PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – As we celebrate this national holiday, let us give thanks for the entrenched harmony of our diverse society. Trinidad and Tobago continues to be an example to the world of enlightened togetherness and appreciation of the beauty in the dynamic variety of life.
Emancipation Day marks the end of one of the most inhumane activities in the history of mankind, when millions of people of African origin were brought as slaves to the New World. As we engage in our annual commemoration, let us remember, without bitterness, but with uttermost solemnity and profoundest reflection, that irremovable blot in the history of humanity, so that we strengthen our resolve against enslavement wherever it rears its ugly head. At this time, let us rededicate ourselves to a country where justice and equality reign for all people in our diverse society. Let us also continue our nation’s support of all global efforts against oppression wherever it exists in our world.
Whilst Emancipation Day must recall the horrors of the past, it is equally a time for great celebration. The intrinsic strength and beauty of the human spirit did eventually triumph. Slavery eventually came to an end. But most importantly, in the years and eras thereafter, everywhere in the Americas and the Caribbean, notwithstanding the legacy of economic and social limitations, descendants of slaves rose to the heights of attainment in all fields. It is an extraordinary achievement and speaks of a heroism that must be held up as inspiration for all generations of all origins. Also, and perhaps even more important than individual and celebrated success, is the contribution of the African diaspora as a whole to strengthening the fabric of society in so many countries of the New World through constructive activity and building of families and communities.
On this occasion, we must again record the enormous contribution of our citizens of African origin to the development of our country. From the time they first set foot on these shores to the present day, this group toiled, along with others, first for the foundations of our society, and then later, to build the independent Trinidad and Tobago. They were a major force in the liberation of our country from the legacy of underdevelopment bequeathed to us by our history; and now they continue their tremendous contribution as we transform our country into a developed nation.
Through their efforts, along with brethren of other origins, we have made our country strong. Today Trinidad and Tobago is in a position to contribute to the betterment of our region and the world. We are now able to return something to Africa which gave us so much in the first place. As I have already indicated, we are making our expertise and experience available to countries of the African Union in the development of their petroleum industry.
As we celebrate this national holiday, let us give thanks for the entrenched harmony of our diverse society. Trinidad and Tobago continues to be an example to the world of enlightened togetherness and appreciation of the beauty in the dynamic variety of life. This is a time when the entire nation celebrates, as we do on other occasions that spring from our diverse history and culture, attesting to the policy of unity in diversity on which we continue to build our nation. Let us protect, as our most precious achievement, the unity of the people of Trinidad and Tobago.
On behalf of the Government, I extend Emancipation Day greetings to all.
