Emancipation Day message from Minister of Social Cohesion, with responsibility for Culture, Dr. George Norton

Georgetown, Guyana, July 31, 2018

Today, we celebrate endurance, heroism and courage in its highest form. It was on August 1, 1838, that our fore-parents were finally emancipated from physical slavery – one of the cruellest crimes committed against humanity.

One could surmise that Slavery was basically the practice of unspeakable callousness, and this ‘Dear Land of Guyana’ bore witness to the brutalities and bloodshed that plagued the lives of our African fore-parents.

For centuries, brave men, women and even children faced abominable and unimaginative atrocities with the hope that a better day would come. And 180 years ago, it finally did, and slavery was no more.

While we partake in today’s festivities, or we sit at home relaxing, it is imperative that we reflect and honour the sacrifices of those who fought against the inhumane customs of slavery. Men such as Cuffy, Damon and Quamina are the reasons why we are able to proudly sing that line in our National Anthem that reads, “Land of the Free.”

My fellow Guyanese, the year 1838, and the fight for freedom shaped our destiny as a nation; it painted a clear picture of who we were going to be as a people. It was the abolition of slavery that triggered the influx of our fore-parents from other continents.

The arrival of our ancestors from Portugal, India and China, has added to the diversity and beauty of a more matured Guyana.

So, I believe that the most meaningful way for us to observe this Emancipation is to embrace and celebrate our status of being ‘One People’ of ‘One Nation,’ following ‘One Destiny.’

More importantly, if our rich history has taught us anything, it is that great achievements and betterment come from a united effort, so let us not squander the legacy of our ancestors.

Let us embrace their traditions of cohesion, and exercise the spirit of resilience and courage in fighting against all forms of injustices and bigotry.

I wish all Guyanese at home and abroad a reflective Emancipation!