THE St Peters African Apostolic Church in collaboration with the Guyana United Apostolic Mystical Council hosted its 15th Annual Emancipation Day celebration at the Square of the Revolution.

The event was pre-recorded and was aired last evening on the National Communications Network. It featured several activities including dances and songs and poetry and spoken word pieces, highlighting the meaning of emancipation.

The recording of the event drew a fair number of spectators. Organiser of the programme’s cultural aspect, Wendy Hermonstine, told the Guyana Chronicle that the importance of the event to her is a time of reflection, stating, “the activity is not just for entertainment, it’s a time to remember where we came from, where we are and where we want to go.” She stated that the activity has been a significant part of sharing and showcasing African culture.

Hermonstine further explained that due to the COVID-19 guidelines, several changes had to be made to host the programme. She stated that the programme is usually held on July 31 and usually draws a large gathering of Guyanese, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic it had to be pre-recorded to be aired on July 31 and did not allow for persons other than the performers being present at the activity.

The activities at the day’s proceedings featured several persons showcasing colour traditional clothing and headwear, and dances. Several Afro-Guyanese artistes took to the stage to showcase their talents in observance of the sacrifices, struggles and triumphs of their African fore parents. Some of the artistes include Charmaine Blackman, Calvin Burnette, Mark Baptiste, Onika Joseph, Hopetown Folk Group, Enigma Dance Studio and Young Bill Rogers.