Prince Harry was earlier today welcomed to the Village of Surama in the North Rupununi by lines of Union flag-waving children who lined a dusty track which led to the village totem pole, then by a cultural dance.
He was crowned with a feathered headdress during his visit to the remote Amerindian which is populated by the Makushi tribe who have been running an eco-tourism venture for visitors.
It is one of the few Amerindian Communities in Guyana where the language, tribe and customs of the people are virtually intact. While the younger generation speaks the English Language, the elders of the village speak their native language very fluently.
Those are not the only signature features of the community of Surama as the village is also known to have the longest airstrip among the hinterland which stretches approximately 4300Ft and carries a 60Ft Width.
He was following in the footsteps of his father the Prince of Wales, who visited the area in 2000, and just like his father before, was fitted with a headdress made from macaw feathers.
Abigail Buckley-Allicock, 31, placed the elaborate piece on Harry’s head and he adjusted it before watching four men and four women perform a welcome dance.
They were dressed in costumes made of shell, glass beads and crocheted cotton, and moved around the totem pole carved with stylised images of nature and wildlife.
But the prince declined to take part in a love dance – symbolising the matchmaking events that take place in the community – and sat on a bench nodding and clapping as the performance took place.
Later Harry was taken to the open-air community hall where he was welcomed by elders with speeches, presented with presents – including a painting of traditional homes – and in response gave a speech praising the people of the remote community.
He said: ‘My father told me what an amazing time he had here when he was far younger and had far more hair. The positive thing you are doing here, it’s incredible, your leadership is so important to ensure the protection of this place.’
Harry is spending the penultimate day of his Caribbean tour exploring part of the rainforest-covered interior of the former British colony that earlier this year celebrated 50 years of independence.
(Modified from Daily Mail- UK)
