The Square of the Revolution on Friday afternoon came alive  with symbolic  African drumming, dancing and a rich medley of folk songs, when Guyanese  from various geographical Regions came together in celebratory style, for the launch of Emancipation 2013, at the site of the 1763 Monument on Vlissengen Road, Georgetown.

The programme, organized by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, had the participation of the African Development Association (ACDA) and several other Community Development and Cultural Groups from as far as East Berbice; Linden,  Region Ten; the East Coast  and  East Bank Demerara  in Region Four and  Region Three – West Demerara Essequibo Islands.
The programme came off to a ceremonial start around 17:090 hrs, with ACDA’s Bishop Andrew Irvine, Spiritual Leader of Ifa House of Samtaria first  praying and giving respect to God Almighty, for blessing their ancestors with the resilience, the energy and strength required, as they fought assiduously with ‘blood sweat and tears’ so that we can be free today.”
Bishop Irvine called on the gathering to join giving  praise and thanks to the Creator  for life, health and strength, then proceeded  to  conduct the Libation Ceremony.  As he poured on water, he prayed that  “…the energy and coolness would  return unto the people, bringing peace, prosperity and continued resilience needed to fight against our pains, and every form of oppression in our lives and our  and our world.”
Also crucial to the Libation Ceremony was the acknowledgement of the African ancestors who  have passed on.  All this was conducted against a backdrop of  rich symbolic drumming, led by Orlando Primo’s Fingertip Drummers, as all assembled joined in lusty and almost nostalgic singing of the popular Negro Spiritual Hymn, oft sung by the slaves – Kumbaya Meh Lord.
As part of the ceremony, the officiating elders and drummers also paid tribute to Kofi, by marching and chanting prayers around the towering Monument constructed by the late Phillip Moore, AA, in his honour.
Kofi (known as Cuffy) played a lead role in organizing the 1763 Berbice Slave Rebellion and at this time, Guyanese across the country are coming together to celebrate two historic occasions:  The 250 Anniversary of the 1763 Berbice Slave Rebellion and the 175th anniversary of  Emancipation of the African slaves.  At the close of the Libation Ceremony, Bishop Irvine  concluded with the affirmation “Free at Last; Free at Last; Thank God we are free at last.”
That done, it paved the way for the showcasing of a spirited and energetic display of  African song, dance and drumming, as colourfully dressed juvenille dancers did their thing.  Cultural pieces included poems, singing and dancing by performers from the National School of Dance; Cultural Groups from Golden Grove Young Achievers, West  Coast Berbice; Belladrum; the Linden Cultural Group;  Mocha;  the Sea View Cultural Organization of Hopetown, West Berbice;  the Den Amstel Cultural Group involved in the maintenance of African Traditional Cultural Practice.
Meanwhile,  the  people of  New Amsterdam  Berbice, will today open up their 2013 Emancipation Commemoration with a grand Street Parade from Mark’s Bridge to Esplanade Park, beginning at 14:00.   Thousands, drawn from all parts of Guyana are expected to join in jollification as Berbicians come together on this most memorable occasion – the 250th Anniversary of the 1763 Berbice Slave Rebellion.    Organized by the  US-basedCouncil of Friends of New Amsterdam (COFONA),  the packed two week programme of activities promises to be gala and sensational.
Want to get a real taste of African celebrations as practiced by the freed peoples?  Then head to New Amsterdam, Berbice today for a taste of  original dance song and drumming, and a taste of the best in African cuisine:  Foo-foo; conkie; metagee;  pepperpot;  cornbread; cassava pone; mauby; genup drink; cashew drink.  Experience good ole  Queh-queh dancing; trace the rhythm and stomping of the feet; the shivering of the waist; hear  Comfu drums and much more.