Georgetown: A spectacular cultural programme awaited the staff of the Ministry of Housing and Water and special invitees today as they prepared to usher in Emancipation, celebrated on August 1st annually.
As is customary, the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) and the Ministry hosted the celebration in keeping with the spirit of unity and the understanding that, irrespective of race or religion, Guyanese across the nation embrace each others culture.
This belief was reflected in the diverse programme planned with various dances, poems, songs and powerful African drumming by the Hebrew Family group, which left the invitees enthralled; staff members were also garbed in clothing depicting traditional African prints.
In his address Housing Minister Irfaan Ali urged those present to reflect on the true meaning of the occasion and to recognize the fact that Guyana has an important role to play in history.
“The sacrifices were not made for any one individual or culture but it was made for freedom across the world, it is this deeper meaning of emancipation must be understood, it is only then that we can grasp the significance of the event,” he explained.
Further, Minister Ali reminded that in today’s modern world, traces of exploitation and discrimination still exist which must be rejected and fought against at all costs.
Ali said, “People still fighting for rights , this is a modern world that still have many forms of exploitation, trafficking in persons , domestic violence, which are severe examples of exploitation, we must struggle against these modern forms of exploitation that can take away from what has been won.”
On this note, he stressed that the time is ripe for Guyanese to understand our cultural identity, and the fusion that gives us that one unique Guyanese identity with common values and principles that must be put into practice, these include values of equality, patience and understanding, which are all characteristics of the struggle for emancipation.
In closing, Ali stressed on the need for all to adapt new ways of thinking and for the pooling of ideas to fight off any form of modern day subjection.
Reflecting on the importance of the Housing Ministry’s hosting of the annual activity, he said, “We are very proud at the CHPA that we can be part of the celebration, and in educating the staff on the importance of the occasion and the identity that comes with it. We are happy that we can be part of the overall ambition of those that came before us to forge unity through love understanding and patience; this is still very critical in our country and in our world today.”
The Housing Minister expressed gratitude to the Hebrew Family, the National Dance Company and to the staff who contributed towards making the programme as success.
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