As the official Amerindian Heritage Month of activities begins this month under the theme, “Many Voices, One Song: Celebrating Amerindian Heritage 2024,” the Guyana Standard is excited to provide a glimpse into this year’s National Heritage Village–Campbelltown.
This hidden gem is located in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and is accessible through the nearby mining town of Mahdia. Campbelltown is home to approximately 1,470 residents, primarily from the Patamona Tribe. The village also includes a satellite community called Princeville, which houses around 400 residents. Both villages are managed by the Campbelltown Village Council, headed by Toshao Earl Gildharie.
In an interview with the Guyana Standard, Toshao Gildharie described Campbelltown as more than just a simple Indigenous village; it is a community enriched by the unity of its people and the abundance of its resources. While the Patamona Tribe forms the majority, the village also welcomes members of the Macusi and Wapishana tribes.
Campbelltown, like Mahdia, engages in small-scale mining and logging. According to Toshao Gildharie, the residents are also involved in farming and, occasionally, hunting, aiming to sustain themselves through these activities. “Campbelltown is not a typical Amerindian village, but one blessed with resources that can sustain its people,” he noted.
The village is equipped with its own nursery school, and this September will see the opening of its first primary school building. Until now, children attended schools in Mahdia, which will continue for secondary education. Campbelltown also boasts a health post, living quarters for teachers and nurses, an Information Technology hub, a guesthouse, and a ballfield.
The Toshao mentioned that the village would soon have its roads upgraded to concrete surfaces, which is eagerly anticipated by the residents. He highlighted that the ongoing construction of the Linden to Mabura road by the government would significantly benefit the community, as it is one of the main routes leading to their village. “It would drastically cut down travel time,” he said.
Having recently taken on the role of Toshao, Gildharie expressed his ambition to put Campbelltown on the map as an attractive destination. Having spent almost his entire life there, he believes the village has tremendous untapped potential.
With the right investment and collaboration, he envisions Campbelltown becoming a popular tourist destination and has already begun discussions with the Ministry of Tourism to explore this potential. “I decided to run for Toshao because I see Campbelltown’s potential to provide a better life for its people, and I’m working towards that,” Gildharie said.
In addition to its natural beauty, Campbelltown serves as one of the main gateways to the renowned Denham Suspension Bridge, which spans the Potaro River.
Heritage Day Festivities
The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs has scheduled Campbelltown’s Heritage Village Day for September 21, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Toshao Gildharie shared that the village was thrilled to meet the criteria to host this year’s heritage celebrations, marking their first time as hosts. Following the tragic Mahdia dormitory fire last year, the community did not hold a grand celebration, so this year’s event represents a positive step forward for the villagers.
“We have a committee dedicated to planning the heritage village. We are currently finishing a brand-new benab and establishing small camps around the village,” Gildharie explained.
Campbelltown will dedicate three days to heritage celebrations, featuring a variety of activities. The agenda includes sports events such as football and cricket, cultural presentations showcasing Amerindian traditions, and a mini pageant for young girls.
Visitors can look forward to sampling a wide array of local Indigenous cuisines and drinks. The event will also showcase the talents of the residents through displays of indigenous crafts. Residents from neighboring communities, including Micobie, El Paso, and Princeville, have been invited to join in Campbelltown’s celebrations this year.
Toshao Gildharie extended an open invitation to all, encouraging everyone to visit Campbelltown not just for the Heritage Village Day but to experience all the village has to offer.
