Government has rescheduled the official launch of the International Year for People of African Descent (IYPAD) observances in the wake of concerns raised by several major African groups about the approved agenda, but the issues remain unresolved.
Reports are that the commemorative calendar of events for IYPAD would be made public at the official launch on January 19, and that the line-up of speakers includes the President, the City Mayor and the acting Secretary General of Caricom, among others.
The Committee of African groups which has aired concerns about the government approved programme is still waiting to meet Culture Minister Dr Frank Anthony, but it had pressed for the launch to be postponed from January 16 to facilitate further discussions on the agenda.
Eric Phillips of African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA) said yesterday that the Culture Minister has merely acknowledged receipt of the committee’s letter, and that the launch will likely go ahead without any input from the major African groups.
