…thousands celebrate Emancipation in grand way at National Park

THE African culture has been ever present in Guyana and even continues to grow as the descendants of African slaves revolutionise and expand the culture which was once shackled by oppressors.

That culture was displayed in the form of food, art, craft, music and much more on Wednesday when Guyanese, particularly the descendants of African slaves, celebrated 180 years since the abolition of slavery. Slavery, which was abolished on August 1, 1838, was known as the most egregious crime against humanity. Breaking the mental and physical confinement was no easy task for the people, but their struggles and success against the oppressors created an opportunity for not only Africans, but for other people to experience freedom.

With freedom came opportunities for self-enrichment, enhancement and elevation, which have not slipped through the hands of the Afro-Guyanese who continue to rise and be proud of their culture. “Emancipation Day is an important moment, for it represented a new beginning for a people whose cultures and identities were forcefully interrupted,” said Christine Pilgrim, who joined thousands of Guyanese at the National Park on Wednesday.
She believes that over the years, the culture has been accepted and expanded by persons across Guyana. The culture has not only been accepted by Afro-Guyanese, but by people of every race, creed and religion. This was evident because persons of East Indian origin and even Indigenous people wore the traditional Dashiki and enjoyed popular African delicacies such as foo-foo, cook-up and so forth that were sold at the National Park.

Persons were even more mesmerised by the different cultural presentations on the National Park tarmac. There were dances by a number of local dance groups. Those performances were accompanied by songs, skits and other cultural activities. “It is definitely a growing culture indeed,” said Andy Persaud, adding that the culture continues to be displayed by more groups and people every year.

He said he did not intend attending the activity, but it was the aroma of the sumptuous food and the beats of the drums that encouraged him to stop in for a while. There were many other persons who had a similar experience but, whether coincidental or intentional, the turnout was massive.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo said the organisers of the activity, the African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA), did an impressive job and should be complimented for the programme. He said ACDA has invested and continues to invest a lot into the new generation. This investment had made the African descendants more conscious about their roots and culture.

“While we recognise the significance of observing 180 years after the abolition of slavery, we must also look ahead,” the prime minister said.

The prime minister encouraged persons to look ahead, as about 18 months from now the country will face the new prospects of the oil-and-gas industry. “It is not oppression, but it is a forward movement and we have to tell ourselves what it is this celebration means; it means retrospection, examination, but we will also do a prospective planning of where will we be in 18 months from now,” said Prime Minister Nagamootoo.

As opposed to when the oppressors treated Africans as human cargo, the government is intent on dealing with persons as human capital to develop the human resources for the new oil-and-gas industry. “As I look around, there is a growing sense of African and Guyanese pride,” he said, adding that there is a heavy infusion of optimism about the new industry and in order to capitalise on the resources, they have to develop the human resources to move forward.

Attorney General (AG), Basil Williams also spoke along the line of forward thinking, noting that President David Granger is a historian who will continue to respect and appreciate the celebration of Emancipation. He believes that the President will identify a new Emancipation Village in 2019. Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, also acknowledged the importance of Emancipation Day, noting that it is not just for Afro-Guyanese, but for the entire Guyana.

He too, explained that the sacrifice of the African ancestors was intense, but it made a huge difference by bringing about freedom for not just people of African origin, but also people from around the world.