…Guyana is a pilot to what the world is now becoming –Prime Minister

PRIME Minister Samuel Hinds, at the opening of the Annual Arrival Day exhibition at The National Museum, yesterday, observed that Guyana is a pilot to what the world is now becoming, in terms of cultural diversity. The exhibition which has been hosted by the National Museum for the last 14 years will focus primarily on models, texts, graphics and related photographs revealing cultural insights and experiences of the indentured

immigrants who journeyed to Guyana. The exhibition’s spotlight will not only be on East Indians, though they dominated indentureship in numbers.
Elements of the Chinese, Portuguese and African culture will be on display, as well as a small section for the Europeans, since they were responsible for the indentureship experiences. The Amerindians are added too, as they were claimed to be the first to trod the shores of Guyana.
The exhibition, which will run until May 10, aims to provide Guyanese with the opportunity to learn about their cultural heritage, while paving an avenue for appreciation of other cultural backgrounds.
Acting Administrator of the Guyana National Museum, Nadia Madho, explained at the opening that the cultural traditions which were embedded in history are slowly fading in this modernising world. As such, she noted the importance for such events to restore that which we are losing.

Madho explained that appreciation needs to be extended to each ethnic group, as they have all played a part in developing a multicultural society. On that note, she shed some light on the influence of kite-flying which was initially a practice brought by the Chinese who argued with plantation owners that it signified the risen Christ, when it actually marked the commencement of spring.
Ambassador Tirath Singh of the Indian High Commission congratulated the organisers for the initiative, while commending the decision to involve other ethnic groups in the exhibition. He stressed that each ethnic group, upon arrival, played a significant role in making their adopted land (Guyana) a prosperous one. “As such, we should continue working towards what our ancestors wanted to achieve,” he said.
Prime Minister Hinds also expressed his sentiments which reflected the views of the previous speakers. He explained that what foreign countries are now trying to do (foster a multicultural country), Guyana has already completed. As such, he noted the importance of preserving the nature of being called the “Land of Six Peoples.”
While the Prime Minister praised the efforts to restore a culturally equipped society, he is of the opinion that Bartica and the hinterland areas are the only places where he feels a sense of togetherness. As such, he urged Guyanese to work towards this common goal which will encounter challenges, but which, he is positive, can be achieved.
Apart from models, texts and graphics and other artifacts, and a display of books and literature will complement the exhibition.

(By Ravin Singh)