In a vibrant celebration of Guyana’s rich multicultural heritage, the Ministry of Home Affairs earlier today (May 24, 2024) hosted an Inter-Department Competition to mark the 58th anniversary. This event was a heartfelt depiction of the six ethnic groups that form the bedrock of Guyanese society: African, Indian, Chinese, Portuguese, European, and Amerindian, as well as the mixed race community.
This event aimed to promote unity and cultural appreciation through the authentic portrayal of traditions, attire, and customs associated with these groups.
Several departments within the Ministry joined forces to showcase their unique interpretations and representations. Each department was tasked with selecting an ethnic group and authentically portraying its traditions, attire, and customs. This included preparing traditional dishes and decorating their office spaces to reflect their chosen group. Staff were also encouraged to wear traditional attire, adding to the festive and educational atmosphere of the day.
The competition was judged by a distinguished panel comprising Ms. Tanisha Williams-Corbin from the Ministry of Human Services and Social Protection, Ms. Teerandai Haripersaud from the Yoga Hub, and Chief Judge Ms. Nadia Madho from the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports.
The participating departments and their chosen ethnic groups were as follows:
African: Administration, Procurement, Strategic, and Utility Departments
Amerindian: Permanent Secretary Department and the Firearm Department
Chinese: Community Policing Group
Portuguese: Personnel Department
European: Immigration Support Services and Projects Department
East Indian: Accounts Department
Mixed Race: Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory
After much deliberation, the judges awarded the following teams for their exceptional efforts:
First Place: Team African
Second Place: Team Europeans
Third Place: Team Mixed Race
The winning teams were awarded trophies, recognising their dedication and creativity in celebrating Guyana’s multicultural heritage.
During a simple presentation ceremony, Permanent Secretary Mr. Andre Ally expressed his gratitude towards the staff for their hard work and enthusiastic participation. PS Ally also extended his appreciation to the judges for their presence and contribution to the event’s success.
In his address, Mr. Ally emphasised the importance of such events in fostering a sense of camaraderie among staff and celebrating the diverse cultural fabric of Guyana.
“The effort and dedication displayed by each department were truly commendable. This event not only showcased the rich cultural diversity of our nation but also highlighted the contributions of each ethnic group to our national heritage,” said Mr. Ally. “I am proud of the unity and spirit demonstrated by our team and look forward to more such initiatives that celebrate our multicultural identity.”
The inter-departmental ethnic representation competition was a resounding success, embodying the spirit of Guyana’s independence and the diverse cultural heritage that unites its people.
The Ministry of Home Affairs looks forward to continuing this tradition in future celebrations, further strengthening the bonds of unity and cultural appreciation among its staff and the wider community.