Source:: Kaieteur News
AUGUST 6, 2012
Rehanna Ramsay
In addition to enlightening the public on the horror of slavery, the African Heritage Museum will for the month of August seek to draw attention to human trafficking as a form of modern slavery.
In this regard, the assistant anthropologist of the museum, Genelle Hamilton, noted that the exhibition will place emphasis on historical events of slavery as well as highlight forms of slavery that exist today.
“In addition to showcasing pieces of writing and art on the transatlantic slave trade we will also provide information on the definition, causes and effects of human trafficking,” Hamilton stated.
According to Hamilton, this is the Museum‘s first step to raising awareness to combat the modern-day scourge.
The annual African exhibition was launched Saturday under the theme “campaigning against slavery, breaking the silence.”
The activity is part of the 174th Emancipation celebration; the exhibition will be hosted at the National museum.
Human trafficking is the illegal trade of human beings of all races and cultures for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation, forced labour or reproductive slavery. It is recorded as the most prevalent form of present day slavery; Guyana is listed as one of countries in which this type of slavery exists.
Earlier this year the United Nations Development Fund (UNDP) contributed US $75,000 to the Government to support the eradication of trafficking in persons.
Numerous artifacts such as wood sculptures, paintings, drawings and manuscripts that graphically depict the history of African ancestry are currently on display as well as posters that give an explicit and dramatic picture to the face of human trafficking.
The exhibition is spearheaded by the Museum of African Heritage while the University of Guyana library and the National Archives also assisted in the effort.
At the commencement of the launching there was a cultural presentation of drumming and dance by the National School of Dance. A moment of silence was also observed for the late distinguished sculptor, Phillip Moore.
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