Essequibo-based farmer and craftsman Ronald Peters, is a ‘Special Person’

Aug 03, 2025 News

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Sharing an unwavering dedication to African culture and advocacy…

By Shania Williams

Kaieteur News – Emancipation is more than just a historical milestone marking freedom for Africans; for many, it represents a celebration of cultural roots and African heritage.

For Ronald Peters, a passionate and long-standing advocate for African culture, heritage, and rights, emancipation signifies something even deeper—liberation through African spirituality.

This proud Afro-Guyanese is a teacher, mentor, advisor, and farmer, deeply rooted in the traditions of his African ancestry.

His lifelong exposure to and appreciation for his heritage have shaped his path, and in recognition of his unwavering dedication, Peters has been named this week’s “Special Person” by The Waterfalls.

AFRICAN VALUES

Born and raised in Dartmouth, Essequibo Coast, Peters was immersed in African culture from an early age. Located at Lot 56 Public Road—formerly known as “The New Ground”—Peters grew up in a household with his parents and three siblings. He recalls that beyond his immediate family, the entire village played a role in raising him, instilling discipline and a strong sense of community.

Dartmouth, as Peters describes, was a self-sufficient farming village established by 25 formerly enslaved Africans.

“We were big on agriculture. We had both crops and livestock.  We had so much produce on the farm at that time we were encouraged to establish a community food center and a farm market. All that we need for survival was right there”.

Peters began farming and caring for animals as early as five years old. “I was doing all sorts of thing at that age, I was planting, cultivating the crops, had to look after the animals. I had an early start and that was automatic, it was part of my life”.

Beyond farming, Dartmouth is a close-knit community that truly embodies the saying, “it takes a village to raise a child.”

He said he grew up with a strong sense of discipline, shaped not just by his parents but by the elders and neighbors around him.

He learned valuable life lessons through this communal upbringing. “I couldn’t do anything out of order,” he said with a smile.

“If we did anything wrong, we’d get a good beating. Sometimes, just one look from a neighbour was enough to straighten you out,” he added.

As a child, Peters attended Dartmouth Primary School before moving on to Anna Regina Secondary, where he discovered a passion for woodworking. This led him to develop an interest in forestry and the symbolic connection between trees and African roots.

He explained “I heard the stories that sparked a lot of awakening in me. It really started during my secondary school years, because I became a little curious when I was in 4^th Form. My father guided me to learn a skill, and I started working with wood. I was curious to know more about wood and where it really came from.”

The craftsman later pursued formal training at the Guyana Industrial Training Centre (GITC) and eventually worked with the Guyana Forestry Commission until 2002.

“My job took me all over this country and the experience I gained was a lot but because of administrative issues I was laid off,” he disclosed.

ADVOCACY

After leaving his job, Peters returned to farming, focusing on poultry and crop production. He also delved into honey production and began conducting in-depth research into African culture and heritage. “It became about self-repair understanding who I really am,” he said.

Peters has since founded and joined several organizations dedicated to preserving African culture and empowering Afro-Guyanese communities. These include the All African Guyanese Council, the Cuffy250 Committee, the Guyana Reparations Committee, and the International Decade for People of African Descent Assembly – Guyana (IDPADA-G), where he has made valuable contributions.

He is particularly passionate about passing on cultural knowledge to the next generation.

Peters teaches children traditional African skills like drumming and crafts, emphasizing the importance of knowing their heritage. “It’s about knowing who you are and where you came from,” he stated.

CULTURAL IDENTITY

Given his strong sense of heritage Peters remains an integral part of the Emancipation celebrations in Dartmouth.

He recalled that Emancipation season in the village was always a spectacular and vibrant time.

“The entire community would come alive with the rhythmic sounds of African drums, traditional dances, and spiritual celebrations. It was a true expression of liberation, filled with rich cultural displays and some of the finest traditional African foods.”

Peters fully embraces and enjoys the spirit of Emancipation. “On pre-emancipation you will have lots of drumming and dancing, some libations and on the day itself you have displays of various foods and crafts”.

However, he acknowledges that these traditions have faded over time. “When you go to Dartmouth, you still have that raw creoles talk but when it comes to the dances and drumming, that is not so much there. And I feel I little bit guilty about that because in my father’s home we always had drums. My father had some drums and grew up knocking on those drum but I was told to secure those drums for him and make them ready for any engagements,” he said.

Peters noted that his love for the African culture and roots also influenced his spiritual journey. Though raised in the Catholic Church, Peters became more aligned with African spirituality. “I grew up in a Catholic church, and then I realized the role the church played in the lives of my forefathers and what it truly meant for the African nation”.

“I became less sympathetic to that side and embraced African spirituality instead. I found out that when we came to Guyana, our culture was stripped away we couldn’t use our drums or sing our songs. That was only reinstated later by founder-leader Burnham,” he said.

Outside of this, Peters is also a proud father of one and is committed to raising his son with a deep understanding and appreciation of African culture. As an entrepreneur, he sells traditional African items, bowls, clothing, jewelry that reflect the richness of his heritage.

He stands as a steadfast advocate for African culture and spirituality. His life is a testament to resilience, self-discovery, and cultural pride. “African spirituality is what brought us to where we are and it is the kind of energy we need to have to sustain our life indefinitely,” he said.

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• African Culture, craftsman, Essequibo, Farmer, Ronald Peters, Special Person

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