Barbadian Minister of Culture unveils artwork dedicated to Afro-
Venezuelan hero on the Venezuelan National Day
After extensive reading and research on Venezuelan history, Barbadian
artist David Guru McClean immortalized the Afro-Venezuelan hero Negro
Primero through an impressive sculpture made with organic materials such
as mahogany, cedar and calabash, as well as recycled materials.
The unveiling of McClean’s artwork took place on July 5th at the
Bridgetown Library, on the occasion of Venezuela’s National Day, and was
led by the Honourable John King, MP, Minister in the Prime Minister’s
Office with responsibility for Culture and National Development.
“It is indeed an honour to address you this evening on the occasion of the
unveiling of the sculpture of one of Venezuela’s most revered freedom
fighters, Pedro Camejo, also known as Negro Primero,” said Minister King,
who added: “Negro Primero in his quest for the liberation of Venezuela can
be likened to our own freedom fighter and national hero, the Right Excellent
Bussa. They both were enslaved African men in foreign lands who died in
battle, not only for their freedom but for that of their fellow enslaved.”
Also, Minister King exalted Venezuelan Liberator Simón Bolívar by stating
that “The Battle of Carabobo on June 24th, 1821, in which Negro Primero
fought and died was led by none other than General Simon Bolivar, the
great Venezuelan Liberator.”
The minister concluded his speech by reaffirming the importance of culture
in strengthening bilateral relations.
“It is events of this nature that deepens the relationship between countries
like Venezuela and Barbados. Art and Culture are two wonderful ways of
preserving or strengthening a community sense of place, forging personal
identity and showcasing our creativity,” said Minister King.
Equally, the artist David Guru McClean expressed satisfaction for this well-
deserved tribute to both himself and Negro Primero.
Embajada de la República Bolivariana
de Venezuela en Barbados
“For more than thirteen years I have dedicated myself to rescuing iconic
Afro-descendant figures of history through art,” said McClean, who added:
“I believe that if there is a hero comparable to the great Haitian leader
Toussaint L’Ouverture, it is Negro Primero.”
Finally, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Venezuelan Embassy to Barbados,
Alvaro Sanchez Cordero, thanked all those present, especially Minister
King and the artist David Guru McClean for their solidarity with Venezuela,
particularly on such a special day as the Venezuelan 5 th of July.
Sánchez Cordero stressed the importance of Haiti in the historical and
political process of Venezuelan independence. “Bolivar’s visit to Haiti in
1816 was crucial in the integrating and inclusive vision of the liberating
agenda. Thanks to Bolivar and thanks to Haitian President Petión,
hundreds of Afro-Venezuelans and enslaved people such as Negro
Primero, as well as indigenous people and common people in general,
were incorporated into the patriotic project.”
After the unveiling of the sculpture, a promotional video, produced by the
Venezuelan Embassy to Barbados, about Negro Primero and the artist
David Guru McClean was screened. If you wish to see the video, click here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0uKGWdFwZE0&t=72s
Barbadian artist David Guru McClean will be participating with his artwork
on Negro Primero in the 4th Biennial of the South, Peoples in Resistance,
to be held online from Venezuela, from July 20-27, 2021.
PLEASE VIEW IMAGES FROM THE EVENT
© DAVID CRICHLOW – 2021
Chargé d’Affaires of the Venezuelan Embassy to Barbados,
Alvaro Sanchez Cordero
Minister
King ( at right ) and the artist David Guru McClean unveiling the Statue.
