Dear Editor,
Kindly permit me the space in your newspaper to call on the Department of Culture to address an anomaly that occurred at the ‘Soiree’ on the West Coast of Berbice on July 31 last.
The Africans who bought the village of Hopetown, came from different tribes and various parts of West Africa. They brought with them various cultures, customs and traditions. In celebration of their freedom from slavery, known as Emancipation, they combined their diverse culture into a melting pot and called it “Soiree”.
Soiree is the pre-emancipation celebration which is held every year on July 31 at Hopetown, West Coast Berbice. Other villages bought by Africans usually celebrate Soiree however this event held at Hopetown is the premium Soiree. The observances begin with a candlelight parade through the village, followed by a cultural presentation and a libation ceremony at midnight. In addition to those events, cultural dances and celebrations are also done. Drumming, folk songs and string bands add to the amusement. African foods are prepared and sold. The celebrations go on until morning and at this time another parade is done through the village. At sunrise everyone goes home tired and exhausted. That is what Soiree used to be!
It peeves my soul to see a total departure from that custom. Ms. Joan James under the auspices of the St. Michael Anglican Church of Hopetown tried to solicit partial funds for the successful hosting of Soiree. The government and private companies donated. The funds solicited were for the partial payment for the Yoruba Singers, rental of toilets, ads and marketing of same. To our dismay ANSA McAL Management hired a sound system that saw it wise to show off what they had in their bond.
This sound company brought out their entire PA system that covered the area where Soiree was held. Music played by this sound company was at such loud decibels that it drowned out everything else that was happening around it. The cultural show could not have proceeded as planned. Could you imagine the Yoruba Singers band performing live could not even hear themselves sing? This forced patrons to leave the venue. The money invested in Soiree could not be regained. Some of the financial commitments entered into by the organizing committee could not be honoured in full because of the actions of the management of ANSA McAl.
It appeared as though beverage companies are only set on raking up sales without turning an eye to the social impact of their actions. This is not only disrespectful but is also a blatant disregard to the African culture. An event that commemorates the freedom of African ancestors from slavery has now turned into an annual ‘Party till the sunrise’ event. Soiree has over the years been allowed to deteriorate to low standards where the significance of the occasion is forgotten. What are we teaching the younger generation? No wonder they appear lost and disconnected from their culture. Our ancestors must be turning in their graves. Instead of allowing youths to experience their heritage, Soiree has over the years emerged to be a highly commercialised event. It is now an event that promotes the use of alcohol, bumping and grinding and similar vulgar behaviour.
We appeal to the Department of Culture to address this issue front on. The Soiree culture deserves to be preserved. There are 365 days in a calendar year, please allow this one night to remain sacred. Ban the sale of alcohol and the use of sound systems at this event. In closing, I would like to thank the Guyana Police Force for a job well done in controlling the traffic. It was the first time in years that traffic was smooth flowing.
Yours faithfully,
Shonelle Agard
