Georgetown, GINA, August 1, 2003
The 169th anniversary of Emancipation is August
1.
The anniversary of Emancipation is a wonderful opportunity to
promote an understanding of the African Diaspora now scattered
around the world and to reflect on the sacredness of freedom.
Although slavery was formally abolished in 1807, it was not until
1834, however, that it was actually made a reality.
The British Empire spanned the Caribbean, Canada, India, China,
Australia and South America.
Since the declaration of Emancipation on August 1, 1834 much has
happened in Guyana.More than 100,000 slaves were freed. These
slaves then bought portions of land for farming purposes.
This was the beginning of a long history of African village development.
After Emancipation the Apprenticeship period began and ex-slaves
earned money with which they purchased property.
Villages such as Victoria, Buxton, Hopetown, Lichfield and Golden
Grove are among some of the villages that became African villages
after Emancipation.
As the society became more developed, Africans ventured into other
types of economic activities.
They began with farming, the trade they had developed to perfection
in small villages.
With the Africans came clothes such as the dashiki and food like
cook-up rice, metemgee, cankie and fufu, among others.
They have also initiated celebrations such as Soiree and Kwe-Kwe.Today,
Africans have found a place in every strata of society and have
contributed significantly to Guyana’s development. The Public
Service, the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Defense Force and
the Judiciary are some of the areas in which Africans now have
prominent places. Outstanding personalities are Prime Minister
Samuel Hinds a Chemical Engineer and Leader of the Opposition
Mr. Robert Corbin.
Many Africans have also risen to prominence. One such person is
Rashleigh Jackson. He was Principal Asst Secretary External Affairs
(1965 – 1969), Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Permanent
Representative to the United Nations for Namibia and later Minister
of Foreign Affairs (1978 – 1991).
Another is Brynmor Pollard a legal luminary and now a Legal Advisor
to the Organisation of American States (OAS). Pollard was also
a recipient of the Golden Achievement for Legal Services (1974)
and the Cacique’s Crown of Honour for Legal Services (1979).
Desiree Bernard Chancellor of the Judiciary was the first female
for a top position in the legal field in the Caribbean is another
outstanding achiever in her own right. Others would include Vice-Chancellor
of the University of Guyana Dr. James Rose a noted Historian.
In Politics there is Dr. Henry Jeffrey, Minister of Education
and former Minister of Health and Labour.
In the Financial sector, there are personalities such as Professor
Compton Bourne President of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).
Sport personalities such as World Super Lightweight Champion Vivian
‘Vicious’ Harris, World Cruiserweight Champion Wayne
‘Big Truck’ Harris, Marian Burnette and Alian Pompey
Commonwealth Games 400m Champion are also included on the list.
The Government has made every effort to ensure that there is no
marginalisation of any one group in the society.
Everyone has free access to education, health facilities, jobs,
training and other social services. This has been outlined as
part of fundamental freedoms and rights for all Guyanese.
There is evidence to support the fact that there are more Africans
in the Public Service than any other ethnic group. The same goes
for the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force.
All communities including those considered African-dominated areas
have been provided with social services.
The Government is pleased to be associated with those freedoms
which the slaves fought for. In this regard, Government has strived
to achieve democracy and encourage nation-building.
All coastland areas, and these include African villages, have
access to potable water, electricity and roads. In the Hinterland
more and more communities are getting access to social services.
The community of Buxton was listed as a depressed community and
received $15M from the Government for developmental works last
year. De Kindren was also on this list.
Steps were also included to preserving all forms of culture and
ways of life of the people of this country. The Ministry of Culture,
Youth and Sport initiated a revitalization and preservation programme
of all cultural artforms countrywide.The situation of Africans
has changed the world over and this is no different in Guyana.
The Joint Communique between Leader of the Opposition Robert Corbin
and President Bharrat Jagdeo is an ideal opportunity for the improvement
of the lives of Africans.The Government recently clinched a deal
with Cambior for the continued functioning of the mining operations
at the Linden Mining Enterprise (LINMINE). Government pumped $1B
annually into that industry which employs mostly Africans.
Another deal was recently signed for Aroiama to take over operations
at Kwakwani for the next three years. This arrangement will ensure
jobs for over 400 persons and development in the Kwakwani area.
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