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Addressing the audience, inclusive of their representatives in his Main Street, Georgetown Boardroom, the minister remarked that, since he has held the culture portfolio, almost every year he is pleased to see a growth in the number of groupings the ministry supports.
He said it is a positive indicator that more and more communities are recognising the importance of the preservation of the various cultural traditions.
Anthony also commended the associations for extending their work with young people, which would assist in passing traditions from one generation to another and enabling their longevity.
Another positive
Additionally, he indicated that his ministry has, over the years, seen a resurgence of pride in the way people dress and talk about their customs, which is yet another positive thing.
According to Anthony, the ministry is, once again, very pleased to join in supporting the various activities and he observed that, every year, communities have been celebrating Emancipation, which is a very significant event in this country’s history.
He urged the celebrants to give thought to the many historic milestones which are being celebrated in the country this year, as they reflect on the 175th anniversary of Emancipation.
Making particular reference to the 250th Anniversary of the Berbice Slave Rebellion and the 190th Anniversary of the 1823 Rebellion, the minister stated that it is also important for Guyanese to maintain their beliefs, because one of the effects of slavery is that it eluded people of their rich heritage.
Anthony emphasised the importance of working to restore these legacies and assured that his ministry will continue to be supportive of endeavours in this regard.
He pointed out that his ministry, along with the Caribbean Press, was able, through the records saved from that period, to put out a book titled ‘Hearing slaves speak’, which is about slavery.
Anthony said that there was not much written about that time reflected upon and he encouraged those representing the groups to retrieve some of the recordings as they reflect on Emancipation, so that they can better understand what occurred then.
He admitted that there is, sometimes, not enough appreciation of the atrocities which were committed during those years and agreed there is still a lot to be done to educate persons about those events.
Different perspective
Anthony said, when Guyanese history books are examined, a lot of times it is realised that they were written by persons who have a different perspective of Guyana’s history and want to manipulate it for their own purposes.
The minister maintained, though, that, unless Guyanese start writing history books from their own perspectives, the practice will continue and those like ‘Hearing slaves speak’ is a step in the right direction.
Anthony challenged those present on the occasion to stimulate discussion in this regard amongst the members of their respective organisations, so that Guyanese can, perhaps, begin writing about their own history.
