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As we observe the anniversary of the Emancipation of Slavery in the British colonies including Guyana, it must be a period for deep introspection by the Descendants of those men and women who experience the worst form of brutality and degradation in recent human history.
This is the time for us to learn of and venerate the courage of Cuffy, Accra, Damon and the 1823 martyrs who were beheaded. Today, we must remember and honour those who came after August 1838. The likes of Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow, Dr. Cheddi Jagan, Forbes Burnham and Walter Rodney.
These men in different ways sought to make Emancipation meaningful.
As we observe Emancipation 2021, there are ominous signs for the Descendants of Manumitted Africans.
I urge those in leadership roles, of religious organisations, youth, sports and culture and political organisations to step up the ante to educate all Guyanese about our history, so that they have the audacity to agitate within the confines of the law so that Emancipation will produce authentic liberation.
We must now organise and with clarity and courage, the Descendants of Manumitted Africans must identify their mission in the context of today’s Guyana.
As we beat our Drums and ring our Bells, we must promise our noble ancestors that we have the courage, the stamina and the fortitude to fulfil their dreams and aspirations and do nothing henceforth to betray those who for centuries gave free forced labour, for they expect us to carry the Torch for Freedom, Love and Unity.
Today, let us Fulfil and not Betray the meaning of Emancipation
