THE Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport sometimes finds it challenging, even painful, to respond to obviously biased views, mis-information, distortions and published opinions which border on public mischief.
The ministry feels that the contents of (an article published in the Kaieteur News on Monday 14th January, 2013 written by one Sandra Khan) sets out to cast aspersions
and doubts on its ability to organise the National Mashramani Celebrations. As such, the ministry is persuaded to

respond to points raised in the Sandra Khan article.

First of all, it should be appreciated that in any society there are groups (of persons) who, for their own and perhaps varied reasons, are not given to being demonstrably visible in public displays of jollification. They are not going to participate for any reason. That’s their democratic right whether motivated by own sense of culture, religion, politics or individualism. So, quite often, groups are not left out nor excluded, but excuse themselves by choice.

How does the Ministry of Culture, respond to Khan’s assertion that “the government is clearly confused about its role in cultural activities “in terms of facilitating many aspects of the Republic Anniversary observance?
There is a vibrant Department of Culture whose mandate includes being one of the primary custodians of our national cultural heritage. It is headed by Director Dr. James Rose who ensures that observances such as the Republic Anniversary have a significant input of events that are cerebral, literary, intellectual and academic in nature. There are also activities that cater for the young including Art, Essay and Dance Competitions, among others. The churches are included in our Steelband Competition and Parades.
Various interests in society, inclusive of those who are not given to carnival like displays, are therefore catered for. If persons or groups like Khan feel that even more intellectual, military or culturally aesthetic events should be staged; the proposals could attract interesting debate, even implementation. But away with all the derogatory criticisms.  Note too that this brief response will NOT address the baseless allegations about government’s control, or not “answering” to the people. Khan’s “politics” is best left to herself.

The Mashramani National Planning Committee is composed of representatives of every administrative region, numerous Private Sector groups and independent resource persons. Every year the Private Sector invests more and more millions in various Republic Anniversary events. That does not prevent official players from advising Private Sector Costume Designers on even the standards required for quality costumes, among other requests.

This year’s Republic Anniversary celebrations are to include heavy inputs regarding the 250th Anniversary of the 1763 Berbice Slave Rebellion. This opens the door for long lasting consideration and conventions as to the role of rebellions in our history and the eventual struggle to shape an actual “Republic”.

The ministry is but the main facilitator of this observance. The more celebratory and visible manifestations of the anniversary remain a main attraction to the thousands interested. They too desire their participation. Perhaps Sandra Khan would be given to supplying the ministry with a List of her own proposals?

Happy Republic Anniversary!