Contributions of African-Guyanese cannot be erased by “passage of time” – Pres Ali

…warns against exploiting ethnic suspicions for personal gain

In his 2024 Emancipation Day Message, President Dr. Irfaan Ali paid tribute to the many contributions of African-Guyanese who he said helped to advance Guyana’s social, political, and economic development.
According to President Ali, African Guyanese were pioneers in various fields, including education, the Village Movement, local government, trade unionism, politics, the local economy, and the professions.

“Emancipation ignited aspirations for greater opportunities and economic independence. African-Guyanese carved out opportunities to advance social, political, and economic progress. In so doing, African-Guyanese have made significant contributions to the development of our country, contributions which cannot be erased by the passage of time.”
“The Village Movement, in particular, was a manifestation of their determination to build communities that could provide greater economic and personal security for themselves and their progeny,” the Head of State said.
President Ali noted the long history of African-Guyanese struggle and resilience, noting that their fight for freedom was not only a fight for themselves but for the dignity and honor of future generations.
“In the One Guyana that we are now establishing, African-Guyanese, like all other groups, will have no reason to fear economic emasculation or political marginalisation,” the Head of State said in his message.
“We are committed to ensuring that everyone benefits from the progress and development of our nation. All will have greater opportunities for social, political, and economic advancement, and no one will be left behind.”
According to President Ali, the government remains unfazed in its determination to build a Guyana where all can benefit, regardless of color or creed. That being said, the President urged continued vigilance. He warned of those who seek to “prey on and manipulate ethnic suspicions to promote their interests.”
According to Ali, these “purveyors of fear and insecurity” have the sole aim of sowing division and discord, undermining the unity and harmony that the government is striving to build. He urged Guyanese to reject all those who seek to deploy racism and discrimination to divide the people and stymie national development.
“As we celebrate Emancipation Day, let us remember the sacrifices of our forebears and honor their legacy by continuing to strive for a just and equitable society. Let us work together to build a nation where all can prosper,” he said.
When it comes to the international community, President Ali noted that they have long condemned the Transatlantic trade in captive Africans as one of the darkest chapters in human history. He pointed out that the United Nations and other global bodies have already recognised the immense suffering inflicted upon millions of Africans who were forcibly taken from their homeland, stripped of their humanity, and subjected to unimaginable hardships.
“The system of slavery was not only a crime against humanity but also a profound injustice that left a stain on the course of history. The lesson of that horrific experience is that no system as heinous as enslavement can endure when people are willing to fight and sacrifice themselves for freedom and human dignity.”
The President noted that while Emancipation brought an end to the horrific institution of African enslavement, it did not completely eradicate oppression. On the part of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government, he said that his party would remain resolute in the fight.
“In the spirit of our African-Guyanese ancestors, we shall remain resolute in our pursuit of a One Guyana where every individual is valued and respected. Happy Emancipation Day to all! May we continue to draw strength from our history and work towards a brighter and more inclusive future for all Guyanese!”