Consulate General of Guyana emancipation observance rooted in folklore, culture, and reflection

Consul General of Guyana to New York, Ambassador Michael E. Brotherson on July 31, hosted an inciteful and momentous Emancipation Observance, rooted in culture, folklore, and reflection. 

The attaché told a colorfully dressed capacity crowd in the auditorium of Medgar Evers College, in Brooklyn, that emancipation is indelibly a part of the Guyanese identity, and life whether at home or abroad.

“History is replete with accounts of what is generally considered to be the most atrocious crime ever committed against humanity. It is incumbent upon us to continually celebrate the bravery and tenacity of our ancestors who refused to accept human degradation and exploitation.”

CG Brotherson called on compatriots to remember Guyanese ancestors, Cuffy and Damon, who were at the forefront of resistance of brutal regimes of that abominable system of slavery.

“Cuffy, led one of the Caribbean’s largest and more successful slave uprisings in 1773 in Berbice, he recalled, adding that Cuffy’s leadership and bravery, arguably, spread across the region and emboldened thousands of slaves to fight for their freedom decades later.

“Today we can appreciate the achievements that people of African descent have made in every possible field of endeavor. It is with this fact in mind, that the Government of Guyana continues to support appropriate events and activities in observance of Emancipation Day.”

“President Ali has been exemplary in his commitment to ensuring that Emancipation is given national deference and prominence, in all its dimensions.”

Consul General of Guyana to New York, Ambassador Michael E. Brotherson addressed a standing-room only colorfully dressed Guyanese audience at an Emancipation Observance hosted by the diplomat office on July 31, at Medgar Evers College.Photo by Tangerine Clarke

He said the diplomat office remains committed to working with advocates and groups in the Diaspora to help spread awareness of the significance of emancipation and the important events taking place on the ground.

“I wish to reiterate that as we continue to forge ahead, let us never debase nor forget the bravery, resilience and he determination of or ancestors,” said the diplomat, adding, as we pursue small acts whether in education, medicine, politics, or in the workplace, let us think about, and appreciate those who came before us and fought for the freedoms we enjoy today, said CG Brotherson, who thanked the Consulate’s staff for their diligent work and contributions in organizing the event.

Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, said as emancipation observed all must be reminded of the Africans that were enslaved. He noted that to this day, people across the world are suffering, and “we must move in the right direction to gain the true meaning of what it means to be free, from America to Guyana. We still have a lot of work to do, said the politician. 

Williams, then presented a Certificate from the office of Public Advocate for the City of New York to CG Brotherson that says, this certificate is Awarded to Ambassador Michael E. Brotherson Consulate General of Guyana in New York – “In recognition of dedicated service to community and cause, on the occasion, of Guyana Emancipation Day Observance July 31, 2024.

The commemoration, that opened with the pouring of libation by entertainer Winston Jeggae Hoppy, assisted by Leyland Hazelwood, was reflected in the message from Ambassador Trishala Persaud, who spoke of the end of the most impressive system known to mankind and refling on the brutal conditions and inhumane treatment of the enslaved people suffered.

From left to right Senator Jabari Brisport, Public Advocate of New York, Jumaane Williams,Consul General Michael E. Brotherson, Foreign Secretary, Guyana, Robert Persadu, Senator Roxanne J. Persaud and Deputy Permanent Representative of Guyana to the UN, Trishala Persaud, after a Public Advocate Certificate was presented to GuyanaPhoto by Tangerine Clarke

“We honor the profound legacy of our ancestors who fought for a more just and equitable society. Emancipation is not merely a commemoration of the end of slavery it is a celebration of resilience, courage, and the unwavering human spirit of the relentless pursuit of liberty, that instilled in us the values of unity perseverance, and the unyielding belief in our right to self-determination, and values that are as important today,” said the envoy.

A riveting choreography by Jermain Victor captured the essence of the afternoon’s commemoration of emancipation, that Guyana’s Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud, said, is solemn, but is also a joyful occasion. It was a heinous system that’s called institutional slavery, according to historical records, close to five million persons perish as a result, within the Americas. 

 “Our ancestors led the way for the Americans because the 1763 slaver rebellion was the first mass slave revolt within the Americas. There was that spirit of fighting, and overcoming hardship, and standing up to what’s wrong, especially from Guyana’s perspective.”

He argued that when folks in America say why Guyanese are championing reparation, “remind them that our ancestors led the fight for emancipation, they set the tone and encouraged all the enslaved to stand up and fight for their freedom.”

“All Guyanese, and persons of Guyanese descent must be proud of the characteristic of what we inherited and what was banqueted to us and handed down to our forebearers. Emancipation observance is happening across the length and breadth of our country.” 

“President Ali has an emancipation observance outside of his residents. Our Consul General Michael Brotherson referred to an entire Emancipation village along Main Street in Georgetown, added Persaud. 

“Villages where slaves bought, and developed communities, observe emancipation that is encouraged and supported by the Guyana Government that has donated approximately $M88, over the last four years.” 

“It’s important that we celebrate, because it gives us an opportunity to reflect and remind generations how hard it was, and the journey it took to get us here, said Robert Persaud.

Young author Anaya Willabus, addresses the audience at an Emancipation Day Observance at Medgar Evers College on Juky 31, hosted by the Guyana Consulate.Photo by Tangerine Clarke

Ambassador Trishala Persaud, deputy permanent representative of Guyana to the United Nations, spoke of the critical role the diaspora plays in shaping and advancing Guyana’s presence on the world stage. 

“Your advocacy, cultural promotion, and professional achievements continuously enhance our nation’s image and foster good international relations.”

 “Your unwavering connection to Guyana is not only a testament to your patriotism but also its crucial component of national development.  said the envoy.”

 “I urge you to continue being ambassadors of our beloved homeland and to be part of Guyana’s transformation. Your skills knowledge and experiences are invaluable assets to our nation. said Ambassador Persaud.

Young author, 17-year-old, Anaya Lee Willabus, publisher of four books, and a freshman of Princeton University said, as the daughter of Guyanese immigrant parents whose heritage was shaped by slavery, “I know Emancipation Day has a profound significance, not only in my family’s history but in transforming Guyana into the nation it is today.”

The award-winning writer, and champion soccer player, recalled the freedom gained on August 1,1838, noting that Emancipation Day stands as a “testament to the tenacity of those who fought tirelessly against the injustices of slavery, paving the way for the future where all Guyanese could live freely and successfully. 

The auditorium that was filled with the infectious rhythm of the African drum, singing of Bob Marley’s Redemption Song performed by Jevanah La Rose, and the nostalgia heard in the enthralling poetry “Fuh All A’we by Dr. Lear Matthews, showcased the essence and history of emancipation.

Jennifer Branche, an attorney-at-law at the United Nations, in turn was methodical in her presentation on Emancipation. Her in-depth historical reflection was both captivating and spiritual. Her recollection of the hard fight for freedom were captured in the folklore, customs, and culture of Guyanese life. 

Senator Roxanne J. Persaud applauded Guyanese for coming together in unity for the celebration of emancipation, noting that she is the first, and only Guyanese-born in the NYS. “I proudly carry my Guyanese flag, and as we celebrate emancipation, let’s remember that we all come under the same flag. “I am proud of my Guyanese people,” she said, noting that a resolution was put forward to address the slavery.

Dancer Jermain Victor captured during a riveting performance at Guyana’s Emancipation Observance hosted by the diplomatic office on July 31, at Medgar Evers College.Photo by Tangerine Clarke

Senator Jabari Bisport of Guyanese heritage lauded the observance of history, cultural pride, customs, and reminisced about the folklore cuisine of curried chicken, bake and salt -fish, and pepperpot/ bread and black fruit cake at Christmas time, he ate in his Guyanese home while growing up. 

“I would like to thank the Consulate for hosting Emancipation Day observance. It’s important to acknowledge our history, Senator Persaud and I put forward a reparation bill to examine the slave trade and the racial injustices Africans endured.

“It was tough, many people don’t want to talk about slavery, and only acknowledge slavery in American colonies said Sen. Bisport, quoting politician Charles Barron, who said, “we cannot be divided from where the slave ships dropped us off.”

With fist raised Claire Patterson-Monah as part of her vote of thank speech said, “the struggle continues,” after a monumental, memorable Emancipation Day observance, emceed by Ambosede Hazelwood.