PERMANENT Secretary in the Ministry of Housing and Water, Emile McGarrel has called on all Guyanese and especially those of African descent, to take cognisance of the importance of the freedom fought for and achieved, especially during this period of celebrating the anniversary of Emancipation. PS McGarrel was at the time speaking during the ministry’s celebration activity in commemoration of the 178th anniversary of Emancipation Tuesday afternoon at the Ministry of Housing and Water, Brickdam.
He urged all Guyanese to reflect on the important lessons that came from the struggles for freedom and stated that this freedom was “hard fought” and should be protected in every aspect of  Guyanese life, be it personally, culturally or socially, so as to preserve it for the future generation.
Conveying Emancipation greetings to Guyanese of African descent, McGarrel said that the ministry was happy to be part of commemorating an occasion that seeks to celebrate the abolition of slavery and, the unleashing of development in Guyana.
He said the ministry has been playing its part in continuing this facilitation of liberation of Guyanese by providing housing and water services aimed at the empowerment and uplifting of many Guyanese.
Africans gained complete freedom on August 1, 1838 after enduring years of bondage dating back to as early as the 17th century. Different cultural celebration activities have marked the commemorative activities in observation of this day.