Govt gives Waramuri $1M for ‘heritage village’

GUYANA - The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs has donated $1M to Waramuri, Region One, as it makes preparations for Amerindian Heritage Month in September.

According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release Waramuri was selected this year’s ‘Amerindian village’.

Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai who was in Waramuri recently to ascertain the needs of the community presented $200,000 to Toshao Bernard Laud on behalf of the village council. The minister said $200,000 was previously given to the council and an additional $600,000 will be allocated.

Sukhai noted that Waramuri should capitalise on the opportunity to showcase itself as a domestic tourism destination as local and international visitors will be travelling to the area.

She said the celebrations will also give communities in the Moruca sub-region a chance to advertise their potential. Moruca, in particular, “is a beautiful area which has a lot to offer in terms of adventure and eco-tourism,” she said.

The minister indicated that some Amerindian communities including Surama in the Pakaraima Mountains are advancing their tourism efforts. Surama, a Macushi village, boasts eco lodges for visitors and this community tourism initiative has been hailed as highly successful. Nearby is the famous Iwokrama Canopy Walkway.

Sukhai said Waramuri can capitalize on the advancement of tourism as an economic activity since it will provide employment for youths and women, and also market for local produce.

Source: Stabroek News

Umana Yana repairs 50% complete

GUYANA - Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr Frank Anthony on Friday toured the Umana Yana located at High Street and Battery Road, Kingston, to oversee the rehabilitation works being done on the benab, and he said his ministry is pleased with the work, GINA said in a release.

A $16 million contract was awarded to the Captain of Gunn’s Strip, Paul Chekema and his team by the ministry to rehabilitate the benab.

Minister Anthony also commended Chekema and his team for their professionalism and commitment to their work.

Permanent Secretary Alfred King said that the Umana Yana has been a favourite for tourists and because it is a national monument, the ministry undertook its preservation.

Chekema said that the repairs commenced on July 28 instead of July 16 because of the delay in sourcing materials due to heavy rainfall. Despite the late start the rehabilitation work is still expected to be completed by the deadline as 35 persons are working on it.

Fifty per cent of the work is completed and it will take approximately 500,000 troolie leaves to rehabilitate the roof of the structure.

The Umana Yana was initially constructed by Chief Elka and more than 60 Wai Wais in 1972. The construction took 80 days and was completed at a cost of $26,000.

Source: Stabroek News