survival. But some of their stories have not been told or documented and their role in various facets of life has been marginalized. A conference on the state (as well as history) of the Amerindian communities is long overdue, and the Amerindian leaders and politicians should come together and plan one.
Yours faithfully,
Vishnu Bisram
