PRESS RELEASE

REGION 8 CAPTAINS GIVE PRINCE CHARLES WARM BUT BRIEF WELCOME

The Patamona and Macushi People of Region 8 gave a warm but brief welcome to His Royal Highness at Kaieteur Falls, a site of spiritual and cultural significance to the Amerindian Peoples of Guyana. Capatins and well-wishers traveled from all over Region 8, some traveled for days just to meet him for a few minutes. They, however, were denied the opportunity to greet him in a truly traditional welcome ceremony by the government. It was only after the intervention of Commander Entwhistle that the Prince was allowed access to the People.

The APA has written to Prince Charles on behalf of the Patamona and Macushi People expressing their gratitude to him for meeting them despite the government’s attitude. The Leaders also used this opportunity to remind the Minister of Amerindian Affairs and other government officials of the government’s continued failure to respect and protect Amerindian Rights.

The Executive Committee
Amerindian peoples Association
February 29, 2000