“The only group in the West Indies that maintained a consistent anti-slavery attitude was the slaves themselves in their collective and individual forms of resistance, as they devised new ways and means of subverting the system.”
This sentiment is expressed in the 2019 Commemorative Emancipation Citation by Dr Editha Fergusson-Jacobs for the Institute for Peoples’ Enlightenment and the University of West Indies Open Campus on the occasion of Grenada’s Annual Commemorative Emancipation Public Lecture Series.
While the lecture series is not part of the 2020 emancipation activities, the occasion will be commemorated despite the new coronavirus.
The Prime Minister in speaking about the cancellation of the public holidays for Carnival, said the occurrence is too sacred to forego its commemoration.
On Saturday, August 01 the Grenada Cultural Foundation will commemorate with ceremonial activities from 11 am to noon.
Rev Harold Andrew will deliver the opening prayer at the Melville Street basketball court.
Wreathes will be placed on the front steps of the Saint George’s Market Square where African people were prepared for auction and sold into slavery.
The reading of the Emancipation proclamation will take place in open area in front of the Esplanade Mall.
In keeping with tradition, the Saint Andrew’s Development Organisation (SADO) will commemorate Emancipation on Monday, August 03, under the theme ‘Reclaiming our rights, promoting a culture of excellence’.
At 5pm, SADO will release its recorded video to various media outlets and social media platforms with a feature address by sociologist Claude Douglas and remarks from SADO president Royan Charles and Chief Executive Officer of the Grenada Cultural Foundation Shirma Wells.
The video includes the release of the acoustic cover version of ‘Redemption Song’ performed by Damian Pappyboi’ Lapompe, as well as presentation of several awards and a peek at past celebrations.
