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ACDA records another successful year of Emancipation celebrations
By Rehanna Ramsay
Yesterday‘s festival marked yet another successful year for Emancipation celebrations in Guyana. Hundreds gathered at the National Park to participate in various aspects of African Culture. Patrons assembled on the tarmac and in the stands to view the cultural show and parade hosted by the African Cultural Development Association, (ADCA).
The Dowridge Family from Albouystown enjoying yesterday’s Emancipation celebrations.
Among those in attendance were President Donald Ramotar, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, and Leader of the main opposition party A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Brigadier David Granger. Distinguished guests also included the Mexican Ambassador to Guyana, Francisco Olguin Uribe, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) representative to Guyana and Suriname, Marianne Flach and other members of the diplomatic community.
President Ramotar said that the occasion is for Guyanese to reflect on their past and embrace the future.
“As we celebrate our 176th anniversary of the abolition of slavery, let us continue to take inspiration from our ancestors who sacrificed and united in their struggle for freedom. We must continue to work together towards greater achievements as a united people.”
Granger noted that Emancipation Day is not only about Africans but is a day of celebrating the birth of Guyana.
“We live in a diverse society and to see different ethnic groups coming out to observe and partake in the festivities is what Emancipation is all about.”
Meanwhile, Cultural Activist Dr. David Hinds said that the event has been an inspiration, since young Guyanese have an opportunity to learn more about their history.
“Emancipation Day is about every Guyanese because African heritage is part of Guyana’s history. What it represents brings young people together to reconnect with their culture … I believe that emancipation is about reconnecting and reclaiming our culture and identity as a people.”
ACDA’s Executive Director, Eric Phillips, said that the celebrations provide an opportunity for locals to participate and learn about the diversity of African cultures around the globe. Phillips said that involvement of young people were integral to the success of the programme.
“Much like Guyanese culture, African culture is quite diverse. We had a mixture of performances. We had a lot of young people performing songs, dance and in the drumming parade. We had a work session with drummers and dancers from Angola, where the youth groups learned new dance routines and therefore it was an altogether learning experience for them.”
The celebrations featured, Batotu Yetu , a dance group from Congo ,Angola. Musical entertainment was provided by the Nazarene Worship Center Steel Orchestra from Trinidad, the “KOWR ATI” delegation of dancers from Suriname. Renowned Ventriloquist, Megan Piphus , who hails from the United States also wowed those in attendance.
Ventriloquist, Megan Piphus, during one of performances
The crowd, particularly the children, enjoyed Piphus’s puppet show. The former Miss Tennessee said that she was thrilled to be performing in Guyana. “This is my first time here and I’m enjoying it because I get a taste of Guyanese culture and African culture as well. It is a wonderful festival experience altogether.”
The America’s Got Talent finalist also sang a few songs for the audience. Her performance of popular love songs got the crowd singing as well. However, the highlight of the act appeared to be the puppet show since the audience swarmed the tarmac to get a closer look.
Another highlight of the event was the energetic showcase of the Angolan dance troupe. The group which consists of young dancers gyrated across the stage in their exotic costumes.
Choreographer, Julio Leitao noted that this experience in Guyana was quite hospitable.
“We have been performing all over the world and we were glad to share our culture with Guyana and learn more about African culture from your people.”
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