August 1 in Guyana marks a day of celebration of the attainment of freedom and the end of slavery. It is also imperative that we spend time reflecting on the life of tribulation and servitude that our foreparents were forced to endure for centuries under brutish colonial rule.
Even as we engage in the festivities of Emancipation Day 2017, the Alliance For Change urges the nation to reflect on the oppression and brutality of slavery and bondage, in all its forms, including its modern incarnations, and renew our national commitment never to return to the dark days of oppression, servitude and submission when basic individual freedoms were deprived and a ‘Massa’ mentality pervaded.
As we engage in prayer, culinary delicacies, socialising and fraternising, we must never forget the sacrifices of our forefathers who suffered and paid the ultimate price for the freedoms we now enjoy. As the heirs of Emancipation fought for by Cuffy, Accra, Damon and other heroes, we have a sacred duty to ensure that their struggles and sacrifices are never forgotten or eroded. It is our duty to celebrate their lives and sacrifices and recognise their contribution to the human and social upliftment of our beloved nation.
The beat of the drums in celebration should forever remind us that we are called upon to ensure the protection of those rights and freedoms which were fought for and won at Emancipation time.
Order and individual freedoms have been restored in Guyana as have been the rights of freedom of speech, expression and association and the access to information, which continues to expand each day. Guyanese must guard against the forces who wish to return our nation to a state in which Guyanese are treated as property for political, economic and other purposes. This is the solemn duty of every citizen. Happy Emancipation to all Guyanese.
