THE annual Emancipation Festival held on August 1 at the National Park, did not fail to deliver yesterday. Thousands of families flocked the venue decked out in their immaculate African wear, to participate in the day of exciting activities.

After a long day, one would think that the crowd for the cultural extravaganza later in the evening would have filtered down. However, the crowd got even bigger as the stage started to ‘kick off’ with the items.

People of all ages and ethnicities rushed to the tarmac and assembled at the front of the stage to witness the performances. With a packed programme of a total of 38 items, the crowd could not complain about being bored or tired.

Several persons in the crowd expressed sentiments of satisfaction with the performances on the show.

“I very impressed this year, ACDA delivered. The items so far are well coordinated and I’m impressed with the talent shortlisted this year. The delays and the unnecessary talking would usually get to us, but this year, well so far, I haven’t seen any of that. So I’m just having a good time here with my children, enjoying the cultural vibes,” one mother in the crowd said.

Another one said “When August 1st comes, I does be so proud to be black. Just look at this turn out. Everyone out here just showing great appreciation for our people, and this makes me so very happy. The show is very very nice, it’s good to see so many young people on it, show us and at the same time showing personal appreciation of our history.”

A young girl, aged 14, said that it was her first time coming to the National Park and she enjoyed the entire day with her family. She said that she is inspired to return next year, but to take part in the show with her poetry talent.

“I have my own pieces that I write, and today I was inspired to take part in these kind of activities, so I hope that next year I can get to be a part to share my work and show appreciation for the people of African descent,” she said
From a stage view, all that were visible were smiling faces, waving hands, and children in the air. The audience ‘turn out’ spoke volumes, of how appreciative people are of the African culture in Guyana. The diversity exemplified Guyana’s motto ‘One People, One Nation, One Destiny’.

Giving a wrap comment on the day’s activities, Emancipation coordinator from the African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA), Aisha Haynes said that she was happy with the support that was received this year.

“I’m very happy with the turn out, as you can see we had a lot of support. Emancipation is a full day, a tiring day, but we have a lot of activities that happened today. And I saw a lot of children came out with their families, a lot of elderly people, and people of all ages, nationalities and ethnicities coming to the park. We really had a lot of support today. On that note I must say thank you to all our supporters. A lot of people are saying that this year was bigger than last year, a lot more people are here this year… Over the years we’ve been seeing more people interested from all walks of life, to actually see the cultural activities. Some people wanna see the que-que and drumming. You are seeing the diversity being reflected, coming out to support the culture,” Haynes said.

After being entertained by several young performers, and some of Guyana’s leading artistes such as Carlvin Burnette, Mark Batson, Big Red and more, later in the evening the crowd was set ablaze with an electrifying cultural performance from Ky-mani Marley, son of the Jamaican reggae legend, Bob Marley.