Calls made for national unity at Emancipation Day celebration in Region 2

By: Indrawattie Natram

Calls were made for national unity at the Region Two Emancipation Celebrations held at the Anna Regina Car Park on Sunday evening.

Hundreds gathered to witness the 178th Anniversary of African Emancipation from slavery. Delivering the feature address during a cultural programme organised by ACEDA (African Cultural Education Development Association) was former University of Guyana Vice Registrar and current Advisor to the Minister of Education, Vincent Alexander.

Speaking at the ACEDA organised programme, Alexander used the opportunity to define the term emancipation, noting that it is a fact or process where one is set free from legal, social or political restriction. During the definition he stressed that there needs to be a collective emancipation where persons work together in Unity for a better Guyana. Alexander said that emancipation is a constant struggle and it can only be achieved through continuous unison. At that point he explained that Damon was the first to fight for Emancipation for Essequibians by starting a revolution.

He further noted that Guyana as a country is going through the liberation process and called on all Guyanese to paddle together towards the development process.

“Freedom can only be realised in wealth not in poverty, as such we need to work together and hold hands, we can do this as a nation” Alexander pointed out.

Representing the Region Two Administration was Regional Vice Chairman Showkat Ali who said that the Regional Democratic Council fully supports ACEDA and it’s programme. Ali said that Africans did a lot for Guyana and their efforts should always be recognised.

He used the opportunity to extend Emancipation greetings to all Guyanese and also trumpted the call for unity.

The programme commenced after a candle light march from the Damon Monument at La Belle Alliance to Anna Regina with singing of African cultural songs and drumming.

At midnight the libation ceremony was conducted, accompanied by loud lively African drumming. The ACEDA was formed in 2001 with the aim of promoting culture and education.

Thus far the group has sponsored 26 young people to pursue career courses at the Essequibo Technical Institute. Children are also being taught craft, trade and pottery by the group.