THE Council of Friends of New Amsterdam (COFONA), in collaboration with other stakeholders, are initiating two weeks of memorable activities in July to commemorate two significant events, namely the 250th year of the Berbice Slave Revolt and the 175th Anniversary of Emancipation. According to Ms. Marcia Williams, the event coordinator, activities will focus on the township of New Amsterdam, which stands at the epicenter of the markers for the 1763 Berbice Slave Revolt.
Held under the theme, ‘From Resistance through Emancipation, towards Empowerment’, the programme will examine the documented history of the life experiences of the captive Africans and explore strategies for moving beyond those experiences towards empowerment.
Scheduled to commence on July 28, 2013, the event will  include an International Conference with forums and panel discussions, Workshops, Historical Exhibitions and Displays, Cultural Presentations, Emancipation Day Activities, Heritage Trail Tours, Cavalcade of Sports, an Honouring Ceremony, Community Service Projects, Kids  Literacy and Fun Day, and a Heritage Ball.
Meanwhile, Berbice scholar Dr. Vibert Cambridge, in an effort to preserve and promote Afro-Guyanese Cultural legacies, will be hosting a general forum which will unveil ‘New Amsterdam as a Music Powerhouse in Guyana’. Workshops will be held on Masquerade, Mask Making, Music and Instrument Training, Queh Queh,  and African Drumming.
Additionally, renowned playwright, Berbician, Ras Leon Saul  will be restaging his stage production ‘Berbice Uprising’, but on this occasion he prefers to have  local participants.
Other coordinators will include Dr. Leonard Lewis – Project Sponsor; Mr. Ian Carter – ‘Preserving Afro-Guyanese Workshop’;  Ms. Paulette Henry – Communications;  Ms. Catherine Archer – Catering;  Ms.  Stephanie Bowery – Folklore; along with Ms. Minerva Haynes – Emancipation Day Cultural Programme.