The Culture Ministry and the Guyana Cultural Association say tribute will be paid to the late folklorist and cultural pioneer Wordsworth McAndrew at Carifesta X.
According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release the event is being promoted by the Association and the ministry. Minister Dr Frank Anthony told a symposium that the festival “serves to bring our cultural icons and practitioners together to conduct research, share experiences and discuss issues that are pertinent to our culture.” He said too Folk Festival has always provocative and stimulating and he expects nothing less of this festival. The minister said icons such as McAndrew helped the population to preserve “its rich culture and folk practices despite the fact that in previous times our creolese language came under pressure” from an emerging western culture. McAndrew taught Guyana to appreciate its culture and to accept its identity instead of being ashamed of it. In echoing his statements Pro Chancellor at the University of Guyana Dr Prem Misir told the gathering that McAndrew was among a group of persons who recognised the diversity of culture and embraced cultural pluralism.
Anthony said the festival highlights what can be achieved when “we combine the strength of the diaspora and those at home. These committed efforts have certainly kept our traditions alive and perhaps give us a more profound sense of our identity as we forge new directions in a complex and changing world,” he said.
The minister said in many developing countries government involvement in culture is limited as scarce resources are directed towards health care and infrastructure. However, he encourages Guyanese to look ahead for opportunities that ensure the viability and sustainability of this diverse culture; particularly aspects such as Amerindian dialects which if not passed on will soon become extinct.
According to GINA the symposium also recognised the contribution of artists and folklorists SSR Allsopp, Ovid Abrams, Peter Kempadoo and Eddie Hooper. The release said too government has allotted a $100M grant to the ministry that has allowed it to refurbish the archives, the National Park and other projects.
