-for annual Emancipation celebrations
THE MINISTRY of Culture, Youth and Sport yesterday donated cheques amounting to $1.6M to 46 African cultural groups in order for them to carry out activities for the 176th Emancipation celebrations.
Present at the ceremony held at the National Cultural Centre were heads and other members of various local African Cultural groups.
The Emancipation activities, which are supported by the government, will foster awareness, as well as encourage persons to be involved in cultural activities and bring together persons from various backgrounds.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony stated that Guyana has a rich diversity and it needs to be utilised in order to enrich the lives of citizens.
He noted that every citizen must share the nation’s history, whether good or bad, and encouraged the present and future generations to understand it.
Minister Anthony emphasised that in addition to physical damage, there was also physiological damage done, from which persons are still trying to recover and when the groups would work in communities and teach ideals that were passed on from ancestors, it would unknowingly be part of the healing process.
He said that the Ministry is pleased to work with the groups and will assist them as a means of promoting culture in the country and advised them to do outreaches to the communities and record experiences of slaves who might still be alive. The records can be preserved for future generations.
Both the Museum of African Heritage and the resource centre near it are not being utilized enough, Minister Anthony said.
The Museum needs to have more artifacts, books and DVDs and it is the groups’ responsibility to satisfy these needs, he emphasised.
Guyana Classics books containing testimonies of slaves will soon be published for more persons to understand the country’s history.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Mr. Alfred King stated that since 2005, there have been pioneers who have led the spirit of emancipation, in an effort to foster awareness and encourage persons to be involved in cultural activities.
He added that it is necessary to make a positive impact, in order to transform communities and youths, who would develop skills and make meaningful contributions to society.
King said that the country has lots of talent and persons will be able to excel if they work together.
Slaves were emancipated when Great Britain finally acceded to abolition of slavery on August 1, 1834. (GINA)