Under the theme “From resistance to emancipation towards empowerment” the Council of Friends of New Amsterdam (COFONA) will be celebrating emancipation activities with the New Amsterdam 2013 Commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the 1763 Berbice Slave revolt and the 175th anniversary of emancipation.
President of COFONA, Dr. Leonard Lewis, said that during the two plus weeks of activities from July 28 to August, 11, 2013 there will be community service and empowerment speeches. There will be speeches on “Slavery’s Psychological Impact: Modern Day Manifestations” with panelists: Dr. Alvin Thompson; Ms. Esther Stanford-Xosei and Ms. Paulette Henry.
He said the Ministry of Culture will be participating in the event in setting up exhibitions and displays at the New Amsterdam Multilateral School.
Last Friday, the first 20 trees were planted by youths of the New Amsterdam Drum Corps. Two trees were planted in honour of two literary stalwarts of New Amsterdam, Edgar Mittelholzer and Sir Wilson Harris.
“The number of years between 1763 and 2013 (is 250) and so we will be planting one tree for each year…”250 years ago, the slaves in Canje and in the Berbice River revolted and that is what led us to today when we are free. We asked the youths to take part in this activity because we would like them to understand the significant part they have played in the past and roles they can play in the future.” Lewis noted.
Some of COFONA events includes: On July 31 there will be a Panel Presentation which speaks of “Preserving and Promoting Afro-Guyanese Cultural Legacies,” On August 2, Mission Chapel Congregational Church Annual Concert; On August 3 a Symposium in Buxton “Emancipation Celebration in Buxton,” on August 5 a Panel Presentation under the theme “Education: Challenges of Educating for the 21st Century in Guyana” at the Berbice High School, on August 9 a Stage Production by Leon Saul of Berbice Uprising and Poems for Cuffy’s Children amongst other activities.
Dr Lewis added that on August 4, the organisation will be recognizing 250 groups and entities that have made an impact from 1763.
He said this year is a special year for people of African descent and Guyanese as a whole. Some of the other activities include panel presentations on the rebellion, morning services, workshops and fun days.
Several renowned persons have indicated their intention to attend. 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.
There will be a medical outreach programme and a Day of Community Service involving the visiting foreigners and residents of New Amsterdam.
The Council of Friends of New Amsterdam (COFONA) is a broad-based collaborative initiative that networks with individuals, associations, businesses and governmental agencies for the educational, social and economic development of New Amsterdam.
BY KAIETEUR NEWS
