Prime Minister Samuel Hinds said Afro-Guyanese have achieved much in advancing the work their ancestors started many decades ago after the abolition of slavery.
The prime minister made the remark on Saturday at “Sankofa”, an event which highlighted African culture.
“We have been making great gains. Although slavery had ended more than 150 years ago… there are still more gains to be made.
“In Guyana, after slavery was abolished, there was a great start, with many freed slaves who saved their hard-earned coppers and jills and took it and bought many of the estates for various reasons.
“That great start has been diverted, and that is something people of African descent have to regain, not only for themselves, but for the good of all Guyana,” PM Hinds said.
He noted that two great Africans made indelible contributions in the fight for the rights of fellow Africans. These great men are Martin Luther King of the United States of America, and Nelson Mandela, who brought change to South Africa without bloodshed and bitterness.
Also present at Sankofa, which was held at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence, East Bank Demerara, were Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh; Transport and Hydraulics Minister Robeson Benn; and Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony.
A section of the attendees at Sankofa
Minister Anthony told the gathering that Sankofa is Afrikaan for a mythical bird that flies forward with its head turned backwards.
This reflects the African belief that the past serves as a guide for planning the future, or the wisdom of learning from the past in building the future.
“This means that Africans must not be afraid of going back into their past, taking what is good, reminding themselves of their culture, roots, history; and as they move forward in life, they can take that with them. That is why Sankofa was chosen, because it represents what we are trying to do here tonight,” Anthony said.
Attendees of Sankofa were treated to a number of cultural presentations, such as poetry, songs, dance and drumming, all showcasing the rich culture of Africans, and the skills of Afro-Guyanese.
The United Nations has dedicated 2011 as the International Year for People of African Descent.
The government, in collaboration with other stakeholders, came up with a calendar of events in recognition of the occasion. Sankofa was one of the events. The other was an exhibition showcasing the contributions of Afro-Guyanese women. It was held at the Castellani House in August.
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