With the COVID-19 pandemic still requiring physical distancing, the annual Emancipation anniversary celebrations are being held virtually this year.
Soyini Clarke, of the African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA), told Stabroek News that virtual activities include the Emancipate Yourself challenge, the “Wha deh in You Pot” show, the Express Yourself the African Way fashion competition, and an Emancipation Lockdown concert utilising Facebook Live and Zoom.
ACDA’s Emancipation Festival is traditionally held in the National Park in Georgetown.
While Clarke said the decision to go virtual was made by the organisation after assessing the COVID-19 situation in the country, she noted that not everyone has access to the internet, which will prevent some from partaking in the activities planned.
This year marks 27 years since the organisation has been hosting its annual celebrations.
Director of Culture Tamika Boatswain said a number of programmes will be shown on the state-run National Communications Network (NCN).
According to the Facebook page of the Ministry of Presidency’s Department of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport, a number of programmes are scheduled for the Emancipation period. They include a panel discussion on the African Guyanese contribution to building Guyana, which will be aired on August 1, and another on African Guyanese pioneers in the labour movement, which will be aired on August 2.
Boatswain said the programmes were going to be both educational and entertaining.
