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Former Member
Stephen Campbell remembered at evening of reflection
Amerindian development also highlighted


Georgetown, GINA, September 8, 2011
Source - GINA

The audience at the Reflection on Stephen Campbell and Exhibition on Amerindian Development

The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs in collaboration with the Government Information Agency (GINA) today hosted an evening of Reflection and an exhibition on the life and contribution of renowned advocate for Amerindian rights, Stephen Campbell.

The event held at the Umana Yana, attended by Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and a packed audience, also highlighted Amerindian developments and achievements.

The exhibition titled “Reflection on Mr. Stephen Campbell and Amerindian Development” is part of events in observance of Amerindian Heritage month.

Grand-daughter of Stephen Campbell, Anna Correia-Bevaun reflecting on the life of Guyana’s first indigenous Parliamentarian

Stephen Campbell, born in the Mourca sub-district of Region One in 1928, was the first Amerindian to enter the Legislative Council of the then British Guiana.

Campbell entered the National Labour Front in 1957 in a bid to represent the interest of the Amerindian society.

Among his greatest achievement towards this effort was the move to craft the Amerindian Act.
Campbell was also pivotal to the development of improved health facilities and agriculture in North West District of Region One.

Representative of GINA, Leslyn Lowe commenting on GINA’s contribution to the event

“Today we gather to reflect on the contribution of a very important Amerindian who walked Guyana,” Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai told those gathered.

Campbell’s work and contribution during his political tenure are today more noticeable and evident, as they have been impacting on the life of Amerindians, and that he laid the foundation for those to follow.

Highlighting similar noteworthy current and past Amerindian figures in politics like the late Dr Desrey Fox, Minister Sukhai said that Campbell as a politician would have been happy to note that while he was the pioneer there were many who followed in his footsteps, many who had ‘taken the bold action to ensure that they directly make representation on behalf of their constituency’.

Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai addressing the audience on the contributions of Stephen Campbell

Touching on Campbell’s work with regard to land titling, Sukhai said that Campbell would have also been happy that the Government of Guyana has made significant strides in propelling Amerindian land ownership.

“Instead of the 64 communities which Campbell would have made representation for, today instead we are on the verge of granting109 land titles,” she said

Minister Sukhai also took the time to highlight the numerous and encompassing developments taking place in the Amerindian communities more so, improved and more easily accessible education, which was also the dream of Campbell.

Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai and Prime Minister Samuel Hinds stand with grand-daughter of Stephen Campbell, Anna Correia-Bevaun as she cuts the ribbon to officially open the exhibition

GINA’s exhibits speak to the remembrance of Campbell and the development of Amerindians, the agency’s Representative, Leslyn Lowe said.

“Having travelled around the country with Government Officials, including His Excellency Bharrat Jagdeo and Cabinet Ministers, GINA has amassed footage and pictorial representations of development in Amerindian communities all across Guyana - from the very remote communities such as Massakenari to popular areas as Lethem and Mabaruma,” Lowe said, speaking about GINA displays at the exhibition.

Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai and Prime Minister Samuel Hinds viewing the pictorial exhibition

“GINA has in its collection, chronicled the life of Amerindians, events in their communities and most importantly developments, hence it would only be fitting that it showcases what has been taking place,” Lowe said.

Anna Correia-Bevaun, shared some memories of her grandfather Stephen Campbell, moreso his family life as remembered by stories told to her by her grand mother.

Lauren Pierre with use of extracts from the personal diary of Campbell, along what was written of him by some noteworthy including past President L.F.S Burnham also reflected on the life and work of Campbell.

Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai and Prime Minister Samuel Hinds pose with attendees at the exhibition at the Umana Yana

The pictures showcased transformed Amerindian communities and lives, reflective of Government’s many interventions, such as agricultural ventures to ensure food security, the successful pilot Hinterland Secure Livelihood programme, elevated education opportunities, improved linkages and presidential grant projects.

The life and work of Stephen Campbell is remembered every year on September 8, as part of the list of events to celebrate Amerindian Heritage month.

The exhibition concludes tomorrow.

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