A dance group performs a piece at the Culture Ministry show at the Square of the Revolution on Wednesday
The UN International Year for People of African Descent was on Wednesday, 19 December launched at the International Conference Centre, Liliendaal, with President Bharrat Jagdeo declaring that he is prepared to roll back any anti-black policy within his government if evidence of such is found.
The launch was held under the theme: “People of African Descent – Recognition, Justice and Development”. The occasion has been clouded by major disagreements between the government and some African groups which claimed that they were not adequately consulted. The People’s National Congress Reform also joined the protest calling on all Guyanese to join in solidarity with the groups that boycotted the programme.
However, the occasion, which was laced with rich cultural presentations, was well attended by members of the diplomatic corps, numerous African-oriented organisations and the general public.
“…and trust me if there is anything in my government that is practised now that is inimical to the interest of people of African descent or any other descent you will have my commitment that it will change,” Jagdeo told an applauding crowd.
Referring to the boycott of the PNCR and other groups, Jagdeo criticised the move almost labelling it cowardly, noting that it could only stymie progress.
According to him, the government is open to partnering with any organisation in forwarding the cause of unity. He maintained that government has no intent to control or dominate the event, which according to him should be used to salute and pay tribute to a people who constitutes such a vital part of the fabric of this plural nation.
As such the head of state sees it as imperative that the year does not become just another slogan event of the United Nations which delivers little or no result. “Hopefully we will emerge with a greater focus on solutions,” he pointed out.
He also see the International Year for People of African Descent as a good reminder to those who condoned, encouraged and benefited from the slave trade of their debt to this important group of people.
“An apology is not enough!” he reiterated. “Those who are accomplices must offer more than words.” As such Jagdeo has repeated his years-old call for reparation. Not necessarily financial, he explained, but a change in policies that will encourage independence and development in countries of the region.
“A significant part of the industrialised world was built on the blood and sweat of the ancestors of people of African descent,” he reminded. The president thinks it is important that people understand the history of racial division in Guyana, which he believed was fuelled by the Western powers.
Greetings in the three-hour-long programme were delivered by representatives of the various groups in Guyana, including Amerindians, Portuguese and East Indians.
Ras Leon Saul of the Rastafarian community delivered a well-received 10 minute charge which blistered Afro-Guyanese, the political opposition and the government.
He told his fellow AfroGuyanese that freedom comes from within and encouraged them to come to that realisation. “We have got to stop the divisiveness, we got to stop the talk of boycotting our own selves… it’s time for us to man up, it’s time for us to be responsible,” Saul declared.
Speaking directly to the government, he lamented that too many Afro Guyanese suffer still from discrimination and poverty, making a direct plea for the youth within this group who he believes are becoming extinct. In response, President Jagdeo acknowledged the statements to be strong and truthful, thereby committing to implement systems to improve the conditions of this group with specific reference to young people. “In their lives we can remove the hurt of the past; and in their lives we can fulfil the promise of the future”
UN designated
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 Guyana government set aside some $32.6 million to ensure that the year of activities are successful. Some of the activities to mark the year include the construction of a monument to commemorate the Demerara Slave Revolt of 1823 during which 250 slaves were killed. A design competition which will be evaluated by a panel will serve as the selection basis for the monument.
