Amerindians are the Indigenous Peoples of Guyana. Ever since 1994, September has been dedicated as Amerindian Heritage Month. Throughout the month, Amerindian culture, traditions, diversity and customs have been celebrated through art, music, literature, song, dance and language.
Today at GPHC, we were all lucky enough to have an afternoon of festivities highlighting, learning and embracing the Amerindian Peoples. There were songs, dancing, storytelling, food, drink and traditional handcrafts for everyone who came to enjoy and try. It was a real treat (it was also smoking HOT, so we were all thankful that the front parking lot had been turned into a covered stage and sitting area).
All of the sidewalks surrounding the hospital, as well as all of the seats provided, were filled with a wide variety of participants-local Amerindians, hospital employees (techs, doctors, nurses, porters, cleaners, drivers, patients, etc) and locals. Everyone was rejoicing, embracing the magnificent cultural displays, swaying in their chairs to the traditional music, singing the National Anthem in the Amerindian language and eating traditional food. It was a real street party atmosphere.
Everyone was smiling, interested, engaged and respectful. It was wonderful to see, be included and be present for this event hosted by GPHC. Being the only Public Hospital in the country, it was especially important to acknowledge the Amerindian culture, traditions and language. Having been lucky enough to get a Birds Eye View of the jungle, it was important to acknowledge the role that Amerindian culture places in protecting the environment, preserving biodiversity and continue sustainable lifestyles and practices to live in harmony with nature. I felt very privileged to have witnessed just a snapshot of this culture and look forward to discovering more about it this weekend.
