Guyana Chronicle
May 24, 2001

MINISTER of Culture, Youth and Sports, Ms. Gail Teixeira has said that indentureship helped to frame the diverse culture existing here and has urged students to take time out to explore Guyana's history.

Today, Guyana will be observing the 159th anniversary of the arrival of the first African indentured labourers and some of the artifacts they brought here are on exhibition at the National Museum in the city.

Teixeira made the appeal to students Monday at the opening of the exhibition on the history of indentureship here. The ceremony was held on the lawns of the museum.

Teixeira said the exhibition, the first of its kind, is aimed at highlighting the significant role indentureship played in framing Guyana's history.

"When we look at our culture we think of performing arts.

"When we talk about our culture we are really talking about the way we live as a people - all the things that contribute to our way of live", she said.

She noted that even though the period was short, it brought many peoples to Guyana, creating the "wonderful kaleidoscope" existing now.

Teixeira said each ethnic group brought with them their own musical instruments, food, religion and culture.

One of the problems encountered while organising the exhibition was locating historical records.

The Minister explained that Guyana's records can be found in other countries, including Britain.

She said some 60,000 Portuguese, 240,000 Indians and under 60,000 Africans were brought to Guyana through indentureship.

On May 3 and 5, Guyana celebrated the 165th anniversary of the arrival of the Portuguese indentured labourers and the 162nd anniversary of the arrival of the first Indian indentured labourers, respectively.

Other activities to be held this month include Independence Day celebrations.

As usual activities will start tomorrow night with the flag raising ceremony at the National Park in Georgetown, followed by a band concert at the Botanical Gardens on May 27 and an exhibition at the National Archives.