Emancipation Day – a hallmark for liberation of human soul

Dear Editor,
Emancipation Day, as it has been celebrated and observed in our country over the many decades, has always been one of calm and deep reflection.
A period of mature festivities and enjoyment, it is a period and time that I believe all Guyanese need to respect, applaud and appreciate; for without our African ancestors’ battle through unimaginable pains and torture in these lands, their struggle and quest to regain their honour would not have eventually led to freedom.
We, the newcomers, would never have been able to adjust and adapt for their sacrifices. They suffered such cruelties at the hands of man for the cause of greed by the Romans, Arabs and Europeans; unheard of in history, where tens of millions of the best and strongest, the wisest, among them kings and princes, were brought into what was called by the Europeans the New World (the Caribbean and West Indies). Stolen and claimed in the names of the kings and queens of Europe, although the lands were already inhabited.
In what was the Middle Passage, the hazardous, inhuman voyage in ships laden with living human flesh made stink, the Africans were subjected to the slave trade to enrich Europe and its colonists in the so-called New World.
The African soul was penetrated by the preaching against the creed and religions of the ancestors of Africa. While the Bible was shared, they stole arid and valuable lands, in the process building castles with European styles, and created European lifestyles, stealing their diamond and gold – even their animals ravaged for export into their zoos and shops, and body parts to enrich the Commerce of Europe.
This is the reality of history, regardless of how they distort it; for, as we know, the writing of history is in the hands of the victors, who can whitewash facts easily. But closer to home, why this respect for the African ancestors, why this love and appreciation for People of African descent?
They taught us so much! Our African ancestors taught us after emancipation English Language. They assisted in teaching us reality and how to fight for our rights. They took care of us in medicine, and at times even protected us from the onslaught of brutalities brought on by the colonial masters.
To quote Mr. Norman Whittaker, “I encourage you to once more get involved and participate in the various activities across our dear Land of Guyana. These would undoubtedly include cultural programmes aimed at informing the Guyanese people about slavery; African drumming, dancing, masquerade bands, and traditional calypso, learning of the history of various villages across Guyana, display of African attire, African dishes; metem-gee, foo-foo, drinks like mauby, crafts and artwork”.
We of the RK’s Guyana Security Services and Business Enterprise wish to applaud and celebrate the sacrifices and the battles of the African ancestors, who laid their bones on these shores so that future generations and those who come after may live in a land of tranquility, peace, and non-enslavement of people.
HAPPY EMANCIPATION 2023!

Sincerely,
Dr Roshan Khan