Emancipation Day observances
Linden is this year again observing Emancipation Day with the hosting of ‘Freedom Fest’. Member of Parliament (MP) Jermaine Figueira is collaborating with the Right Start Foundation to host this second annual celebration of Emancipation Day in the community in this unique way.
Member of Parliament Jermaine Figueira and others at launch of the Linden Freedom Fest activity
The celebration, which will be observed on July 31 and August 1, will showcase an array of African culture, including food, music, fashion and dance. It was officially launched on Saturday.
Having recognised that there was no serious focus on the celebration of Emancipation in 2017, MP Figueira, with his brother and friends, decided to put together a small event. The initiative was well received, and support for its continuation started to pour in.
“Since then, we have decided to make it an annual event; this year being the second (year of its staging) with a different focus”, MP Figueira outlined.
He said the idea this year is in keeping with His Excellency President David Granger’s vision of holistic community development. The focus will be on the promotion of a family-oriented activity both in support and recognition of African heritage and culture.
“It is our desire, in promoting this important event, to encourage our people to recognise that Emancipation is not about freedom from slavery alone, but (from) every aspect of oppression, and moreso mental bondage.
“We, the people in this community, (which) is predominantly of African descendants, must recognise the importance of accepting and appreciating (ourselves), and recognising each other as brothers and sisters…. Help them by supporting their businesses to build the economy of their brotherhood, their families, and evidently the community”, he explained.
Additionally, the MP noted that Emancipation Day celebrations should largely be about people staying at home and participating in noteworthy family activities: having fun; consuming healthy, enjoyable foods; and partaking of educational experiences in a safe, clean and family-oriented environment.
This year’s event will be hosted at the Wisroc playfield at Wismar, and will see representation from all eight constituencies of Region 10, including Linden, Rockstone, Kwakwani and Ituni.
It will also see numerous competitive activities, including cook-outs, best village, largest contingent in African attire, best dressed family and couple, best dressed male and female child, among other things.
“We are very much thankful for the assistance given to us from the various ministries and businesses; for (their) coming on board to make this event a success. Special thanks to Minister Harmon for personally contributing in a massive way, making it possible for all the constituencies in our township to participate. Next year it is promising to be bigger, and we are aiming for His Excellency to be in attendance”, the MP noted.
