SCORES of people turned out on Tuesday evening at the Square of the Revolution in Georgetown for the traditional Libation Ceremony.

This year’s celebration was themed “Honouring our Heroes”, highlighting some of the historic men and women of Guyana, who fought and afforded us the life we have today.
A procession of worshippers walked the length of Hadfield Street into Mandela Avenue and up Homestretch Avenue, back to the Square of the Revolution, led by spiritual leader, Bishop Andrew Irving. They were all clad in white robes and carried lanterns in their hands, singing and chanting. A few of them held photos of some of Guyana’s ancestors.

A libation is a ritual pouring of a liquid as an offering to God or spirit in memory of those who have died. It is common in many religions of the distant past and continues to be practised in Guyana’s rich African culture today.

As the worshippers paraded the streets, the scores of people were entertained with exceptional performances that showcased Guyana’s African heritage and the extraordinary talent that our people possess. Dances by children of the National School of Dance and the Enigma Dance Group, songs from the Korokwa, Fanoka singers, spoken-word pieces and tributes to our ancestors, are but some of the entertainment experienced.

Director of Sport, Christopher Jones, Mondale Smith and Jewel Hermonstine were assigned as MCs and did a fine job in keeping a smooth flow of the items and ensuring that the crowd stayed entertained.

The feature address was made by Public Health Minister, Volda Lawrence, who stressed the importance and significance of the Emancipation. “We are here to pay our respects and homage to our ancestors who fought courageously and relentlessly to free themselves from the shackles and bondage of slavery, and to celebrate that freedom, we the descendants have inherited. Today marks 180 years since this dehumanising system was brought to an end. And it is fitting that this libation ceremony is themed ‘Honouring our Heroes’, since they are the reason that we can celebrate today,” Minister Lawrence said. She also urged members of the audience to reflect on the inputs of their ancestors, emancipate themselves from mental slavery and start leading productive lives.

Coordinator of the event, Wendy Hermonstine, expressed her satisfaction with the execution. She stated that this year they placed specific focus on the Guyanese historians, with the primary one being Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham.