Let us reflect on the deep implications of Emancipation Day

HAPPY Emancipation Day to the Guyanese people.

August 1 marks the 185th anniversary of the abolition of slavery, one of the world’s most dehumanising systems of man by man We observe and celebrate the occasion with all Guyanese, especially those of African descent for whom Emancipation Day holds monumental historic importance

Today, we call on Guyanese to reflect on the deep implications of Emancipation Day In particular, we must recognise that emancipation was not granted for enslaved Africans as an act of mercy so that they can enjoy freedom for the first time

We must recognise that liberty and autonomy were already birth rights of many Africans in Africa, but were taken away from them We must also recognise that enslaved Africans fought to regain their stolen emancipation over centuries with immeasurable endurance , fortitude, and sacrifice. The formal abolition of slavery in 1838 , therefore , must be properly and justifiably recognised as acknowledging and restoring their lost freedom

On this Emancipation Day, we in Guyana must recommit to fight to restore the ongoing loss of freedoms in our society —both politically and economically We must fight for the total economic emancipation of all Guyanese By economic emancipation , we mean all Guyanese must have the freedom and opportunity to be and to do all they deem necessary to achieve prosperity and economic security for themselves

At present, too many are economically oppressed because of poverty and low incomes, inadequate skills and capabilities, high cost of living, unemployment, few opportunities, among other things

A fully emancipated Guyana would be a country where all citizens can enjoy their full social, economic, and political rights regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, political affiliation, religion, or social status

A fully emancipated Guyana would be a country that fulfils Article 40 (1) of its own constitution, which states: “Every person in Guyana is entitled to the basic right to a happy, creative and productive life, free from hunger, ignorance, and want.”

Let us continue the struggle to liberate our country from all forms of bondage, deprivation, suppression, and

Guyanese not only to reflect upon the struggles, herculean sacrifices of the slaves and their descendants, and their remarkable achievements, but also to use them as a source of inspiration and guide as we continue to work together to build a united and democratic nation.

THE Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) once again takes this opportunity to salute our Afro-Guyanese brothers and sisters across the country and in the diaspora on the occasion of Emancipation Day.

This historic anniversary provides yet another opportune moment to reflect on the sacrifices made by our African ancestors who were brought to these shores in chains to provide free labour to the sugar planters

Stripped of their humanity and dignity and forced to toil long hours , to say that our African ancestors suffered at the hands of the sugar planters would be a gross understatement During that genocidal process, many were tortured and brutally killed for standing up for their rights In the long march to freedom , many battles were fought , including the Berbice Slave rebellion led by our National Hero, Cuffy

In the end , the resilient spirit of resistance, demonstrated by our African ancestors, prevailed and freedom was attained in August 1838 Freed and successful in forging a society , having purchased a number of villages, there were attempts by the sugar planters to sabotage the slaves’ newly won independence However, their determination for success and peace resulted in their triumph

Our African ancestors and their descendants have and continue to make invaluable contributions to the development of Guyana The foundations of our society and economy were firmly laid by them through hard work and commitment to their homeland

As our Union once again recognises the tremendous sacrifices and the selfless contributions African ancestors made to our modern society, it wishes to reiterate the importance of the principle of racial equality, and a governance mechanism where each and every citizen regardless of race , colour or creed, be given an equal opportunity to contribute to advancement of our society

Once again , happy Emancipation greetings to all Guyanese, in particular our Afro-Guyanese brothers and sisters inhumanness

Let us be motivated that , with proper leadership, we can build Guyana into one of the best countries to live in.