– to commemorate the arrival of the Indentured Labourers to Guyana
The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, in collaboration with the National Museum, Thursday launched an Indentureship Exhibition under the theme, “A reflection of our cultural diversity,” to commemorate the arrival of Africans, Chinese, East Indians and Portuguese immigrants to Guyana.
Guyana became the land of six races after they entered the country as labourers and created harmony and a diversified culture.
When they arrived, some were recorded, while others were not. For instance, the Amerindians were the first people to inhabit the country but were not recorded. They were followed by the Portuguese, Chinese and Indian labourers, as they were recorded.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr Frank Anthony stated that the exhibits this year are the best, as more ancestral materials are displayed and many people will be surprised as they will see on display, the entire period of Indentureship.
Minister Anthony said that the exhibition will give persons a better understanding of the history of Indentureship in a much broader context.
Director of Culture, Dr James Rose, who declared the exhibition open, stated that the exhibition commemorates the ancestors of the country.
Dr. Rose noted that Guyana’s historical tradition is a dynamic one as every activity that is being executed is part of a historical process.
He emphasized that Guyana has many resources but the most precious of them is the people of the country, since they have come from many different places, and brought different traditional cultures which have now become the Guyanese tradition.
“It is important to remember where we came from, but it is also important to celebrate where we are, who we are and what possibilities lie for tomorrow,” said Dr. Rose.
Professor Noel Mary Menezes, who gave a history of the arrival of the Portuguese in 1835, said that the Portuguese went from a state of abject poverty to one of comparative influence and affluence in the space of a few years, after entering the country.
Menezes noted that the Portuguese worked hard in business entities and were also hard-working at music, dance and sport.
Chief Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy, Fan Yingjie, said that he was pleased to be at the launching of the exhibition and to share the diversified culture of Guyana.
Yingjie noted that the exhibition will enhance the national identity and promote cultural diversity in the country as persons will have a better conception of their ancestors.
He said that the history of the arrival of Chinese for over 150 years has witnessed a positive role played by Chinese in Guyana, in social and economic development, and has added to the cultural diversity of the country, including its cuisine.
High Commissioner of India, Subit Kumar Mandal, said that it was a great honour and privilege to attend the inauguration of the exhibition to commemorate the arrival of ancestors to this historic land.
Mandal noted that by remembering the historic contributions of the ancestors, homage is offered to those who, through their sweat and sacrifice, helped the present generation to live in comfort and security.
“Arrival day is a continuum that extends from a distant past to present and most possibly indefinitely into the future,” said Mandal.
Among the items at the exhibition were clothing worn by the ethnic groups, cooking utensils, jewellery, photographs and records of ancestral groups who arrived in Guyana.
The exhibition continues until May 20.