Jagdeo grants Gy$10M to ACDA for IYPAD activities

TIMES INT'L

President Bharrat Jagdeo approved a grant of Gy$10 million for the African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA) to support that association’s activities to mark the occasion of the International Year for People of African Descent (IYPAD).

The president made the commitment after meeting with executives of ACDA on Thursday, August 18 at the Office of the President, the Government Information Agency (GINA) said.

The IYPAD had its genesis in a United Nations’ resolution which was passed with full support from the government of Guyana two years ago.

At the launch of IYPAD activities, held by the government earlier this year at the Guyana International Convention Centre, President Jagdeo spoke of the unique contribution made by persons of African descent to the world, and to the development of our own country. He also spoke of African slavery as the worst crime ever committed against humanity, describing it as a holocaust.

The president pointed out that much of today’s developed world was built on the back of forced African labour; and under his government, Guyana has advocated within Caricom for global reparations to be made for the injustices of slavery.

President Jagdeo also pointed out that, up to today, the cause of fighting for development in Africa continues – a cause with which his government will continue to associate itself. On August 17, the president announced a Gy$20 million donation for famine relief to be sent to victims of famine and drought in Eastern Africa.

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