Barbados celebrates Emancipation day

Struggle and resistance form a critical part of Barbados’ history and the gains many citizens enjoy today.

This was the message delivered by Minister of Labour Colin Jordan, who spoke during Thursday’s Emancipation Day celebrations held at Emancipation Village in Haggatt Hall.

The day’s activities included a walk to the Bussa statue, laying of flowers, and several cultural acts celebrating the significant day.

Minister of Labour and Social Relations Colin Jordan.

Jordan told attendees the country’s history was littered with instances of struggle and resistance from working class people, which in turn led to better and fairer conditions for all citizens in every aspect of society.

He stressed that such sacrifices in the past must not be underestimated.

“The gains of Barbadians, the gains of ordinary citizens in this country has been on the backs of the working people, the struggle of working people in Barbados. What we enjoy today, the fact that we can even have a Bussa statue, we remember the attempts to pacify it by not calling it Bussa, is a demonstration of struggle not too long ago. 

“I want us to remember always that what we enjoy is the result of struggle, it was not something handed to us, it is not something given to us, it was not out of the kindness of anybody’s heart that we got emancipation, it is not out of the goodness of anybody’s heart that got us to where we are today.  Where we are today is the result of resistance, struggle, solidarity, and the result of some blood, sweat and tears,” he said.  

MInister Dr Shantal Munro-Knight laid her wreath at the Emancipation Statue.

Senior Minister Dr William Duguid joined today’s celebrations.

Jordan noted that out of that struggle for rights, there is greater respect for workers, and the humanity of workers. shamarblunt@barbadostoday.bb