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Dear Editor,
On Thursday, August 1, 2024, the Macedonia Jopa Voluntary Committee (MJVC), a registered non-profit organisation based in East Corentyne, Berbice, will celebrate the 190th anniversary of the Emancipation of the Black Slaves to mark the abolition of slavery in Guyana, ending years of brutal persecution, dehumanisation and the liberation of the African people.
This festival is of great significance, not only as a calendar event, but also as the rebirth of the Guyanese nation as we know it. It is a day of remembrance and an opportunity to reflect on the courageous efforts and sacrifices made by enslaved men and women in their struggle for freedom. The Macedonian Joppa Voluntary Committee (MJVC) will mark the festival with the largest celebration ever in the Bebis’ history.
For the past two years, MJVC has organised and sponsored the Liberator Celebrations in Berbice, both times attracting residents from within and outside the region. This year’s celebrations are expected to attract thousands of people from within and outside the region, from Berbice on the West Coast to Molson Creek on the Corentyne River and beyond.
As in previous years, this year’s Emancipation Day celebrations are expected to be the largest and only celebration of its kind in East Corentyne. It will be an all-day family celebration, starting at 10:00 with a parade from Brighton Village to the Eversham Village Community Centre Pavilion, and will be a fun-filled day for all, especially the children, who will take part in a number of cultural, social and educational activities including poetry recitations, folk songs, games, dancing to a variety of songs, and an educational quiz competition on slavery and emancipation.
There will also be drumming, African dancing and African cuisine to highlight Africa’s interesting tribal traditions and its vibrant culture.
Most residents of the Jopa District of Macedonia and other areas are expected to attend the parade, which has the theme ‘Inspiration and Resilience.’ Revelers will be dressed in colorful African attires of red, black, yellow, white and green, representing the colors of the Golden Arrowhead and depicting the culture, lifestyle and traditions of Guyana.
Residents of all ages, walks of life, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity or social status from the Macedonian Chopa villages (including villages 35 and 36, Brighton, Kiltien, Eversham, Epsom, Dingwall, 41 Bengal and 43) will line the road to see the colorful displays of costumes and gorgeous fashions, while participants dance to the beat of lively and traditional Soca music provided by the region’s most popular DJ, Spanish Eyes
Liberation is not only about partying in the streets, eating, drinking and dancing, which are part of our culture and tradition. It is also a celebration of the freedom of enslaved Africans and a time for all Guyanese to put aside their differences and prejudices and come together as one people, one nation.
The Macedonian Chopa Voluntary Committee invites everyone in the region and beyond to join in the celebrations on Thursday, August 1, 2024.
Sincerely,
Dr. Asquith Rose, President of MJVC
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