The conscious ones have been encouraging emancipation celebrations in Linden

Aug 31, 2010 Letters

Dear Editor,
As far as I know the community of Linden has not been known traditionally for staging of soiree to celebrate Emancipation Day.
Though predominantly an African populated community, it can positively make claim to being a melting pot community, habouring folks across the ethnic stretch of the three counties; from the high mountains in the Essequibo region across the Demerara to the lower Corriverton in Berbice, though obviously with a large contingent — if not the majority – being Berbicians some no doubt whose ethnicity/ancestry are kin to the 1763 Slave Rebellion leaders Cuffy and Accra, with possibly same blood running through their veins.
Hence, for many years, since the inception of emancipation celebrations in many parts of our country heavily inhabited by Africans, the folks of African ancestry in Mackenzie/ Linden who hail from those villages known for celebrating this historic event have been almost religiously making their journey back to their villages/homes to share in the rituals and happenings.
However some conscious ones have been indulging and encouraging the emancipation celebrations here in Linden in their own small way so that Africans here in the community can have something to identify with as being part of their ancestry/culture.
These people have introduced all that go along with the celebrations; Libation, Soiree, Games, Pageant etc, which have now caught on somewhat, though not with the same fervour as in the traditional villages. The late Burnel Thomas aka “Akou” was one of the main persons instrumental in championing this celebration.
Last Emancipation gone, a small and conscious set of young people belonging to the Flame of the Arts drumming and dance group made a good effort to stage this significant historical traditional event, trying to ensure that it does not fade out completely.
Though the principal organisers of this Flame of the Arts Group in the persons of Lavern Fraser, Rawle Brewester and Minty Fredericks were given lavish TV time through the kind courtesy of Eon Halls on his “Under the Microscope” programme, it failed to attract a sizable gathering. In my opinion, one of the main reasons for this was that there were just too many activities on that night competing against it, and what was unfortunate was none of the events had anything to do with emancipation or anything African! Every one (promoter) was out to make a buck and capitalized on the holiday weekend.
The day’s activities at Bayrock were not well attended, the candle light parade fell through and the libation performance/ritual was not up to scratch.
I say again, though the Flames of the Arts Group’s effort was commendable, the many activities planned definitely needed more hands, those three individuals running around to get things done and well coordinated were burning their candles at both ends; an observation and lesson I hope will be taken onto account for next year’s event.
Also, if they are intent on making this event a big show in the community, then they need to focus much more and expand their energies here in Linden and not press themselves to keep a date with the G/T promoters, who have more than their fair share of participants.
But I must say that the night’s celebration into the dawn was entertaining with lively hyped-up drumming, songs and dancing.
The band of dancing girls and fashion display gave an exciting performance and we can expect much more from them in time once they remain dedicated.
The variety of food was equally splendid and complemented the occasion. It is important to point out that this event was not graced with the presence of any notable African top functionary from the community for reasons best known to them.
And for those who are always up in arms to flay Eon Halls, here is a chance to acknowledge his generous contribution to the staging of this event by not only allowing the group sumptuous time, twice on his programme to advertise their activities for the event, but also giving up his business premises for the entire day through to morn free of charge to the group. And wasn’t that an excellent gesture? Certainly it was.
Frank Fyffe

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The conscious ones have been encouraging emancipation celebrations in Linden

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