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GPL hosts cultural extravaganza
As part of its observance for the International Year for People of African Descent and its annual emancipation celebrations, the Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL) hosted a Cultural Extravaganza on Friday, last ,at the Umana Yana.
The programme commenced with a libation ceremony presided over by Brother Andrews. The libation is a significant and sacred part of the African culture. It is usually done at the beginning of any African cultural proceeding.
Among the audience who gathered to witness the spectacular event were Prime Minister Samuel Hinds; the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony and the Minister of Public Works and Communication, Robeson Benn.
Some of the GPL staff displaying their African attire
Making brief remarks was the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GPL, Bharat Dindyal, who made an extensive reflection on the abolition of slavery. He noted that if one should just imagine how slaves felt years ago, they would find pleasure in honouring the ancestors. He added that GPL is proud to remember the African ancestors and happy to be a part of the emancipation celebrations.
Dr. Anthony also reflected on the history of the African slaves. He took the time to commend the ancestors for their sacrifices and contributions to the development of Guyana. He added that without the contribution of the Africans, the country would not have so many sugar plantations to benefit from today.
“If our culture is lost, then our identity is lost”, the minister stated.
Dr. Anthony stressed that many Guyanese only remember the 1763 Berbice Slave Rebellion because there is a monument. He noted, however, that the large uprising in 1823 on the East Coast of Demerara should be remembered because of its significant contribution to the abolition of slavery.
The minister disclosed that there are plans to construct a monument in memory of the revolt in just a few months.
Dance, poetry, drama, steel pan music, singing and the display of African craft work were among the main items of the event, along with the display of African attire by GPL’s staff.
A number of staff members were extravagantly dressed in African outfits. There was also the selection of a king and queen of the day.
Capturing the audience’s undivided attention were the Whaul Sisters who performed a popular Miriam Makeba song – Pata Pata. Also “rocking the house” was a drummer and folk song singer, Winslow ‘Blackie’ Cole.
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