The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport has presented a cheque valued $5M to the African Cultural Development Association (ACDA) for the August 1 hosting of Emancipation Day observances at the National Park.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony presented the cheque to ACDA Executive Member Eric Phillips on Wednes-day morning at the ministry, in the presence of Permanent Secretary Alfred King.
According to the Government Information Agency (GINA), the cheque should have been handed over to the organisation prior to the hosting of the celebrations but was rescheduled due to an unforeseen incident on the part of ACDA. After making the presentation, the minister praised ACDA’s execution of the cultural event this year.
“ACDA has been able to maintain a very vibrant festival in the National Park,” Anthony said. He also noted that the Association “has done very great work to bring the festival to the level that it is,” one that is of “high quality” that featured “good cultural presentations.”
GINA said 45 other groups had approached the ministry for support during the Emancipation period. Anthony was pleased that the number of groups that had sought assistance had increased over the years, noting that this shows that the vibrancy of the African culture is taking root in the communities.
“This is important as it only serves to anchor us and build our self esteem…As Guyanese all of our cultures- what we have brought from our transplanted homelands and have now grown up here in Guyana is something for us to be proud of,” he said. According to GINA, the minister explained that when members of the society embrace their different cultures “it helps to anchor us in our identity and that is very important because then we know who we are.”
Meanwhile, Phillips expressed gratitude for the government’s support of ACDA’s work and its hosting of the event. Echoing the minister, Phillips said “Culture is key to uniting Guyana,” adding that he hopes the different cultures, religions and way of life become invaluable as Guyanese seek to live the motto of ‘One People, One Nation, One Destiny’.’
