Dear Editor,
As far as I know the community of Linden has not been known traditionally for the staging of soirées to celebrate Emancipation Day. Though predominantly an African populated community, it can make claim to being a melting pot habouring folks across the ethnic stretch of the three counties – from the high mountains in the Essequibo region across the Demerara to the lower Corriverton plain in Berbice. Obviously, however, a large contingent of these – if not the majority – are Berbicians, some no doubt whose ancestry is kin to the 1763 Slave Rebellion leaders Cuffy and Accara, with possibly the same blood running through their veins. Hence for many years, the folks of African ancestry in Mackenzie/ Linden who hail from those villages known for celebrating this historic event have been almost religiously making their journey back to their homes to share in the rituals and happenings.
However, some conscious ones have been encouraging the emancipation celebrations here in Linden in their own small way, so that Africans here in the community can have something to identify with as being part of their ancestry and culture. These people have introduced all that goes along with the celebrations: libation, soirée, games, pageant, etc, which have now caught on somewhat, though not with same fervour as in the traditional villages. The late Burnel Thomas aka ‘Akou’ was one of the main persons instrumental in championing this celebration. Last Emancipation gone, a small and conscious set of young people belonging to the ‘Flame of the Arts’ drumming and dance group made a good effort to stage this significant historical traditional event, trying to ensure that it did not fade out completely.
Though the principal organizers of this Flame of the Arts Group in the persons of Lavern Fraser, Rawle Brewester and Minty Fredrecks were given lavish TV time through the kind courtesy of Eon Halls on his ‘Under the Microscope’ programme, it failed to attract a sizable gathering. In my opinion, one of the main reasons for this was that there were just too many activities on that night competing against it, and what was unfortunate was that none of the events had anything to do with emancipation or anything African! Everyone (promoters) was out to make a buck and capitalize on the holiday weekend.
The whole-day activities at Bayrock were not well attended; the candlelight parade fell through; and the libation ritual was not up to scratch. I say again, though the Flame of the Arts’ effort was commendable, the many activities planned definitely needed more hands; those three individuals running around to get things done and well coordinated were burning their candles at both ends, an observation and lesson I hope will be taken onto account for next year’s event. Also, if they are intent on making this event a big show in the community, then they need to focus much more and expand their energies here in Linden and not press themselves to keep a date with the GT promoters, who have more than their fair share of participants. But I must say that the night’s celebration into the dawn was entertaining, with lively hyped-up drumming, songs and dancing. The band of dancing girls with their fashion display gave an exciting performance and we can expect much more from them in time once they remain dedicated. The variety of food was equally splendid and complemented the occasion.
It is important to point out that this event was not graced by the presence of any notable African top functionary from the community, for reasons best known to them. And for those who are always up in arms to flay Eon Halls, here is a chance to acknowledge his generous contribution to the staging of this event, not only by allowing the group sumptuous time twice on his programme to advertise their activities for the event, but also in giving up his business premises for the entire day through to morning free of charge to the group. And wasn’t that an excellent gesture? Certainly it was.
Yours faithfully,
Frank Fyffe
