Surama prepares for Prince Harry

By Leroy Smith in Surama, North Rupununi

Prince Harry, of Wales, is expected to receive a warm and traditional welcome from the Nation’s First People when he arrives at Surama in the North Rupununi on Saturday.

On Friday, the Community was a buzz of activities as was the previous weeks as they get set to treat his Royal Highness to a rich cultural presentation, expected to reflect the way of life, past struggles, values, beliefs and the achievements of the people of Surama.

The community spared no efforts to literally set the stage, rehearse their cultural items and ensure that the surrounding was fitting to accommodate royalty. However, the task does not seem to be taking too many efforts out of the community because as we were advised, the surrounding of the community is generally clean and one which fully reflects a green environment.

The official language of the community is Makushi and the people living in that community are from the Makushi Amerindian Tribe.

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.

Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs and 4th Vice President, Sydney Allicock would also be on hand to receive the Prince on behalf of the Government of Guyana in that part of the country.