Reparations must be paid

–– President Ali demands; says gov’t remains committed to struggle for reparations for the crime of African enslavement

–– urges Guyanese to reject any object that obstructs efforts to foster unity

PRESIDENT, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, during his Emancipation Day message, reiterated his commitment in the fight to attain reparations for African enslavement.

He also urged Guyanese to reject any object that poses as a hindrance to unity in the passage to having a “One Guyana.”

The President related: “My government remains committed to the struggle for reparations for the crime of African enslavement We demand that those who were complicit in and who profited from the trade in captive Africans and African enslavement pay just reparations.”

He remarked that the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has been a key player in demanding reparations for the descendants of enslaved Africans

“Within the region, there has been a concerted effort to seek both the acknowledgement of and redress for the injustices inflicted as a result of the slave trade and slavery,” he said, adding that the recent European Union and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (EU-CELAC) summit symbolises a step forward since many acknowledged slavery as a crime against humanity.

Whilst noting that the 185th anniversary signifies the heroic resistance and resilience of the nation’s African fore parents, President Ali stressed that those ancestors laid the framework for Guyana’s freedom

“It is that freedom and African achievement which we celebrate today, Emancipation Day As we do so, let us never forget that this freedom was attained at a high price,” the Head of State said, adding that African enslavement represents , “ one of the darkest chapters in human history and a permanent stain on our civilisation.”

Although Emancipation in 1838 indicated the abolition of slavery, according to President Ali, Africans still faced a series of challenges and thus, Emancipation Day also gives recognition to the significant contribu- tions of African-Guyanese; this includes the development of the peasantry, the emergence of the Village Movement, and the pioneering role of Africans in government, education among other areas in the national light

The Head of State boldly said: “Today, as we celebrate Emancipation Day 2023, let us pay tribute to those who endured unimaginable hardships, yet resisted Let us recall the sacrifices of our African ancestors who emerged strong and resolute in the face of such a barbarous system which gave no legal recognition to them Let us celebrate their contributions to shaping the Guyana we know today.”

In order to pay homage to the suffering that Afro-Guyanese endured, President Ali, while emphasising that his government is committed in ensuring a “One Guyana” for all Guyanese, said that the people need to come together and forge a more inclusive nation, one that will not be divided by politics or any other subject matter

He related: “They [Afro-Guyanese] along with all others will have a stake in national development and in the governance of our country The One Guyana agenda is aimed at building such a prosperous and inclusive future,” adding: “…I am mindful that there are forces inside and outside of our country who, for selfish reasons, continue to stoke division and engender fear , mistrust and suspicion As I have done in the past, I want to encourage Guyanese to continue to reject these attempts and expose the agitators of disunity and fear-mongering who threaten our nation’s cohesion and progress

“Emancipation Day was a milestone in our country’s history

As we celebrate the anniversary of this historic day, let us recommit to working to create a brighter future where resilience and achievements resonate in every corner of Guyana, inspiring generations, present and future, to unite in building a nation

President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali

that embodies the spirit of freedom, prosperity and inclusivity.”

THE FIGHT TO ATTAINING REPARATIONS!

In a previous address at a high-level meeting to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action that was held under the theme “Reparations, racial justice and equality for people of African descent,”

President Ali told world leaders: “Guyana is committed to gaining international reparations for the crime of African enslavement

Reparative justice must not only include a full and unconditional apology from those responsible and/or who benefitted from the transatlantic trade in captive Africans and their consequent enslavement, but must go