-as Emancipation observances draw closerWITH Guyanese currently preparing for Emancipation celebrations on August 1, a number of cultural events are underway around the country, and several organisations are preparing various venues in observance of the annual event.

The African Cultural Development Association (ACDA), which usually organises the major national event in the city at the National Park, yesterday received a commitment from President Bharrat Jagdeo that $2M will go towards the activities.

This commitment was made at the Office of the President by the Head of State during a meeting with ACDA’s Administrator, Stanley Cooke.

Meanwhile, the President also committed to financially assisting the Bagotville Cultural group on the West Bank of Demerara, where rich African cultural activities are also slated to take place.

The Bagotville group has in store a host of activities to take place at the Bagotville Community Centre; and the group promises that these will be enjoyable and will include dances, songs, a church service, a concert and a symposium, among other events, as well as the main libation ceremony on July 31 at midnight, the eve of Emancipation Day. Celebrations at Bagotville are slated to begin on July 28.

It is expected that as usual, the main celebrations will be held at the National Park, where last year thousands of Guyanese flocked to get a glimpse of the African cultural exhibits, dances, songs and other activities, and to savour African cuisine.

Each year, the celebrations have been growing with Guyanese of all the country’s ethnic groups taking part.