DIFFERENT and yet alike, the diversity and similarities of the human race were highlighted as people of varied nationalities assembled at the Umana Yana last Tuesday night to express themselves in the eloquent language of poetry in  observance of  the UNESCO ( United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) sanctioned World Poetry Day. The event was planned by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, and tagged as “An Evening of International, Regional and Guyanese Poetry”. Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony who lauded the event, expressed the sentiment that in light of the many Guyanese doing fine poetry, the time has arrived to select a poet laureate for Guyana, a poet laureate being a poet recognised by a government as the official poet of a country, state or city. The minister also expressed gratitude to the Diplomatic Corps for turning out in their numbers to support the event.
Secretary General of UNESCO, Ms. Inge Nathoo, relayed a message from UNESCO Director General, Irina Bokova, at the event. Bokova’s message read, in part: “Poetry is one of the highest forms of linguistic and cultural expression. Giving complete creative and verbal freedom, it is an integral part of peoples’ identities and, like music, dance and art, also often helps us to create our own personal identity”.
Continuing, the Director General noted that poetry forges a link between cultural diversity and linguistic diversity, and that the language of poetry, with its sounds, metaphors and grammar, stands as a barrier against the deterioration of the world’s languages and cultures. Bokova further lauded the art form, noting that by exploring the great potential of language, poetic creativity enriches intercultural dialogue and is the guarantor of peace, and stating that poets have a presence alongside civil movements.
Bokova called on all member states, partners from the network of UNESCO Chairs, the UNESCO Associated Schools and civil society to celebrate poetry and ensure that in school textbooks, public places and on the walls of our towns, it is given its rightful place as a central part of shared cultural vitality.
Among the Guyanese participants was award winning author David Dabydeen, literary activist Petamber Persaud, author Dr. Ian McDonald, and actor/ director Godfrey Naughton, along with a selection of students from the University of Guyana.
Other Guests hailed from Russia, China, the United States, Britain, Mexico, Iran, Brazil, Romania, India and the Caribbean.
During its 30th session in Paris, in October-November, 1999, UNESCO decided to proclaim 21 March as World Poetry Day.