The U.S. Embassy in Guyana commemorated Emancipation Day this year with a small but rich celebration to mark the anniversary of August 1, 1834, when slavery was first abolished in the West Indies.
As part of the heritage celebration, Embassy staff dressed in customary African clothing and enjoyed traditional Creole foods, including metemgee, cook-up rice, white pudding, and mauby.
In addition to hearing a brief rendition of African history in Guyana, employees of the Embassy had a chance to experience poetry, skits, music, and dancing in honor of Emancipation Day.
As a special part of the Emancipation Day program, the U.S. Embassy hosted several members of the Visually Impaired Cultural Association of Guyana (VICAG).
The VICAG seeks to foster cultural relationships with other visually impaired people; to bond with others whose aims and objectives are the same throughout Guyana, the broader region, and the world; and to advocate and inspire positive changes in attitude among visually impaired people and others.
The Department of State encourages foreign governments and civil society organizations to increase their commitment and capacity to protect the rights and ensure the inclusion and full participation of people with disabilities.
