Cultural tolerance and awareness can be a catalyst for national unity -Culture minister
Stabroek News
May 6, 2007
Culture Minister Dr Frank Anthony renewed a call for citizens to develop greater cultural tolerance and awareness as a catalyst for national unity at the opening of the Indentureship Exhibition at the National Museum.
Anthony said mounting an exhibition helps citizens to have a deeper understanding of their cultural heritage a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release reported. "As Guyanese, the histories and cultures of each of the six peoples have fused to make a whole, our common history," he said. This year the observances are being held under the theme 'Celebrating our Cultural Diversity' and the exhibition forms part of the ministry's plans to acknowledge the contributions made by various ethnic groups in the country's social, cultural and economic development.
Anthony said May "was most fitting for this observance since it holds tremendous significance for the arrival of several groups." In May 1842 the first batch of African slaves arrived here while on May 3, 1835 the first batch of Portuguese indentured servants arrived followed by the first batch of Indian indentured labourers on May 5, 1838.
GINA said Wednesday's exhibition featured writing, pictorial display and other depictions of varying cultural contributions to intellect and economic progression.