– as Int’l year of People of African Descent calendar of activities launched
A ROBUST programme of activities to mark International Year of People of African Descent  (IYPAD) was rolled out on Wednesday evening
as Guyana responded to the United Nations declaration for 2011. On the roster of activities are a caucus of African professionals, key note addresses conferences and discussions on
African contributions in Guyana, art and fashion exhibitions, African plays and drama, food fairs, visits from Africans to Guyana and
exchange visits of Guyanese to Africa and a conference on African religious ceremonies, among others.

President Bharrat Jagdeo,  who delivered the keynote address at the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC) in the presence of
a large gathering of African cultural and other organisation representatives, called for the special year to be more than one of
slogans.
“Throughout the year we are going to debate, discuss the origins and the problems faced by people of African descent and
hopefully we will emerge with a greater focus on solutions,” President Jagdeo said.

He assured that the Guyana’s calendar of activities will not be like some international fora that end with little or no change to
pressing issues, particularly on the environment and biodiversity.

The Guyanese Head of State also gave the assurance that Government’s commitment to the year of activities will also take
the form of financial support wherever necessary.

“We will, as a nation salute, honour and pay tribute to the people of African descent who constitute such a vital part of the
fabric of this plural nation and we’re not just going to talk about it but make sure that financially, the government will support
it,” President Jagdeo said.
The Head of State implored the gathering not to be lured by the negative sentiments expressed about government seeking to
dominate the calendar of activities and asked that, instead, they bring constructive criticisms to the table with courage and
conviction.

“When we come to the table, whatever differences we have, let’s talk about it here. If you feel that there are sections of the
Government that do things that are inimical to the interest of people of African descent, bring it to the table, don’t stay in the
corner and cry like a baby,” President Jagdeo asked.
The UN General Assembly passed a resolution on December 18, 2009, calling on all countries to initiate a series of
activities to mark 2011 as the International Year of People of African Descent.
President Jagdeo said the Guyana Government in response to the declaration made a commitment to actively support the
decision, holding to the belief that every individual is equal in dignity and endowed with the same rights as any other.
In light of the struggles of people of African descent throughout history, President Jagdeo said people of African
descent and coloured people still face struggles for equality, social rights and economic freedoms and declared his advocacy for the
UN declaration.
“This dedication of 2011 as the year for peoples of African descent was necessary because the world needs to yield itself
from these afflictions in history, particularly the single affliction that is at the root of the ills suffered by Africans, that is,
African slavery.
“The African slave trade is still today considered the largest and most horrific affliction and the greatest crime against
humanity, given its magnitude and level of barbarism”.
President Jagdeo said that a significant part of the industrialized world was built on the backs of “our” ancestors and
that the commemorative year should serve as a reminder to them of the debt which they owe to “our ancestors.”
“An apology is not enough. Those who were complicit must offer more than words, however sincere,” President Jagdeo said.
During a commemorative activity in Guyana four years ago to mark the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave
trade, President Jagdeo reiterated his Government’s call for reparation, noting that words are not enough.
The call was taken to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) advocating a collective struggle for reparation. At Wednesday’s
launch, President Jagdeo returned to the same reparation concept.
“I hear these wonderful words of apology but I would like to see the recognition that first of all this was a holocaust
and that there would be some form of reparation,” President Jagdeo said. (GINA)