L to R: COFONA Team Ms. Catherine Archer; Dr. Leonard Lewis; Celes Beresford; Ms. Paulette Henry; (in back row: Ms. Mavis LaBennett and Ms. Marcia Williams)
The Council of Friends of New Amsterdam (COFONA) has streamlined not one, but two weeks of rich cultural events and enriching activities that would celebrate the splendour of the 175th Anniversary of the Emancipation of Africans in British Guiana, as well as the 250th Anniversary of the Berbice Slave Rebellion. Therefore, with two special events being commemorated this year, the group has thought it fitting to plan expansively for various activities that will seek to bring out the true meaning and significance of Emancipation Day in Berbice.
President of the organization, Dr. Leonard Lewis stated that the events will begin from Sunday, July 28 and end on August 10 in New Amsterdam. These activities include an international conference where a number of individuals from New Amsterdam such as Dr. Ewart Thomas and others from overseas will be returning. A lot of the planned activities will incorporate the significance of the big number 250, to show the marking of the 250th anniversary being celebrated this year since the Berbice Slave Rebellion.
Community- based workshops involving stakeholders, churches, community organizations as well as businesses and members of the town will be involved.
Dr. Lewis noted, too, that 250 persons who have made significant contributions to the township will be honoured at an Honouring Ceremony. Local President of COFONA Guyana, Ms. Marcie Williams, in elaborating a bit more about the upcoming spectacular events, stated that the programmes being planned do not only seek to attract New Amsterdamers, but rather a wide cross- section of communities across Berbice, “because we are looking at cultural displays, exhibitions, drumming festivals, workshops, symposiums, forums…and we even have in mind to do sporting events—there will be a kids’ literacy and fun-day so there is a wide variety of activities that will be of interest to a wide age range of persons and we will be reaching across the communities.”
She noted, too, that the events are not only for persons of African descent “and we are seeking their involvement and participation, so that they will not only be successful, but memorable”.
Emancipation Day will begin with the traditional, grand Sunrise Service at the Mission Chapel Congregational Church in the town.
Williams added, too, that Ivelaw James’ new book of poetry’ ‘Poems for Cuffy’s Children’ will be launched. In addition, caravans from the Corentyne, East Canje, and Sandvoort will be participating in a day of activities. There will also be fireworks as well as displays of African wear, drumming, while members of the ex- (Guyana Defence Force) GDF Association will be present.
Several renowned persons have indicated their intention of attending. They include historian Alvin Thomas, as well as Dr. Vibert Cambridge, who will be writing a book about the history of music in Guyana. He will showcase the significance of music from New Amsterdam. Dr. Ewart Thomas from Stanford University will also host a series of discussions on education, anger management, domestic violence and substance abuse.
He also revealed that there will be a medical outreach programme and a Day of Community Service involving the visiting foreigners and residents of New Amsterdam.
Additionally, 250 youths of New Amsterdam will be selected to participate in a massive tree- planting exercise in various wards in the town. This exercise will precede July 28 and will last beyond the August 10 end-date of activities.
The planners have sought the involvement of the Ministry of Sports, Youth & Culture, Region 6 Administration, N/A Mayor & Town Council and the Ministry of Education.
The theme chosen for this year’s mega activities is: “From Resistance through Emancipation toward Empowerment.” COFONA is a collaborative network initiative comprising individuals, associations and agencies for the overall educational and socio-economic growth and development of New Amsterdam. It was formed in 2010.