By Clifford Stanley
MEMBERS of the Soiree and Cultural Committee of Hopetown Village, West Coast Berbice, (WCB) have planned a week of observances and celebratory activities in the village in memory of the 180th anniversary of emancipation from slavery.

Chairperson Renai McAlmont disclosed that there will be a designated area for a Soiree Village, where no sale of alcohol will be allowed, but where visitors and celebrants can enjoy traditional African dishes such as conkee, metagee and numerous other delicacies.
The Soiree Village will be open from 14:00hrs on July 31.

McAlmont disclosed that the first event was a well-attended and successful Soiree Cultural presentation by the Seaview Cultural Organisation of Hopetown, held at the Society Hall Wednesday night last.

The week of activities will see a cultural pageant at the Fort Wellington Secondary School tarmac beginning at 19:00hrs tonight; a family fun day at the Community Centre ground on Sunday at 14:00hrs and a pre-soiree celebration at the Anglican Church Hall on Monday 30, commencing at 1900hrs; an athletic road race and relay from Naarstigheid to Hopetown on Tuesday 31, commencing at 14:00hrs; a children’s Road Parade from Bel Air to Hopetown on Tuesday July 31, commencing at 16:00hrs; and a candle light parade from Church Dam to Bel Air and back on July 31, commencing at 21:00hrs. The candle light parade will feature a cultural programme commencing at 22:00hrs at Red Shop Square, Cemetery Road and conclude with presentations on Emancipation and other elements of the celebrations, including the libation ceremony up to midnight.

The final event of the observances at Hopetown, McAlmont said, will be a Soiree Cup Basket- ball tournament on Friday, August 3, at the Basketball Tarmac, Hopetown, commencing from 18:00hrs.