The observances have been held since 1995, when the late President Cheddi Jagan designated September Amerindian Heritage Month and September 10 as Amerindian Heritage Day.

Ms. Carolyn Rodrigues, Minister of Amerindian Affairs, said two of the highlights of this year's programme are the traditional launching of the Amerindian Heritage Month on September 1 at the Umana Yana in Georgetown and the cultural extravaganza at the National Cultural Centre, also in the city, on September 28.

Paramakatoi in Region Eight (Potaro/Siparuni) has been designated Amerindian Heritage Village this year and on Amerindian Heritage Day a host of activities will be held in the community, she told a news conference Friday.

Other notable events are a debate between Regions Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) and One (Barima/Waini) on `Should Amerindian Heritage Day be made a national holiday' and a panel discussion with youths on Amerindian issues.

The Amerindian Hostel on Princess Street, Georgetown, will be rededicated, a students library commissioned, and there will be a fund-raising dinner and forum at the Tower Hotel for the students of the Hinterland Scholarship Programme, the minister announced.

Students of the Waramadong Secondary School, Upper Mazaruni, will get an opportunity to spend some time in Georgetown, under the educational tour week.

Another notable activity is the sports programme planned for September 22, cricket and football being the highlighted sports.

There will be male and female teams in cricket and football.

According to the minister, the women football players who represented Guyana in the Caribbean, will be playing in the football match against the Georgetown Club.