The Culture Ministry has rejected claims that major groups were not properly consulted on the agenda for International Year for People of African Descent (IYPAD) observances, saying that ACDA chose to discontinue its attendance and participation. The Ministry issued a statement registering its shock and disappointment with the claims by the organisations, which have expressed displeasure at the process used by the government to plan the IYPAD programme.
Eric Phillips of the African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA) told Stabroek News that his
organisation along with others that have since formed a ‘Committee’ were not properly consulted during the planning process and that they “are yet to see the planned agenda which was submitted to the UN, and/or be informed of the funding and budgetary allocation….”
Phillips said yesterday that ACDA withdrew because it was not happy with how the process was going and according to him “many others have concerns even now.” He said that a few individuals from his organisation were part of the process but they did not represent ACDA.
But the Ministry said that it was astounded to learn that the ‘Committee’ which Phillips referred to would convey the impression that the government, through that Ministry, either sought to exclude legitimate Afro-Guyanese representative organisations from its planning, or somehow deliberately did not consult enough with the widest possible spectrum of such organisations. “The Ministry, in its amazement, is left to speculate as to the real reasons behind the groups’ conclusions and about who influenced such responses,” the statement said, while noting that there is no UN budget or funding. Director of Culture Dr. James Rose also spoke with Stabroek News yesterday and said he was surprised by the reports of the process being hijacked and claims of government’s intrusion because “the process belonged to the people.” He said too that the ACDA was involved from “the beginning to the end,” and he noted that the work was done by the groups that indicated an interest. Dr. Rose said the groups named him to chair the national planning committee out of respect and he observed that his role was often to quell occasional disagreements. The policy document which was produced benefited significantly from the African organisations that were present throughout the process, he said. He said too that conflict was present given the wide spectrum of groups involved in the process, but emphasised that the group was dedicated to the process and worked hard to produce a “wonderful policy document.” According to Dr. Rose, the real work and accomplishments are for the groups involved in the process to take credit not the government.
Phillips insisted that many of the groups which aired concerns have legitimately done so and he noted that the major African groups are still waiting to meet with the Minister of Culture Dr. Frank Anthony to have the issue resolved. He said that as far as he was aware, the plans for an official launching were on hold. Phillips said too that while the government has claimed a hands-off approach, “there are prominent officials sitting on the committee and making decisions.”
In the Ministry’s statement, an outline of the preparations for the observances this year was released and it dated back to June 18, 2010, when the first meeting was convened by the Ministry. Since then, the Ministry said it has tapped into its database of numerous African-oriented organisations which have declared their interest and objectives in promoting the history, culture, welfare and development of the Afro-Guyanese community. Initially, the organisations were identified to assist the Ministry with the annual Emancipation observance. The Ministry said that after the first meeting, several others followed in addition to rigid consultations.
The Central Committee as composed by the interest groups includes: Dr James Rose, Chairman; Hamilton Green, Vice-Chairman; Col L V Ross, MCYS; Jenny Daly, Secretary; Thomas Dalgety, Assistant Secretary; Lennox King, Treasurer; Lashanna Lillie, Museum of African Heritage; Eon Andrews, Concerned Citizen; Nurlene Bess, EOR; Clifford Blackett, National Emancipation Trust (NET); Joal Burnett, NET; Joseph Connelly, Stanleytown; Daniel Fisher, Individual; Yvette Herod, First of August Movement; Carol Joseph, Hopetown; Priest Oba Mwanza, Ifa Aiyetoro Church; Pearline Mclean, Pan African Movement; Percy Munroe, East Canje; Ishmael Muhammad, NET; and Noah Yahshuarun, Deomart.
According to the Ministry, Rose and Col Ross were the only persons not chosen or appointed to the body by attendees. The Ministry said also that in July 2010, a preliminary Central Committee proposal of activities and events for the IYPAD was produced, based on the numerous suggestions and plans put forward by the various individuals, groups and organisations.
Further, it noted that later in the year, after weeks of work by UG’s Dr Michael Scott, a consequent programme was refined and circulated to all stakeholders who participated and still participate in the Central Committee’s deliberations.
The statement added that the Minister recently announced in the National Assembly an outline of some of the national activities and projects planned and that he again invited all sides of the House to submit ideas as the Calendar of Events announced was not closed or exclusive.
