FIRST Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger, has announced the launch of a programme that aims to bring complete revival to the residents of the Buxton-Friendship area. She made this announcement, yesterday, at the Friendship Primary School on the East Coast of Demerara, where she joined a large number of residents in their Emancipation Day festivities.

The First Lady explained that the projects that she wants to roll out were identified by the people of Buxton themselves after consultations over the past two months. She said she is happy to be part of a project that will empower the youth population and ensure that the much-needed attention is paid to senior citizens, who have made sterling contributions to national development in their working years.

Emancipation Day holds special meaning for the people of Buxton. The village has a rich history; it was among the first lands purchased by freed slaves. Mrs. Granger said that Buxtonians are a proud people and rightly so, as they have braved many struggles to realise great achievements. Buxton is home to many Guyanese scholars who have achieved excellence in Guyana and further afield.

The First Lady said that as Guyana celebrates this significant milestone of 177 years since the end of slavery, citizens should be reminded that freedom was not offered on a platter. It was the result of the blood, sweat and tears of our ancestors.

“This day we celebrate arose out of hardship and cooperation. Nothing has been easy in the development of this country,” she said.

Meanwhile, Professor David Hinds, a Buxtonian and well-known political activist, said that while it is important to remember the bondage of slavery that our ancestors were subjected to, much more focus should be placed on the fact that they fought back against an oppressive system and emerged triumphant and that is the spirit of courage that Guyanese should emulate.