Gov’t gives $7M to cultural groups for emancipation
Georgetown, GINA, July 25, 2012 -- Source - GINA
As different cultural groups spearhead their usual activities to mark the occasion of another anniversary of African emancipation on August 1, the Government today injected financial support to the tune of $7M.
The groups met President Donald Ramotar and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport Alfred King at the Office of the President where cheques were handed over.
The funding varied in proportions to the agenda of planned activities by the different groups. A total of $5M was allocated to the African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA).
President Donald Ramotar hands over a cheque to a happy recipient as she prepares to host activities for Emancipation. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport Alfred King looks on.
The Culture Ministry anticipates an emancipation day celebration categorized by colour but, more specifically one that promotes awareness and education about history that can empower the young minds.
King encouraged the various cultural groups to be good ambassadors at the village level, promoting the cultural art form and at the same time fostering meaningful activities that will have a long lasting impact on residents.
The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport is working with a database of 53 cultural groups that it has been working in-tandem during emancipation day celebrations each year, in contrast to 2005 when a mere five groups were being supported.
President Donald Ramotar regarded August 1 as the most significant date and while it is the commemoration of the anniversary of African emancipation, it is a celebration for all Guyanese.
On August 1, 1834 emancipation was declared and in 1838 the liberation was made official. President Ramotar credited the achievement to first orchestrated rebellion led by Cuffy in 1763 at Berbice.
Days ahead of Emancipation day celebrations on August 1, President Donald Ramotar hands over a cheque as groups organize commemoration activities. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport Alfred King looks on.
“Some of the events that occurred here in Guyana are not given the kind of recognition that they should be given because I believe the 1763 uprising in historical terms can be compared the… rebellion against the Roman empire… what occurred here in 1763 was the beginning of the end of slavery in the Western hemisphere. It was a revolution that occurred even before the Haitian revolution and therefore I think we have got to start recognizing the significant events,” President Ramotar said.
Buildings and other relics of Guyana’s colonial past are still very much evident in parts of Guyana and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport has been pursuing efforts over the years to preserve them as essential aspects of the country’s heritage.
President Ramotar recalled as a lad seeing a number of artifacts and remains from the Dutch occupation in Guyana at Karia Karia, the village in the Essequibo River where he grew up.