–celebrates contributions of Afro-Guyanese during Emancipation Day celebration

GUYANA’S Ambassador to the United States and former Prime Minister Sam Hinds and the parents of President, Dr. Irfaan Ali were among those in attendance when the Guyana Consulate in Toronto held its Emancipation Day celebration at its office in Scarborough, Toronto, Canada last Thursday evening.

The evening featured Afro-Guyanese culture, storytelling, singing and drumming performed by talented Guyanese musician, singer and educator Kenton Wyatt, while Nadine Williams, Caribbean educator, author and poet, recited two appropriate poems, “We Africans” & “The Immigrant Child,” relating to the horrific crime of slavery within a Guyanese-Caribbean context and Caribbean migration.

Honorary Consul Mani Singh told the appreciative audience that Afro Guyanese have a long history of struggle and resilience.

He said: “Their fight for freedom wasn’t only a fight for themselves but for the dignity and honour of future generations.”

Singh described the notorious Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade and Slavery which went on for approximately 400 years, during the European invasion and colonisation of Africa, as the worst form of exploitation and cruelty ever inflicted upon man by his fellow man.

He said: “All other crimes of history that were committed by man against his fellow man pales in comparison.”

According to Singh: “In the One Guyana that we are establishing, Afro Guyanese, like all other groups, will have no reason to fear economic emasculation or political marginalisation. We are committed to ensuring that everyone benefits from the progress and development of our nation. All will have greater opportunities for social, political and economic advancement and no one will be left behind.”

Singh, however, cautioned that “we must remain vigilant and mindful of those within our midst who seek to prey on and manipulate ethnic suspicions to promote their own personal interests. These purveyors of fear and insecurity aim to sow division and discord, undermining the unity and harmony that we strive to build. This is why we must reject those who seek to deploy the banner of racism and discrimination to divide our people and stymie national development in our country.”

Singh added that “rest assured, we are unfazed in our commitment to building a Guyana where every citizen, regardless of their background, has a stake in our shared future.”

The Honorary Consul pointed out that “as we celebrate Emancipation Day, let us remember the sacrifices of our forebearers and honour their legacy by continuing to strive for just and equitable society. Let us work together to build a nation where all can prosper. In the spirit of our Afro Guyanese ancestors, we shall remain resolute in our pursuit of One Guyana where every individual is valued and respected.”

The celebration also attracted several leaders and members of the Canadian diaspora while Ambassador Hinds was accompanied by his wife and daughter

The event was chaired by Consulate staff, Lorraine Harry, while Executive Officer, Devina Richmond, gave the Vote of Thanks. (Frederick Halley)