Minister Rodrigues-Birkett receives hero's award in Moruca - joins 17 other villagers in Moruca - September 10, 2011
Minister of Foreign Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett is accustomed to open arm welcomes when arriving at her native village Moruca but, will forever remember September 10 when she received a hero’s award.
Seventeen highly acclaimed Morucans, 13 of whom are deceased, were declared Heroes of Moruca on September 10 when the village hosted Heroes Day in a show of loyalty to their villagers in keeping with Amerindian Heritage activities.
Minister Rodrigues-Birkett along with former Minister of Amerindian Affairs Vibert De Souza, and veteran teachers Agnes Bridget Daniels and Basil Rodrigues were honoured with the unveiling of a new monument with their names inscribed.
Several villagers, young and old, including Chairman of Region One Fermin Singh, reigning Miss Moruca Simone Fredericks gathered at the Santa Rosa Heroes Square for the commemoration ceremony which took the form of eulogies, songs, poems and accolades to the heroes past and present.
Among the deceased heroes were Joseph Atkinson who was instrumental in the establishment of the first Moruca Co-op Society shop, John Atkinson, the longest serving village captain, Rosa Atkinson a herbal practitioner and spiritualist, Stephen Campbell the first Amerindian parliamentarian and John Ferreira an entrepreneur who was fluent in the Carib, Warau and Arawak languages.
Basil Rodrigues was the person instrumental in the idea of a Heroes Monument in Moruca which was built 17 years ago and was pleased to see the 21st century design unveiled today. He used the occasion to thank members of the village council and public spirited persons for organizing such an auspicious event which he acknowledged, emerged out of the realization that there is a great need for youths in the village to know and appreciate their heroes, culture and language. The project, Rodrigues said was not smooth sailing as many obstacles were faced to acquire funding for the monument which was built at a cost of over $45,000.
Rodrigues was the former Aishalton Primary School head master, teacher of Santa Rosa Primary and author of the songs “Nine Amerindian Tribes” and “Tribute to Moruca.” He also played in lead role in the play Kanaima and participated in the Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA) IX in Trinidad and Tobago. Minister Rodrigues Birkett hailed him as a person who has done Moruca and the country proud. “He is so committed to the Amerindian culture… it was his idea that we have a monument… I’m very happy today that all Morucans are so supportive of this,” Minister Rodrigues-Birkett said.
Agnes Daniels, the former school teacher of Minister Rodrigues-Birkett was strict with her rules regarding dress, tardiness, and mannerisms and the Foreign Affairs Minister recalled the inspiration she gained from the advice which she received to “use the bible as a guide.”
Minister Rodrigues-Birkett was also elated to receive the hero’s award along with Vibert De Souza, Guyana’s first Amerindian Affairs Minister who she said was the person who gave her the scholarship opportunity, and advised her on the job opening at the Social Impact and Amelioration Programme (SIMAP).
“He laid a foundation for me because I came after him as Minister of Amerindian Affairs,” Minister Rodrigues said.
Reference was also made to his advocacy for land demarcation.
Listening to the eulogies of the heroes and the call for youths to be cognizant and appreciative of their historians, Minister Rodrigues-Birkett vowed to publish a booklet on the biographies of each awardee especially for the village.
In her recollections she called the names of several other persons who, in her mind are heroes of Moruca that did not make the list but were “gifts to Moruca from God.”
She referred to a woman going by the name Yamakoto who performed the role of a midwife when her mother was in labour and others who were vocal on the rights of Amerindians.
During the ceremony a commemorative plaque was unveiled in honour of Stephen Campbell with a citation that read:
“Dedicated to the Memory of Stephen Campbell 26 December 1961 to 12 May 1966, First Amerindian Member of Parliament, pioneer of Amerindian land titles, his memory lives.”
Seventeen highly acclaimed Morucans, 13 of whom are deceased, were declared Heroes of Moruca on September 10 when the village hosted Heroes Day in a show of loyalty to their villagers in keeping with Amerindian Heritage activities.
Minister Rodrigues-Birkett along with former Minister of Amerindian Affairs Vibert De Souza, and veteran teachers Agnes Bridget Daniels and Basil Rodrigues were honoured with the unveiling of a new monument with their names inscribed.
Several villagers, young and old, including Chairman of Region One Fermin Singh, reigning Miss Moruca Simone Fredericks gathered at the Santa Rosa Heroes Square for the commemoration ceremony which took the form of eulogies, songs, poems and accolades to the heroes past and present.
Among the deceased heroes were Joseph Atkinson who was instrumental in the establishment of the first Moruca Co-op Society shop, John Atkinson, the longest serving village captain, Rosa Atkinson a herbal practitioner and spiritualist, Stephen Campbell the first Amerindian parliamentarian and John Ferreira an entrepreneur who was fluent in the Carib, Warau and Arawak languages.
Basil Rodrigues was the person instrumental in the idea of a Heroes Monument in Moruca which was built 17 years ago and was pleased to see the 21st century design unveiled today. He used the occasion to thank members of the village council and public spirited persons for organizing such an auspicious event which he acknowledged, emerged out of the realization that there is a great need for youths in the village to know and appreciate their heroes, culture and language. The project, Rodrigues said was not smooth sailing as many obstacles were faced to acquire funding for the monument which was built at a cost of over $45,000.
Rodrigues was the former Aishalton Primary School head master, teacher of Santa Rosa Primary and author of the songs “Nine Amerindian Tribes” and “Tribute to Moruca.” He also played in lead role in the play Kanaima and participated in the Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA) IX in Trinidad and Tobago. Minister Rodrigues Birkett hailed him as a person who has done Moruca and the country proud. “He is so committed to the Amerindian culture… it was his idea that we have a monument… I’m very happy today that all Morucans are so supportive of this,” Minister Rodrigues-Birkett said.
Agnes Daniels, the former school teacher of Minister Rodrigues-Birkett was strict with her rules regarding dress, tardiness, and mannerisms and the Foreign Affairs Minister recalled the inspiration she gained from the advice which she received to “use the bible as a guide.”
Minister Rodrigues-Birkett was also elated to receive the hero’s award along with Vibert De Souza, Guyana’s first Amerindian Affairs Minister who she said was the person who gave her the scholarship opportunity, and advised her on the job opening at the Social Impact and Amelioration Programme (SIMAP).
“He laid a foundation for me because I came after him as Minister of Amerindian Affairs,” Minister Rodrigues said.
Reference was also made to his advocacy for land demarcation.
Listening to the eulogies of the heroes and the call for youths to be cognizant and appreciative of their historians, Minister Rodrigues-Birkett vowed to publish a booklet on the biographies of each awardee especially for the village.
In her recollections she called the names of several other persons who, in her mind are heroes of Moruca that did not make the list but were “gifts to Moruca from God.”
She referred to a woman going by the name Yamakoto who performed the role of a midwife when her mother was in labour and others who were vocal on the rights of Amerindians.
During the ceremony a commemorative plaque was unveiled in honour of Stephen Campbell with a citation that read:
“Dedicated to the Memory of Stephen Campbell 26 December 1961 to 12 May 1966, First Amerindian Member of Parliament, pioneer of Amerindian land titles, his memory lives.”
COMMUNITY BASED ENTERPRISE - women's craft group aim for financial independence - Guyana Times Sept.11, 2011
Several women’s groups making quality craft products in various indigenous communities across the country have been developing their skills and use these as a complement to their traditional fishing and farming ac tivities for generating income.One such group is the Moruca Embroidery Group in Region One.
This is a community- based enterprise and is located in the village of Santa Rosa. The group was formally established in January 2007, but most of the women have been working together for the past five years.
Headed by Jean Rodrigues ( Aunty Jean), the Moruca Embroidery Group, comprises women from the Santa Rosa and Waramuri communities. They produce hats, bags, pillow cases and tea towels embroidered with emblems representing the local flora and fauna of the North- western region, especially of the four species of sea turtles that nest at Shell Beach. The group is also engaged in the production of embroidery by local women, including classes for young girls in the art of embroidery.
Guyana Times Sunday Magazine spoke to Rodrigues, who said she was doing embroidery work to get money, which is not a lot but helps in covering certain expenses. Later, she decided to get other women from the community together to form a group.
Rodrigues has lived on Green Island for 58 years now. The island is located on the right hand side on the way up to Santa Rosa; her father had bought it from a man named Green, hence the island’s name. She added that she lives there with her husband and daughter- in- law. Her children, who were schooled in Georgetown having benefitted from the Hinterland Scholarship Programme, continue to live and work in the capital city. Without farming and fishing, Rodrigues said, she would not survive. Once, the community was awarded a contract to make 300 bags, and that brought in much needed income.
“ The group was much larger; now we just have about 6 members. This is due to the fact that we don’t get contracts now. I sell within the community and send to my brother in Shell Beach. Younger generations from that area have moved to urban areas seeking better jobs. On the island only the older generations reside there now. Generators are used to provide electricity, but generally life there is simple and quiet. Similar to the request from Rodrigues, James said they need more contract work so that their work can be sold. If we get more contract work that will be good because it will guarantee a sure income and I can always encourage the other women to come on board and they will be willing, especially when they see we are making money,” she mused.
Some women from these communities have husbands who depend heavily on fishing at Shell Beach and unfortunately also engage in illegal sea turtle meat and egg harvesting. Sea turtle by catch is a growing problem in the area. Providing Santa Rosa and Waramuri women with commercial opportunities is a means of promoting an alternative income into the home of these fishermen, and one that relies on promoting sea turtle conservation rather than exploitation.
The Moruca Embroidery Group is working closely with the Guyana Marine Turtle Conservation Society ( GMTCS) to help ensure that sea turtle conservation is achieved by engaging local indigenous communities in alternative income projects to sea turtle harvesting.
This project is also testament to the role that the women can and are playing in developing projects and solving local problems for the benefit of the local commu nities and the environment. All items are individually designed and stitched by the women of the Waramuri and Santa Rosa communities. Rodrigues has been appointed product quality manager, and inspects every item to ensure quality design and stitching before items are placed on the markets.
Una James, from Waramuri, said the women’s group there sells their work within the community and to visitors when they are in the area. They also depend mainly on fishing and farming for survival.
James works with the RDC in Waramuri, and receives a stipend which she said helps in covering some of her expenses.
Now 68, she said the group of women came together five years now as a means of using their talents in acquiring income for their households. She noted that there is a health centre in the area with a doctor who now resides there, so health care is available.
>>>>>>>>>>>-----<<<<<<<<<<<<<
This is a community- based enterprise and is located in the village of Santa Rosa. The group was formally established in January 2007, but most of the women have been working together for the past five years.
Headed by Jean Rodrigues ( Aunty Jean), the Moruca Embroidery Group, comprises women from the Santa Rosa and Waramuri communities. They produce hats, bags, pillow cases and tea towels embroidered with emblems representing the local flora and fauna of the North- western region, especially of the four species of sea turtles that nest at Shell Beach. The group is also engaged in the production of embroidery by local women, including classes for young girls in the art of embroidery.
Guyana Times Sunday Magazine spoke to Rodrigues, who said she was doing embroidery work to get money, which is not a lot but helps in covering certain expenses. Later, she decided to get other women from the community together to form a group.
Rodrigues has lived on Green Island for 58 years now. The island is located on the right hand side on the way up to Santa Rosa; her father had bought it from a man named Green, hence the island’s name. She added that she lives there with her husband and daughter- in- law. Her children, who were schooled in Georgetown having benefitted from the Hinterland Scholarship Programme, continue to live and work in the capital city. Without farming and fishing, Rodrigues said, she would not survive. Once, the community was awarded a contract to make 300 bags, and that brought in much needed income.
“ The group was much larger; now we just have about 6 members. This is due to the fact that we don’t get contracts now. I sell within the community and send to my brother in Shell Beach. Younger generations from that area have moved to urban areas seeking better jobs. On the island only the older generations reside there now. Generators are used to provide electricity, but generally life there is simple and quiet. Similar to the request from Rodrigues, James said they need more contract work so that their work can be sold. If we get more contract work that will be good because it will guarantee a sure income and I can always encourage the other women to come on board and they will be willing, especially when they see we are making money,” she mused.
Some women from these communities have husbands who depend heavily on fishing at Shell Beach and unfortunately also engage in illegal sea turtle meat and egg harvesting. Sea turtle by catch is a growing problem in the area. Providing Santa Rosa and Waramuri women with commercial opportunities is a means of promoting an alternative income into the home of these fishermen, and one that relies on promoting sea turtle conservation rather than exploitation.
The Moruca Embroidery Group is working closely with the Guyana Marine Turtle Conservation Society ( GMTCS) to help ensure that sea turtle conservation is achieved by engaging local indigenous communities in alternative income projects to sea turtle harvesting.
This project is also testament to the role that the women can and are playing in developing projects and solving local problems for the benefit of the local commu nities and the environment. All items are individually designed and stitched by the women of the Waramuri and Santa Rosa communities. Rodrigues has been appointed product quality manager, and inspects every item to ensure quality design and stitching before items are placed on the markets.
Una James, from Waramuri, said the women’s group there sells their work within the community and to visitors when they are in the area. They also depend mainly on fishing and farming for survival.
James works with the RDC in Waramuri, and receives a stipend which she said helps in covering some of her expenses.
Now 68, she said the group of women came together five years now as a means of using their talents in acquiring income for their households. She noted that there is a health centre in the area with a doctor who now resides there, so health care is available.
>>>>>>>>>>>-----<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Harpy Eagle Music Foundation
Who We Are Core members of the group are: E-Mail: [email protected]
Rohan Sagar Project Coordinator
Ethnomusicologist, Composer. Presently studying with the Associated Board of the Royal School of Music.
Yvette Herod, Elder Buxton Community
Music Teacher,
Handel Neptune, Buxton
Drummer. Conducts drum workshop.
Nelta Wyatt, Bartica
Performer/Coordinator Rainforest Culture Group
Basil Rodriguez, Santa Rosa, Moruca
Oral Historian. Guitarist/Songwriter. Teaches Indigenous Arawak History through Music Workshop with Children.
Frank Hernandez, Santa Rosa, Moruca
Violinist and Oral Historian.
Clyde Edwards, Paramakatoi
Traditional Story Teller
Eon Stephens
Psychologist/Counsellor
Phillip Williams
Musician, Recording Engineer and Video Producer.
Esther McIntosh, Advisor
Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, Art Critic Advisor
Paschal Jordan, OSB Music Educator Advisor
THE MORUCA PROJECT The Spanish Arawaks came to Guyana in the year 1817 fleeing prosecution by Simon Bolivar, and with them came their traditional lifestyles, cultures, and music. However over the years much of this rich history (which is largely oral) and culture has all but disappeared. In 2005 when the foundation made contact with the local community the majority of this music had been lost, for example there were only six (6) persons in the village who knew the songs and all except one had also lost their words or lyrics. In the place of voices violins are used. This served as the catalyst for the Moruca project.
The project started in August, 2005 and aims to preserve local culture through music. The foundation works along with local musicians to help them preserve their musical customs. To date 3 violins have been donated to the community. The foundation also works closely with the school to provide training to school students and has provided training to 12 students. The foundation is also hoping to acquire the services of a violin teacher who will work with the young kids and try to rebuild the violin repertoire in the community. In 2008, with funding from a private person, the foundation also developed a documentary of the Spanish Arawaks in Moruca, which is available upon request.
Rohan Sagar Project Coordinator
Ethnomusicologist, Composer. Presently studying with the Associated Board of the Royal School of Music.
Yvette Herod, Elder Buxton Community
Music Teacher,
Handel Neptune, Buxton
Drummer. Conducts drum workshop.
Nelta Wyatt, Bartica
Performer/Coordinator Rainforest Culture Group
Basil Rodriguez, Santa Rosa, Moruca
Oral Historian. Guitarist/Songwriter. Teaches Indigenous Arawak History through Music Workshop with Children.
Frank Hernandez, Santa Rosa, Moruca
Violinist and Oral Historian.
Clyde Edwards, Paramakatoi
Traditional Story Teller
Eon Stephens
Psychologist/Counsellor
Phillip Williams
Musician, Recording Engineer and Video Producer.
Esther McIntosh, Advisor
Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, Art Critic Advisor
Paschal Jordan, OSB Music Educator Advisor
THE MORUCA PROJECT The Spanish Arawaks came to Guyana in the year 1817 fleeing prosecution by Simon Bolivar, and with them came their traditional lifestyles, cultures, and music. However over the years much of this rich history (which is largely oral) and culture has all but disappeared. In 2005 when the foundation made contact with the local community the majority of this music had been lost, for example there were only six (6) persons in the village who knew the songs and all except one had also lost their words or lyrics. In the place of voices violins are used. This served as the catalyst for the Moruca project.
The project started in August, 2005 and aims to preserve local culture through music. The foundation works along with local musicians to help them preserve their musical customs. To date 3 violins have been donated to the community. The foundation also works closely with the school to provide training to school students and has provided training to 12 students. The foundation is also hoping to acquire the services of a violin teacher who will work with the young kids and try to rebuild the violin repertoire in the community. In 2008, with funding from a private person, the foundation also developed a documentary of the Spanish Arawaks in Moruca, which is available upon request.