![Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Hon. Pauline Sukhai shares a photo moment with the participants of the Annual Theme Competition.](https://moaa.gov.gy/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/theme-participants.jpg)
The closing ceremony for a recent batch of ICT graduates also saw the winner and other participants of the Annual Theme Competition honored.
Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Hon. Pauline Sukhai presented Mr. Orlan Thomas, with a cash prize after his theme, won the competition.
Thus, This year’s theme for Amerindian Heritage Month is “Maintaining our Traditional Integrity, Celebrating our Cultural Identity.”
![Winner of the Theme Competition, orlan Thomas receiving his prize from Hon. Minister Pauline Sukhai, Minister of Amerindian Affairs](https://moaa.gov.gy/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/orlan-thomas-1024x683.jpeg)
According to him, the theme explains the rich cultural traditions of our first peoples being celebrated in this constantly evolving world.
Additionally, The 19-year-old is a Biology student at the University of Guyana and hails from Yakarinta village, North Rupununi, Region Nine.
![Participant, Ron Sutherland being presented with his consolation prize by Hon. Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall](https://moaa.gov.gy/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/ron-sutherland-1024x683.jpeg)
Meanwhile, The competition received a good response of 21 submissions.
On the other hand, Minister Sukhai and other Ministry leaders chose this year’s theme after a long selection process.
![Participant, Ryan Bacchus being presented with his consolation prize by Hon. Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall](https://moaa.gov.gy/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/ryan-bacchus-1024x683.jpeg)
Moreover, the other participants also received a small prize for their participation in the competition.
![Participant, Gyarth Taylor being presented with his consolation prize by Hon. Minister of Public Service Sonia Parag](https://moaa.gov.gy/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/gyarth-taylor-1024x683.jpeg)
Four participants based in Georgetown namely; Ryan Bacchus, Sussana Augustin, Gyarth Taylor, and Ron Sutherland also received their awards at the closing ceremony.
![A participant, Sussana Augustin being presented with her consolation prize by Hon. Minister of Public Service, Sonia Parag](https://moaa.gov.gy/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/sussana-agustin-1024x683.jpeg)