Emancipation Day 2021: African Guyanese integral to national development – Head of State

…says reparative justice must include full, unconditional apology

On the occasion of Emancipation Day, President Dr Irfaan Ali reminded all of the importance of African Guyanese to national development, while also touting the need for Guyana to recommit to securing reparations from the international community for those of African descent.

August 1 marks Emancipation Day and according to the President, who credited African Guyanese with helping to mould his upbringing and political career, it is important that Guyanese seize the opportunity to celebrate the African Guyanese community’s contribution to Guyana.
“I have benefited from the advice and support of a number of outstanding and dedicated professionals of African descent whom I am proud to call friends, colleagues, brothers and sisters. These relationships, however, are not defined by distinctions of race, class or religion. This, to me, is the essence of being Guyanese,” he said.
He noted that while time is taken to pay homage “to our African-Guyanese brothers and sisters on the occasion of Emancipation, we must seize this opportunity to acknowledge, to value, and to celebrate their tremendous achievements and contributions to national development.”
According to the Head of State, African Guyanese have distinguished themselves in all spheres of human endeavour. Their achievements include laying of the foundation of Guyana’s economic infrastructure, establishing the village movement, pioneering undertakings of the peasantry, developing Local Government systems, promoting co-operative institutions and other social organisations and being in the forefront of the emergence of local trade unionism.
“You, our African-Guyanese brothers and sisters, remain integral to national development and continue to excel and contribute to our nation’s progress. African-Guyanese doctors, nurses and other medical personnel are among those on the frontlines providing life-saving care and treatment to our sick and infirmed.”
“They are securing our borders, policing our territorial waters and safeguarding our towns, villages and communities. You are among Guyana’s dedicated teachers who are moulding the minds and values of our children – Guyana’s future leaders. As sportsmen and women, you are making our country and region proud by your amazing accomplishments and performance.”
The President further pointed out that African-Guyanese occupy senior positions in the State, where they work assiduously to improve the quality of public services to our citizens. Additionally, he noted that African-Guyanese farmers, fishers, loggers and miners are generating wealth; professionals and entrepreneurs contribute immensely to industry and commerce.

Reparations
Pointing out that the abolition of slavery was a defining moment in Guyana’s history that ended the abhorrent, inhumane system of human enslavement, President Ali noted that Emancipation Day is a day to reflect on the heroic courage and sacrifices of the African ancestors in their epic struggle for freedom and human dignity.
But he reminded that that freedom was not accompanied by recompense for the atrocities committed against those of African descent who were enslaved.  As such, Ali said that Emancipation Day remains a constant reminder of the debt that is still owed to Africans and their descendants – a reference to reparations.
“It is therefore fitting that on this day, we as Guyanese recommit to the goal of gaining international reparations for the crime of African enslavement.  Reparative justice must include a full and unconditional apology from those responsible and/or who benefitted from the trans-Atlantic trade in captive Africans and their consequent enslavement.”
Reparative justice, however, he noted, cannot be confined to such an apology, adding that it must go further. “Guyana will continue to support the efforts being made within the Caribbean Community to press for the convening of an international summit to demand reparative justice for the victims of the trans-Atlantic slave trade, African enslavement, and its enduring effects,” President Ali said.
He also paid tribute to the indomitable will of those who rebelled against the indignities of slavery. The President noted that Guyana’s history is punctuated by uprisings – courageous acts by enslaved Africans, including the decisive blows for freedom that took place in 1763 (Berbice slave rebellion) and 1823 (Demerara rebellion).
“As we look to the future on this anniversary of Emancipation, I assure you, our African-Guyanese brothers and sisters, that you will not be excluded from or left behind in Guyana’s national development. Every citizen will benefit from the opportunities which are being unlocked. We want every Guyanese to be part of this development, sharing in its transformation and in its resultant benefits.”
“As I said during my inaugural address to the 12th Parliament earlier this year and as I have repeated on many occasions after, an essential part of my Government is inclusion. As Guyanese, we should be defined by our nationality and by our common love for our country. The establishment of the One Guyana Commission will give life to our vision of oneness,” Ali said, reiterating his call for togetherness and brotherhood. (G3)