Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed used his Emancipation Day address on August 1 to urge Guyanese to honour the sacrifices of their African ancestors not only through celebration, but by standing together in the pursuit of justice, accountability and a better Guyana. Speaking during the national observance, Mohamed said the resilience, courage and achievements of those who overcame slavery should continue to inspire citizens to hold those in authority accountable and play an active role in shaping the nation’s future.
Reflecting on the struggles of those who endured slavery and fought for freedom, Mohamed said their legacy should inspire today’s generation to actively safeguard democracy and hold those in authority accountable.
“Think of our African ancestors who endured unimaginable suffering, yet never surrendered their desire for freedom,” Mohamed said.
He reminded Guyanese that the achievements of freed Africans remain visible throughout the country.
“Their legacy surrounds us today—in the villages they established after emancipation, the schools they built, the churches and mosques they founded, the businesses they created, and the public institutions they helped shape. African Guyanese have made an immeasurable contribution to the development of our nation. Through resilience, hard work, and determination, they helped build the Guyana we know today.”
Mohamed also paid tribute to Guyana’s first Executive President, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, describing him as one of the nation’s most influential leaders.
“His leadership helped shape modern Guyana and inspired generations of Guyanese to believe that our nation’s destiny should always be determined by our own hands. His life reminds us that true leadership is driven not by personal ambition, but by a vision that serves the people.”
While acknowledging the significance of Emancipation Day, Mohamed said this year’s observance was overshadowed by the national grief that continues to follow the MV Barima tragedy.
The ferry capsized while travelling from Georgetown to Port Kaituma, claiming dozens of lives, including children, and prompting widespread calls for a full and transparent investigation.
“Yet, as we celebrate our history and honour those who came before us, we do so under a heavy cloud.”
“Our nation continues to mourn the lives lost in the MV Barima tragedy. Families are still grieving. Communities are still hurting. Mothers, fathers, children, brothers, sisters, friends, and neighbours are gone, leaving a void that is felt every day. Their pain is the pain of the entire nation.”
Mohamed also addressed the murder charges brought against the vessel’s captain, chief mate and cargo superintendent, saying many Guyanese are questioning whether every aspect of the tragedy is being fully investigated.
“At the same time, three African Guyanese—the captain, the mate, and the superintendent—have been charged with murder. Across the country, many are asking whether the whole truth is being told. They want to know whether every person whose actions, decisions, or failures may have contributed to this tragedy is being thoroughly investigated.”
40-year-old Captain Kevin Price, also known as “KP”; 42-year-old Chief Mate Rondell Dwayne Roberts; and 33-year-old Cargo Superintendent Delon Granderson, who are charged with murder following the July 18 sinking of the 87-year-old MV Barima, a tragedy that claimed 72 lives, with more than 30 others still missing and presumed dead. They appeared in court on Monday, August 3. The matter was adjourned to September 7 by Magistrate Ravindra Mohabir, when the murder case against the three accused will continue before the Charity Magistrate’s Court. Appearing virtually via Zoom were
“They want to know whether those with the least power are being held accountable while those with the greatest responsibility escape scrutiny. These are legitimate questions in any democratic society.”
He also pointed to the growing public demonstrations across the country, including calls for the MV Barima to be recovered from the seabed so investigators can examine all available evidence.
“We have witnessed peaceful picketing, peaceful protests, and growing calls for the MV Barima to be raised from the ocean floor so that every piece of evidence can be examined and grieving families can finally receive the answers they deserve.”
Drawing a direct connection between the struggle for emancipation and the pursuit of justice today, Mohamed urged Guyanese to remain engaged and to defend the democratic principles their ancestors fought to secure.
“That spirit reflects the courage of our African ancestors, who crossed the Atlantic in chains yet refused to accept injustice as their destiny. Their sacrifice paved the way for the freedoms we enjoy today. We honour them not only by remembering their struggles, but by standing peacefully for justice, truth, and accountability whenever those principles are threatened.”
The Opposition Leader also appealed directly to members of the public service, reminding them that their loyalty must always be to the law and the people.
“Your responsibility is to uphold the law, protect the people you serve, and have the courage to speak out when you witness wrongdoing or unsafe practices.”
Mohamed said he could not remain silent while many Guyanese questioned the fairness of the country’s institutions.
“As Leader of the Opposition, I cannot remain silent when Guyanese believe they are being treated unfairly or when confidence in justice is being undermined. A nation cannot move forward if its citizens lose faith in the fairness of its institutions.”
He concluded his Emancipation address by urging Guyanese to draw strength from the example of their foreparents and to continue working together for a nation founded on justice, accountability and unity.
“Our ancestors taught us that when people stand together with courage, unity, and determination, even the greatest obstacles can be overcome. That lesson remains as relevant today as it was generations ago, and it must continue to guide our pursuit of a just, accountable, and united Guyana.”
