…Guyana is a pilot to what the world is now becoming – PM Hinds

AS the Annual Arrival Day Exhibition opened yesterday at The National Museum, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds observed that, in terms of cultural diversity, Guyana is a pilot to what the world is now becoming.

This exhibition has been hosted by the National Museum for the last 14 years, and it will focus primarily on models, texts, graphics and related photographs, revealing cultural insights and experiences of the indentured immigrants who journeyed to Guyana.

Spotlight of the exhibition will not only be on East Indians, though they dominated Indentureship in numbers. Elements of the Chinese, Portuguese and African cultures would also be on display; and a small section for the Europeans would also feature, since they were responsible for the Indentureship experiences. The Amerindians are added too, as they were acclaimed to be the first to tread the shores of Guyana.

The exhibition will run until May 10. It 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 modernised world, and she noted the importance of events like as Arrival Day 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 agreed 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 of 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 accomplished. As such, he noted the importance of Guyana preserving the nomenclature the “Land of Six Peoples.”

While the Prime Minister praised the efforts to restore a culturally equipped society, he opined 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 the common goal of restoring a culturally equipped society. He said it would encounter challenges, but he was positive it could be achieved.

Apart from models, texts and graphics, and other artifacts, a display of books and literature will complement the exhibition.

(By Ravin Singh)