No victimisation against Surama Group; events were postponed – MoAA

See full statement from the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs:

The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs wishes to address and clarify a recent situation that is being misrepresented and politicized by the Team Mohamed party.

The Surama Culture Group is scheduled to perform on Friday 12th and Saturday 13th of September at the Culture Nights Celebrations which will be held at the Amerindian Village, Sophia Exhibition Center Compound. The Group was formally invited, sponsored, and fully accommodated by the Ministry to participate in the planned Activity. However, due to unforeseen circumstances beyond the Ministry’s control, a decision was made to postpone the launch of these events to the following week.

This decision was taken in good faith and with full consideration of the group’s prior engagement in the inter-faith service, which they were also invited to attend. Following the service, the group returned to Surama and will return to Georgetown to participate in the rescheduled activities.

It is deeply unfortunate that this matter is being distorted and used as a political tool to gain cheap political points by Mr. Azruddin Mohamed. The Ministry strongly condemns the gross mischaracterizations and the blatant disrespect shown by Mr. Mohamed and his party in its public commentary on this issue.

The Ministry remains steadfast in our commitment to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage and traditional way of life of our Indigenous peoples. Our Heritage Month celebrations continue to be a national priority and a platform for unity, pride, and cultural expression.

The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs stands by its actions and will not allow political opportunism to undermine its dedication to the Indigenous Peoples’ of Guyana.