As part of the Ministry of Housing and Water ‘extra curriculum’ activities a cultural programme to commemorate Emancipation festivities was done yesterday at their Brickdam Office.

Minister of Housing & Water, Irfaan Ali expressed his gratitude to the ancestors that fought for the freedom of everyone, he acknowledge that some persons will look at Emancipation as freedom granted to slaves but it is more than that. “We were not only given freedom from slavery but freedom from oppression, freedom to have a better life in all ways possible. Our ancestors struggled and because of their personal sacrifices today we have a better life” Ali noted.
Minister Ali further emphasised that we need to be aware of our history, and what our ancestors fought for, to look at their sacrifices and their determination and better ourselves and our lives. “We are inheritors of the freedom, culture and heritage of our ancestors and today we celebrate our respect and honour for the sacrifices and struggles they endure for us” Ali concluded.
The ministry’s staff through their well-coordinated programme enlightened the gathering on the history of emancipation and on what happened during the years of slavery. As explained Angola was chosen as the African country of 2014 since a majority of slaves would have been bought from there. As the staff echoed the words of the Minister of the inhumane system of slavery which was abolished on August 1, 1834 in all British colonies, including British Guiana now Guyana.
While the British Emancipation Act was passed in 1833, it came into force in 1834. The Emancipation Act catered for a period of transition called the apprenticeship system under which the ex-slaves were still subjected to their former masters. This apprenticeship system lasted for another four years, 1834-1838, after which ‘full freedom’ was achieved, bringing to an end the atrocious system of slavery which, for centuries, had brought so much pain, suffering, and bitterness.
Minister Ali extended emancipation greeting to all his staff and to Guyana, and hope that the country reflect on the struggles of our ancestors so as to create a better country of tomorrow.