A call for more cultural centres

Nov 26, 2024 Features / Columnists, Peeping Tom

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…Peeping Tom 

Kaieteur News- Burnham’s decision to divert the Indian Immigration Fund towards constructing the National Cultural Centre (NCC) in Georgetown remains one of the most contentious decisions in Guyana’s history. At the heart of the controversy was not the idea of building a national cultural landmark but the questionable use of funds that were historically earmarked for the benefit of Indian indentured immigrants.

The outrage was never about opposing cultural development but about the injustice of taking resources meant for a specific community without their consent and repurposing them in a way that offered them little direct benefit. Critics at the time proposed alternatives, including building smaller regional cultural centres. Their voices, however, were drowned out in the cacophony of Burnham’s authoritarian rule.

Yet, this column believes that while it is essential to acknowledge the past, we must now look forward. With oil money now flowing through the veins of our economy, the government has the resources to rectify this historical oversight. And in doing so, address the longstanding neglect of rural areas. It’s time to rekindle the idea of rural cultural centres and invest in spaces that can nurture and celebrate the diverse talents scattered across Guyana’s villages and towns.

Rural Guyana is a treasure trove of cultural talent. From the rhythmic beats of tassa drums to the mesmerizing steps of folk dances and the dramatic flair of amateur theatre, the villages brim with potential. Unfortunately, this talent often fades into obscurity due to a lack of opportunities and venues to showcase it. While the NCC stands as a monument to national culture, it is largely inaccessible to the majority of the population living outside of Georgetown.

The government has an opportunity—no, a responsibility—to change this. It’s time to give rural communities the facilities necessary to harness their cultural talents. A network of rural cultural centres could provide platforms for music, dance, drama, and art, fostering a sense of pride and unity while preserving Guyana’s rich cultural heritage.

During the era of cinemas, many villages had bustling  theatres that were the heart of community entertainment. Cinema theatres were spread across the coastland since it was then the main form of public entertainment.  As cinemas became obsolete, these buildings were left abandoned, standing as ghostly reminders of a bygone era. Instead of letting them rot, the government could have purchased them from their private owners and transformed these spaces into vibrant cultural hubs.

This column has long advocated for the acquisition and repurposing of these buildings. But the PPP/C has long been averse to suggestions that originate outside of its leadership. Imagine rural towns boasting centres where young and old alike could come together to learn traditional dances, participate in theatre workshops, attend music classes and host dramatic and other cultural performances. These centres could double as venues for art exhibitions, and community events, breathing new life into areas that are too often ignored.

The idea isn’t new. It was suggested decades ago as an alternative to the centralized NCC. But back then, there was no money. Today, the situation is vastly different.

Guyana’s oil boom has ushered in unprecedented economic possibilities. The government is flush with funds and has the means to make transformative investments. The question is, will they seize this opportunity to right historical wrongs and invest in the cultural and social upliftment of rural communities?

Allocating resources for rural cultural centres isn’t just about rectifying Burnham’s misstep with the Indian Immigration Fund. It’s about recognizing that culture doesn’t belong to one city or one group. It belongs to the entire nation, and every corner of Guyana should have the infrastructure to celebrate it.

The benefits of rural cultural centres would extend far beyond the arts. These spaces could become focal points for community gatherings. They could inspire young people to stay in their communities rather than migrating to urban areas, helping to curb rural depopulation.

Moreover, cultural centres could serve as tourist attractions, drawing visitors interested in authentic local experiences. This would create economic opportunities, from employment at the centres to increased demand for local goods and services.

History cannot be undone, but it can be corrected. The government has a unique chance to address the neglect of rural culture and give every Guyanese community a stake in the nation’s cultural narrative.

The government must act now. Use the oil wealth to establish rural cultural centres and empower communities to preserve and celebrate their heritage. Let’s ensure that the talents of rural Guyana are no longer hidden in the shadows but shine brightly for all to see.

The oil boom won’t last forever, but the cultural legacy we build today will endure for generations. Instead of bemoaning the past, let’s correct it and build a future that honours the diverse tapestry of Guyanese culture.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)    

(A call for more cultural centres)

 

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• Cinema theatres, economic opportunities, Indian Immigration Fund, National Cultural Centre, PPP/C

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