Prime Minister (Ret’d) Brigadier Mark Phillips has reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to accelerating Amerindian land titling and demarcation, while also promising a comprehensive revision of the Amerindian Act to strengthen legal protections and empower Indigenous communities.
Speaking at the Amerindian Heritage Cultural Extravaganza at the National Park on Monday evening, PM Phillips said the administration intends to resolve pending land claims “as a legal and moral imperative,” giving communities the security needed to build their economic and cultural futures.
The Prime Minister also announced plans to retrain and upskill Community Support Officers (CSOs), expand their roles, and increase stipends as part of efforts to cultivate a new generation of skilled Indigenous leaders.
Phillips went on to outline the Government’s broader strategy to preserve heritage while creating economic opportunities, highlighting plans to support community-based tourism by helping villages develop authentic experiences such as craft-making, traditional cooking, wildlife tours, and cultural immersions. Multi-village tourism packages are also in the works, with marketing and training support to be implemented.
Phillips declared Amerindians the ancestral custodians of Guyana’s forests and pledged continued investments in education, healthcare, job creation, and entrepreneurial development for hinterland regions.
Amerindian Heritage Month is being observed under the theme “Igniting Unity, Celebrating Progress, Advancing Our Culture.”
