Commemorative coins launched to mark 250the anniversary of Berbice Slave Rebellion and the 175th of Indian Immigration
The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport in collaboration with the Bank of Guyana today launched two historical coins to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Slave Rebellion and the 175th anniversary of Indian Immigration to Guyana.
The coins were designed by Adrian Juman, designer of the 1763 coin and Courtney Douglas, designer of the 1838 coin and will be available at a cost of $2000 and will be available at the BOG and other commercial Banks.
Speaking at the launch which was held at the Bank of Guyana (BOG) Roof Garden, Avenue of the Republic, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds acknowledged the importance of the coins which will assist in preserving Guyana’s rich history.
February this year marked 250 years since the Berbice Slave Rebellion while May marked 175 years since the first East Indian indentured immigrants landed here. “It is fit and proper that we should mark this year these two important events”, PM Hinds said.
Prime Minister Hinds stated that the Berbice Slave Rebellion provided an example of what has been done in terms in development. “How do we see that history and what should we make of that history? In some ways some of our circumstances are determined by the experiences of our ancestors”, Prime minister pointed out as he reflected on the two events.
Prime Minister Hinds said that national unity is important to mark these events and that the people should be reminded of the challenges of our ancestors and be the best they can be.
Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh reiterated that the occasion can be viewed from a number of perspectives, each of which carry significant importance of Guyana’s history and therefore, those who struggled and gave their lives, those who demonstrated and contributed to our achievements, their sacrifices must always be celebrated and saluted
“The coins commemorate two important events in our country’s history both, of which goes to the very core of the making of our nation and identity as Guyanese and speaks of our shared history and common struggle” Minister Singh said.
Minister Singh said that very often persons take for granted the multicultural history of the Guyanese people, who share a diverse background, values, objectives and a common cause.
Every Guyanese, he said has contributed to the very strong and unique national identity. This he said is the result of phenomenal sacrifice to sustain the freedom that Guyanese today enjoy. On this occasion, Minister Singh said that it is important that we capture the rich culture and philosophic and numismatic history of Guyana.
There are a collection of coins that were issued by BOG which relates to Guyana’s National heroes, and flora and fauna among others. He urged persons to explore Guyana’s rich history through the wide collection of coins.
Meanwhile, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony stated that the ministry is indeed very pleased to collaborate with BOG to launch these commemorative coins.
In 2007 and 2008 coins to commemorate the National stadium and CARIFEST X was established respectively. Minister Anthony said that the Ministry will be looking at commemorating a coin for Guyana’s 50the independence in 2016.
A number of activities were also done to commemorate the very significant Berbice Slave Rebellion and the Indian immigration. Minister Anthony added that the coin is a good reminder of the resistance that our ancestors put up.
He expressed gratitude to all the persons who contributed to making the coins available, especially the artist.
BOG’s Deputy Govenor Gobind Ganga stated that the coins were printed by the mint of Norway. He said that the coins are legal tenders and is in limited circulations. He reiterated that the coins will be available at BOG and urged persons to purchase them.
The Berbice Slave Rebellion was the first major revolution in the territory of British Guiana which occurred on February 23, 1763. The anger and frustration of the slaves from the treatment they received at the hands of the planters caused the slaves of Plantation Magdalenenburg to take up arms against their Dutch masters.
Each year on May 5, activities are planned and executed in remembrance of the East Indian immigrants who came in 1838 to work on the sugar plantation.
Present at the event was also Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Juan Edghill, representatives of the African Cultural Development Association (ACDA) and the Indian Arrival Committee (IAC), among other dignitaries.