Across the region, the freedom fighters of the Afro-Caribbean community are being celebrated as many countries mark Emancipation Day.
August 1, 1834, it is the day when the United Kingdom declared the end of the slavery of the African people.
Trinidad and Tobago was the first country to commemorate Emancipation Day as a national holiday.
The traditional parade through the capital Port of Spain has returned after a two-year hiatus due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr Keith Rowley said that while slavery may have been abolished more than 200 years ago, the scars and traumas endured by ancestors are still felt today.
Rowley, who recently declared the violent crime affecting T&T a “national public health emergency”, called on the African community to consider what changes they could adopt to break the cycle of violence.
“What we see today in the weak side of African communities are expressions of that legacy, with feelings of detachment and alienation, and misguided, alienated youth with little sense of the future, irritable and quick to outbursts of anger,” he . said in a statement.
“What is required is a general understanding of the African condition. There must be conscious reminders that Africans are great people who gave world civilization some of its greatest kingdoms and empires when Europe was still in its dark ages.
“Emancipation Day is a good day. Go beyond the celebrations to reflect on the wave of violence in our communities; think about the African family, ask yourself if we are good listeners to our children; for example, are we telling them that success comes from discipline, effort, patience, thrift, restraint and inner peace; that sharing is care and that there are opportunities in crises and lessons in adversity?”
In Jamaica, a The Float and Street Parade took place in Kingston from the Ranny Williams Entertainment Center on Hope Road to the National Stadium car park.
The boats depict the vibrant culture of Jamaica’s national colors alongside statues of freedom fighters and national heroes Nanny of the Maroons and Samuel Sharpe.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness called on Jamaicans to look to the legacy of perseverance left by their formerly enslaved ancestors.
In Guyana, President Dr Mohammed Irfaan Ali said that Guyana owes a lot to the African community for building the foundation on which the country stands.
With racial tensions rising in Guyana over the past two years, Ali said his government will ensure that everyone benefits from the state’s resources and policies.
“I want to assure our African-Guyanese brothers and sisters that my government is committed to an inclusive future for all. Whatever your concern or complaint, you can be sure of a responsive and responsive government,” he said.
“No one will be left behind or left out of national development. Outreach has already begun in communities across our country so people can join us in working to bring solutions.”
Saint Lucian Prime Minister Philip Pierre said Emancipation Day is a time to celebrate our forefathers “victory over the system that enslaved them.“
“Emancipation Day means that we are strong enough to overcome the slavery of our time – poverty, high unemployment, violent crime among our youth and underdevelopment. The celebration of emancipation day means that we as a people are determined to become a prosperous nation, conscious of the strengths and abilities inherited from our first enslaved parents, proud of who we are and where we came from.” he said.
