Culture Minister Dr Frank Anthony has urged citizens to use this International Year for People of African Descent to build greater trust among themselves, as efforts continue to build a better Guyana.
Speaking at the launch of celebratory activities at the International Conference Centre, Liliendaal on Wednesday, Dr Anthony also urged the nation to celebrate the United Nations- designated year in whatever way possible.
“In this, the International Year of People of African Descent, there are many activities for all to participate in. We want people to commit at the individual level to dedicate some of their time to learn more about our history, more about the contributions of our ancestors,” he appealed. Minister Anthony also thinks it is important that, at the community level, citizens commit to improving their communities; and pass on the rituals, customs and practices to the younger generation.
“We want, at the national level, to build greater trust amongst ourselves, to build more enduring partnerships that truly harness the strength of all our peoples as we pursue the noble task of building a better Guyana. The government remains steadfast in paying tribute to the people of African descent in Guyana and around the world. We are truly inspired by, and draw strength from, our African ancestors’ heroic struggles.”
The minister reminded the audience of the struggles this group has had to face from the genesis of the slave trade, and even today.
“Looking back, we must be imbued with a sense of pride and awe at how our ancestors, against the odds, fought for the abolition of the slave trade.”
Wake up call for international community
Meanwhile, Caricom Secretary General (ag), Ambassador Lolita Applewhaite, said this year provides the international community with an opportunity to redouble its efforts to eradicate discrimination against people of African descent, and build an awareness and respect for their diverse heritage and culture.
“…the international community needs a ‘wakeup call’ in order to accelerate regional and international cooperation to ensure people of African descent have full enjoyment of their rights to participate in all the political, economic, social and cultural facets of society,” the ambassador said.
She acknowledged that the equality in treatment of all people, and respect for their right to life free from discrimination and poverty are essential to international peace and security and to building stable communities and nations. The secretary general referred to discrimination, injustice, deprivation, and psychological trauma felt by people of African descent; and the poverty, underdevelopment, racism and social exclusion that they continue to experience.
“Too many persons of African descent in the world do not have access to basic services in health and education, and thereby have difficulty in realising their full potential and contributing meaningfully to the advancement of their families, communities and nations,” Applewhaite lamented.
She further spoke of the Rastafarian movement that “revolutionised the consciousness of the Caribbean people and many others outside of the region”. She pointed to the strong influence of people of African descent in the creation of a “distinctive Caribbean brand”.
In her conclusion, she quoted the words of Aime Cesaire, regional cultural icon from Martinique: “No race holds the monopoly on beauty, on intellect, on strength; and there is a place for all at the Rendezvous of Victory”.
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 aims 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.
Guyanese, mainly those of African descent, turned out in their numbers to participate in the launch, which was laced with cultural presentations. This is the beginning of yearlong activities that include lectures, debates and discussions on the struggles of this important group that contributed significantly to Guyana’s development.
