Corentyne villages plan big emancipation observances
By Daniel DaCosta
Come Tuesday, several villages on the Corentyne will be transformed as they celebrate the 162nd anniversary of emancipation. The events will begin with the solemnity of a candlelight parade from Limlair to the commemoration site at Kildonan the evening before. At the site villagers will assemble for one hour for prayers, speeches and music. The observances have been organised by the Number Twenty-eight/Bush Lot/Adventure Concerned Citizens Group for the fourth consecutive year. The group was established on November 17, 1996 with 11 members. According to the group's Public Relations Officer (PRO) Michael Patterson the aim was to "revive the self-help spirit among villagers; bring together people again for community development and to promote their educational, moral and spiritual development." The group is administered by a five-member committee headed by Kildonan Village elder Herman Kyte. Apart from planning the annual emancipation activities over the years the group has spearheaded several community projects including the construction of two road shelters at Limlair and Kildonan at a cost of $140,000. The group also contributed $800,000 towards the construction of the Nurney Primary school, organised ongoing cleaning and sanitation programmes, upgraded several dams and streets in the district with assistance from the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) and continues to maintain the Kildonan community centre which houses the NDC's office. Minister of Health and Labour, Dr Henry Jeffrey, is scheduled to deliver the main address at the freedom day rally to be held at the community centre ground. The day's activities will commence with a sunrise service from 0600 hrs and will be followed by a freedom march from Manchester to Kildonan. The march will be led by a 28-member strong majorettes group under the baton of Semmone Benn, two African bands and Roots music system. The rally at the centre, which commences at 1015 hrs will be interspersed with songs, dances, poems, drumming, prayers and musical renditions. The Kildonan Sports Club has also organised a fitness walk and run for Sunday, July 30. According to Esmond Henry, a senior citizens one-mile walk for persons over 60 years will leave the Adventure arch at 0800 hrs for the Kildonan bus shed. At 1000 hrs a three-mile run from Gemini Supermarket at Manchester will involve four categories. They include: 40-60, 20-40, 15-20 and 10-15 years. Prizes and gift vouchers will be presented to winners in the various categories. All participants are asked to be at the starting line 15 minutes before the starting time and Henry says a medical team will be available for the events which will focus on health. According to Patterson, visitors from the United States, Linden, Georgetown, Corriverton, New Amsterdam and the Corentyne coast are expected to participate in the celebrations.
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