Govt to build Demerara Slave Revolt monument

– sets aside Gy$32.6M to observe ‘International Year of People of African Descent’

Government has set aside some Gy$32.6 million as it prepares to join the rest of the world in observing ‘International Year of People of African Descent’, as designated by the United Nations.

Culture Minister Dr Frank Anthony told the National Assembly on December 23 that the funds will ensure that the multiple activities planned for the year are successfully executed. These activities will start off with an official launch in January 2011, Dr Anthony disclosed. He added that there are plans to construct a monument for the Demerara Slave Revolt of 1823, during which 250 slaves were killed. 

A design competition, which will be evaluated by a panel, will lead to the selection of the design for the monument. The culture minister has also disclosed plans to stage several exhibitions throughout the year, with a permanent one set for the Museum of African Heritage, and a mobile exhibition that will visit communities countrywide. Some of the country’s prominent scholars will also hold lecture series at least once a quarter, with local conferences being staged as well. 

There is also an exciting activity of recreating the historic routes of slavery through slave route tours and site visits. Youth groups and schools are also to participate in educational tours, debates and video conferencing with schools in Africa and the Caribbean. Meanwhile, a Guyanese delegation is expected to participate in two UN conferences to be staged in 2011. 

The Guyana government, earlier this year, set up a 30-member steering committee to ensure that activities to mark the year are staged successfully. The committee, chaired by Director of Culture, Dr James Rose, comprises persons from Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six and 10, and various non-governmental organisations. The committee has met 11 times for the year, and has agreed on these and many other activities that are to come off in 2011. 

Monumental contributions 

“The government of Guyana is fully cognisant of the tremendous contributions that people of African descent have made in the development of Guyana, the Caribbean and the wider world,” Dr Anthony told the house. He mentioned specific areas such as culture, music, education and politics, where this group has made important contributions. 

“Thousands of Guyanese owe their birth and good health to the caring hands and expert minds of Guyanese of African descent in the medical field. Thousands of Guyanese owe their good education to the many dedicated educators of African descent.” 

Anthony also denounced slavery in his address, labelling it the most horrendous form of tyrannical rule. He noted that it has robbed an entire people of their culture. “During slavery, the plantocracy orchestrated the suppression of all Afro-centric customs and traditions, especially language and those practices that threatened the security of the system and its ruling class.” 

He added that Guyana has long lent its voice to condemning what could easily be called “the embodiment of the worst excesses of a depraved age.” 

 “We in Guyana joined the rest of the world in condemning these atrocities as a crime against humanity. We have also demanded an apology, and we sought reparations for their injustices,” he pointed out. 

On December 18, 2009, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the year beginning on January 1, 2011 the International Year for People of African Descent. The year is aimed at strengthening national actions and regional and international cooperation for the benefit of people of African descent in relation to their full enjoyment of economic, cultural, social, civil and political rights; their participation and integration in all political, economic, social and cultural aspects of society; and the promotion of a greater knowledge of, and respect for, their diverse heritage and culture. 

The  General Assembly is encouraging member states, the specialised agencies of the United Nations system, within their respective mandates and existing resources, and civil society to make preparations for and identify possible initiatives that can contribute to the success of the year. As the UN gears up to observe this important event, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon delivered an impassioned plea to the world community to eradicate racism once and for all. 

“The international community cannot accept that whole communities are marginalised because of the colour of their skin,” he told an event at UN Headquarters in New York to launch the year. “People of African descent are among those most affected by racism. Too often, they face denial of basic rights, such as access to quality health services and education. Such fundamental wrongs have a long and terrible history. 

“The international community has affirmed that the Transatlantic Slave Trade was an appalling tragedy, not only because of its barbarism, but also because of its magnitude, organised nature and negation of the essential humanity of the victims.