A talented young artist recently had the pleasure of seeing his artwork come to life and prominently displayed in his village on the east coast of Demerara.
The Department of Public Information (DPI) yesterday informed that the government in partnership with residents of Victoria Village, East Coast Demerara, constructed and installed an emancipation arch in the community in recognition of the resilience, sacrifices, and indomitable spirit of African ancestors.
The arch, which was designed by a young resident of the village, 14-year-old, Kayden Meusa, was unveiled on Thursday evening, as part of the community’s Emancipa-tion Day activities. The young artist disclosed that he had conducted in-depth research on Victoria’s history to compile the design of the arch.
Attendees at the historic unveiling included Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony; Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, and Chair of Victoria Emancipation and Anniversary Planning Committee (VAPC), Kenneth Semple.
Anthony in remarks posited that the arch will stand as a lasting reminder for future generations to help them, understand, appreciate, and remember the sacrifices made by their ancestors.
“This is the history that you came from. If we fail to remind the next generation of these atrocities, people would believe that what you have today and what you are celebrating came lightly… We have to find ways and means to teach people this history because it is important,” Dr Anthony explained.
The health minister also opined that a lot more could be done to celebrate Victoria’s rich tradition and culture. “We have a very rich history. And what we won in terms of this liberation in 1838 did not come without a struggle. It came because there were lots of people over many years that were involved in struggling for change in this country. We can go back as far as 1763.”
Dr Anthony also emphasised the importance of celebrations like these, noting that everyone has been able to make a valuable contribution towards the development of Guyana.
A plaque and a token were awarded to Meusa for his exemplary work, the release added.
