“Let’s be proud of our rich cultural tapestry” – PM tells Afro-Guyanese on African Holocaust Day

…says Govt committed to inclusivity, values traditions and customs of all Guyanese

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips assured Afro-Guyanese that the Government was committed to inclusivity and valued the traditions and customs of all Guyanese.

The senior Government official made these remarks while paying tribute to African ancestors, as he joined the African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA) at the Seawall Bandstand on Wednesday evening for the 29th Annual Observance of African Holocaust Day, also known as the MAAFA in Kiswahili.
Along with calls for inclusivity and denouncement of all forms of hate and prejudice, the Prime Minister was adamant that every Guyanese must benefit from the impending wealth of the country.
“There is no place for racism, marginalisation, and oppression in Guyana. It is all about development, inclusivity and improving all the lives and livelihoods of all Guyanese, inclusive of African Guyanese.”

Rich cultural tapestry
The Prime Minister pointed to the importance of promoting tradition and culture as he urged those present to not only remember their ancestors but to integrate African cultural identity by ensuring that Afro-Guyanese youths were educated and exposed to traditional customs.
“We must not be stuck in a mode of victimhood. We are descendants of survivors. We are the descendants of the people who were enslaved and who struggled and overcame slavery. It means that we, as a people, must now educate our children,” Phillips said.
He further added: “We have to ensure that the opportunities that are presented by the PPP/C Government, all the opportunities are grasped by the youths of Guyana. When we create employment, whether part-time or full-time employment, grasp those opportunities; when we provide affordable housing, grasp for those opportunities.
We’ve expanded scholarships, grasp for those opportunities.”

With the people, for the people
The senior Government official also stated that the Government would continue to work hand-in-hand with all the people of Guyana to advance economic and social development.
“All the people of Guyana will benefit from all the revenues of Guyana, including African Guyanese. That is the message of the Government of Guyana. There will be no discrimination. This Government is promoting inclusive governance and development for all the people of Guyana. So join us to participate in improving the lives and livelihoods of all Guyanese as we pay homage…during the MAAFA.”
The theme of this year’s commemorative programme is “Bringing into focus the brutal and destructive rape of the continent of Africa’s People and Resources”.
African Holocaust Day is observed annually on October 12 and commemorates the mass murder and enslavement of Africans.
The Culture, Youth, and Sport Minister, Charles Ramson Jr, along with a number of representatives from African cultural and development organisations and other groups, were also in attendance.