Georgetown Mayor Pt. Ubraj Narine and Members of Parliament Roysdale Forde S.C and Maureen Philadelphia paid a special visit to the African Cultural Development Association (ACDA) boots store on Main Street, Georgetown, to commemorate the Emancipation sale, an important event that celebrates the spirit of freedom and equality.
ACDA, renowned for its community engagement, organised the Emancipation Sale to honour the historical significance of emancipation. The event aimed to promote cultural awareness, unity, and inclusivity. Georgetown Mayor told Village Voice News the Emancipation Sale at ACDA Boots is a remarkable initiative that not only provides excellent shopping opportunities but also serves as a reminder of our shared history and the progress we have made as a society. “It is heartening to witness the community coming together to celebrate this significant occasion.”
Forde pointed out that the freedom of an enslaved people, who fought for centuries against the most abominable system by man towards man, must not be taken for granted. “Freedom requires eternal vigilance for complacency could easily lead to the reversal of hard fought for gains.”
Pivoting to Guyana, the senior counsel said looking around the society today these human freedoms and rights are constantly under threat and many are being eroded by a government that continues to forget its obligation to the people under the Constitution and Laws of Guyana. “The erosion of these freedoms such as the right to association, speech, and freedom from want in a land of plenty, places this nation on the precipice to disaster.
Philadelphia, who is an educator by profession, is calling for more teaching in the classroom of Guyanese diverse history and contributions to nation building. She said, a people who do not know their history do not benefit from the past experiences and could likely repeat or allow themselves to be the victims of the same mistake. The member of parliament also shared that a more comprehensive teaching of history could also support the Opposition’s desire for a united Guyana in that it would accurately place the contributions of each group to society and debunk the myths peddled by those whose only intent is to keep the races divided.
The trio also took the opportunity to commend ACDA Boots for their dedication to social responsibility and their active involvement in community events.
August 1st will mark 185 Anniversary Emancipation. On 1st August 1834 Britain passed the Slavery Abolition Act, outlawing the owning, buying, and selling of humans as property throughout its colonies around the world. On 1st August 1838 full freedom was granted to all former slaves in the British West Indies.
