Emancipation Message by Ambassador David Comissiong of Barbados
Emancipation Day Message
David Comissiong - Barbados' Ambassador to CARICOM & the Association of Caribbean States
For me, Emancipation Day is a time for reflection on our ancestors' epic struggle against the system of Chattel Slavery -- perhaps the most evil and brutal system of oppression ever invented -- and the tremendous victory that they won in that monumental battle. And if there is one constant that I discern in that history, it is our ancestors' irrepressible longing and struggle for freedom.
The annual commemorating of Emancipation Day helps me to better appreciate our unique historical heritage of -- on the one hand -- victimization and suffering, but also-- even more significantly-- of resistance, courage, resilience, cultural creativity, and a deep commitment to freedom and human dignity.
I would therefore like to urge my brothers and sisters to embrace the commemoration of Emancipation Day as an opportunity to further prepare ourselves-- as a people -- to assume the great Mission that our history has bequeathed to us: namely, to be the World's foremost advocates and defenders of the values of freedom and human dignity, and the greatest opponents of racism.
Related Press Releases
Press Release - H.E. Ambassador Noemí Espinoza of Honduras Elected Secretary General of the Association of Caribbean States
Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago – November 7, 2024 –
The ACS Brings Together Leaders and Experts at COP16 on best practices for addressing Coastal Erosion in the Greater Caribbean
In the margins of the COP 16 hosted by Colombia, which also holds the chairmanship of of the Asso
ACS hosts Workshop to conclude Phase 1 of the Sandy Shorelines Project
In the framework of its 30th Anniversary, the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) hosted a work
