-to help with annual Emancipation preparations
FIFTY-FIVE cultural groups on Friday received substantial sums of money in cheques from the  Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the Guyana Telephone & Telegraph (GT&T) company to help fund their annual Emancipation activities. The ministry has been doing this since 2005 in the interest of fostering a better understanding of the Afro-Guyanese culture, on condition that the recipients are actively involved in promoting some aspect of it in their respective communities and regions.
Of the 55 groups, 52 received funding from the ministry and three from GT&T. The telephone company’s donation, which amounted to $500,000, will be used to facilitate programmes at the regional level, in Kildonan, Region Six East Berbice/Corentyne); Goed Intent, Region Three West Demerara/Essequibo Islands); and Hopetown, Region Five Mahaica/Berbice). The activities of the remaining 52 groups are mainly community-based.
This is the second consecutive year GT&T is helping regional groups fund their emancipation activities.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony, seized the opportunity to apprise the groups of the ministry’s own programme of activities in commemoration of emancipation and recognition of the International Year of People of African Descent (IYPAD).
“Recognising that we may be losing our customs with the death of the older generation of Guyanese, the ministry is striving to document these customs,” the minister said, adding that the agency has set aside money to do CD recordings of songs dealing with religious practices, rituals and customs, which will then be loaned to local groups and organisations so as to educate youths about these folkloric retentions.
The ministry, in its bid to make emancipation celebrations more meaningful, is also lending films on African traditions and customs to the various cultural groups so they could show them in their communities. According to Minister Anthony, the ministry has close to 56 films that the groups can borrow and show that could further enhance their emancipation activities.
Among the ministry’s activities to commemorate IYPAD is the restoration of the 1763 Monument, better known locally as the ‘Cuffy’ Monument, located just off Homestretch Avenue on Vlissengen Road on the Square of the Revolution.
Among the ministry’s plans is  restoration of the fountain that was initially a part of the monument, as well as  repair of the cracks in its foundation.
The general area surrounding the monument will also be beautified as part of the ministry’s plan to create a park-like environment in the area. The ministry will also be constructing washrooms and other such facilities for persons visiting the park. (GINA)