Guyana’s Emancipation Observance held with music, dance, singing, libation, and history lessons

This year’s Emancipation Observance, hosted by the Guyana Consulate General to New York Michael E. Brotherson, was much more somber due to the recent catastrophic loss of citizens on the M.V. Barima vessel in the Essequibo River.

Ambassador Brotherson joined expatriates in the Edicon O. Jackson auditorium at Medgar Evers College on July 30 in a moment of silence to remember fellow Guyanese at home, noting, “our thoughts and prayers continue to be with them during this difficult time.”

Reflecting on similar perils that Africans endured, he recalled. “History has taught us that every great movement for freedom begins with an unwavering determination to reclaim dignity, justice and humanity, such was the story of Emancipation.”

“For our African ancestors, emancipation represented far more than the legal abolition of chattel slavery. For them, emancipation marked the restoration of humanity after centuries of oppression and exploitation.”

“Torn from their homeland through the transatlantic slave trade, they endured suffering, yet they never surrendered their identity or their hope,” said the diplomat. “Whether through open rebellions, such as the Berbice Revolt of 1763 under the leadership of Cuffy, or through the quiet preservation of their faith, language, traditions, and culture, their resistance affirmed an enduring truth; that the human spirit can never be permanently enslaved.”

He reflected on the history lesson of unity and responsibility by the newly emancipated Africans who established the Village Movement, and their collective self-determination in the Caribbean in British Guiana.

The diplomat applauded Guyana’s Diamond Jubilee this year, and recalled the story of Guyana becoming Independent in 1966.

“Guyana’s greatest strength has never been found solely in its natural resources or economic progress, but in the resilience, diversity, and unity of its people,” he said.

“I stand upon the shoulders of generations who created opportunities. Their courage opened doors for future generations, including mine.”

“As such, the Government has implemented initiatives to support organizations representing people of African descent by providing resources for projects in health, agriculture, African history education, culture preservation, garment construction and community development.”

He said financing initiatives will soon be launched under the Guyana Development Bank, which will provide eligible citizens with access to interest-free loans up to Guy$3Million.

“As we commemorate one hundred and eighty-eight years of Emancipation, let us remember the freedom secured by our ancestors,” he said. “The greatest tribute we can pay is not merely to remember their struggles, but to build a Guyana worthy of their dreams, united in purpose, confident in its future, respectful of its history and committed to ensuring that every citizen succeeds. Happy Emancipation Day!,” expressed CG Brotherson.

Celebrated with the pouring of Libation by African Drummer Winston Jeggae Hoppie, and riveting Emancipation Dance performances by the Eclectic Dance Youth, and another by Jermain Victor, Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett remembered the immense pain and agony being felt by families in Guyana after the M.V Barima boat tragedy, saying she was in solidarity with all who mourn.

“African Guyanese, and Caribbean brothers and sisters, your mere presence at this emancipation observance demonstrates the strength, resilience, and determination of your ancestors,”  They live through you.”

 “Commemorations such as these allow us to reflect on the horrors and depravity of slavery, and our African forebears who endured it.”

“We would never be fully able to imagine the inhumane journey across the Atlantic, where 20% of them died before completing the voyage. Africans in the region are the only ones who suffered in the deliberate and forceful erasure of their way of life, and culture, while being made to work free for two hundred years. This makes slavery a great crime against humanity.”

Therefore, she called for reparations to be addressed, since the effects of slavery run deep in societies across the Caribbean. “It’s not about money, it’s about seeking justice. We are encouraged now that Africa is also playing an instrumental role in the fight for reparations, she said, adding that 123 countries in the United Nations voted to pass a resolution sponsored by the Caribbean for reparation justice.

“As we celebrate Emancipation Day and the strength, grit, and resilience of our African ancestors, let us recall that they were not fazed by many unsuccessful attempts to free themselves. They continued to fight. Happy Emancipation Day.”

New York State Senator Jabari Brisport, who represents the 25th District in Brooklyn, Chair of Committee on Children and Families, and son to a Guyanese father, spoke of the richness of the South American country.

“This is one of my favorite events,” Brisport said. “I enjoyed the emancipation ceremony, of music, dancing, singing, libation, history lesson, speeches, coming together in a beautiful way.”

“Who would have thought when our ancestors were fighting for our emancipation against viciousness, and evil of slavery, that their descendants would be inheriting the greatest economic engine of the Caribbean,” said Brisport, clad with a Guyana flag on his head.

“I am proud to be of Guyanese descent. Happy Emancipation Day,” said the politician.

Master Brandon Willabus said the observance was more an honor of courage and perseverance for those who came before.

“It was your resilience, and those who endured unimaginable hardships and persevere in the name of freedom, dignity, and justice for all,” he said.

Willabus, a young intern of US Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor who calls himself a proud Guyanese-American, echoed the justice and quoted civil rights Leader Martin Luther King Jr. during a celebration he had attended.

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to injustice everywhere,” he said. “Emancipation teaches us that no obstacle is too great when people stand in solidarity against injustice.”

The enthralling evening of culture, unity, reflections, and cuisine was celebrated with the lustily singing of the National Anthems of America, and Guyana, by Anthony Alleyne, and capably presided over by Second Secretary Permanent Mission of the Guyana to the United Nations Ms. Abosede Hazlewood.

Advisor on Investment & Diaspora Affairs Mr. Fazal Joe Yussuf delivered a heartfelt Vote of Thanks to close the riveting celebration.