Dear Editor,
On Tuesday August 1st 2023, the Macedonia Joppa Voluntary Committee (MJVC), a non-profitable organization located at Eversham Village, East Corentyne, Berbice commemorates the abolition of slavery in 1834. Emancipation Day is an important day for Guyana, especially in Berbice where the first slave revolt led by Cuffy Badu began on 23 February 1763. and lasted until December. So, when Guyana became a republic in 1970 the state declared 23 February as a day to commemorate the start of the Berbice slave revolt. To honour the slave revolt and our freedom, the Macedonia Joppa Voluntary Committee has planned its Emancipation celebrations to mark 189 years of the abolishment of slavery. This year’s Emancipation starts at 7:30 AM.
Residents of all ages and from all walks of life, regardless of race, religion, or social status will participate in several cultural, social, and educational activities including the recital of poems, singing of folk songs, playing of games, dancing to a variety of African songs, a cooking competition of the African dish, metemgee, a display of African outfits, and an education quiz competition on slavery, and on the history and geography of Guyana.
Emancipation is a celebration of our freedom, heritage, and the end of slavery. Emancipation has become a celebration of our shared history, our diversity, our culture, and a testimony of our maturity as a nation. The Macedonia Joppa Voluntary Committee invites all in the district and elsewhere to join and participate in the celebration on Tuesday August 1st, 2023.
Sincerely,
Dr. Asquith Rose,
MJVC Chair
Ms. Vanessa Ross-
Albert, MJVC
Public Relations
Director