Cuffy is a National Hero in Guyana, brought in the 18th century from Africa to be a slave in Berbice. He is commemorated in a Monument in the Square of the Revolution in Georgetown. He is most well known for his part in the Berbice Slave Rebellion when men and women decided to rebel against the inhumane treatment they were receiving as slaves. They burned buildings and cane fields, but Cuffy is the one who organized them into a fighting force, and once they won, he became Governor of Berbice.
The 1st of August is Emancipation Day in Jamaica, a Civic Holiday (Simcoe Day) in Canada - or at least in Ontario (the first monday), and Emancipation Day in Guyana. In Jamaica, Emancipation Day is close to Independence Day (celebrated on the 6th) and there are usually lots of parades, food, parties and the like. In Toronto it is time for Caribana (the Caribbean Carnival which takes place with hundreds of revellers in costume chipping down the Lake Shore).
In Guyana, we celebrate the British parliament passing the Act of Emancipation approximately 180 years ago. There will be celebrations at the National Park in Georgetown - drumming, prayers, candelit processions, colourful dance and music shows commemorate the end of African slavery nationwide. I'm sure people will also be at the Sea Wall. This year - the 16th year of celebrations will have the theme, “Reclaiming Our Rights through Unified Purpose”.
West Coast Berbice had the first sets of communal villages after the slave rebellion, so many of the Emancipation Day celebrations take place in Berbice, Region 5. So, guess where I'm going on Tuesday night? Guess!!! GUESS!!!!! I'm going to "Swari" in Berbice. Don't know what that is? I will update you on that after I've recovered! J
Yay Cuffy...it was worth it for you. Unlike poor Paul Bogle!
ReplyDeleteI doan know if it was worth it for them, but it's worth it for the millions of us who followed! :)
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