Barbadians urged to reflect this Emancipation weekend

Amid the climax of the Crop Over celebrations, Barbadians are being encouraged not to forget the significance of the Emancipation weekend.

Government officials, through the Division of Culture in the Prime Minister’s Office, consulted with a number of organisations on the matter and they agreed that the weekend would be one of “reflection and commemoration of the struggles and achievements of our forefathers in recognition of their paving the way for the freedoms which we as a nation now enjoy”.

“This Emancipation weekend, religious and faith-based organisations will be ringing church bells, basing their sermons and addresses around the theme of freedom, and carrying out a number of activities which are in keeping with their traditions,” a statement from the government said.

Vicar General of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgetown, Father Clement Paul, in support of the call to reflection and commemoration, said: “Roman Catholic churches will heed the call and incorporate emancipation in our Masses. Our fore-parents deserve that and more. They struggled and died knowing that we, not they, would enjoy emancipation. Let us thank God for heeding their cries and thank our ancestors for what they did for us. Let us show our gratitude by living the slogan ‘All life matters’.”

The Barbados Muslim Society, which also joined in supporting the weekend of reflection and commemoration said Emancipation Day presents the opportunity for both celebration and contemplation.

“We rejoice in the liberation of enslaved Africans, an estimated one-third of whom were Muslim, from the cruel chains of bondage, while also acknowledging their painful experiences and reflecting on their long, bitter road to freedom. Emancipation was not easily attained; it was a harrowing and hard-fought struggle.

“Today, many communities still struggle with the harsh legacy of the slave system – a system that impacts upon our nation in a very real way. Faith communities must continue to play their part in mitigating the trauma and consequences associated with that oppressive time and system,” it added. (BT/BGIS)