By Bebi Shafeah Oosman
SENIOR Minister with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, reflected on the sacrifices made by Guyana’s ancestors, stressing that their courage and resilience laid the foundation for the nation enjoyed today.
Singh on Saturday joined Berbicians at the New Amsterdam Recreational Park for a grand Emancipation celebration.
“We are eternally indebted to our ancestors for the sacrifices that they made, the battles that they waged, the pain that they endured, the blood that they lost, the sweat and tears that they shed in the course of this country’s struggle to break free from those shackles,” Singh said.
He emphasised that Guyanese have a responsibility to honour their ancestors by remembering the price they paid for freedom and continuing to uphold the ideals for which they fought.
“We are never to forget those sacrifices and the price that they paid, and we are never to hesitate to continue committing ourselves to the cause for which they struggled,” he stated.
Singh noted that modern Guyana is a direct result of those sacrifices, saying the country’s progress and unity did not happen by chance.
“We didn’t become this beautiful, modern and unified country by accident. We became this beautiful, diverse and unified country because of their sacrifices,” he said.
Highlighting the nation’s rich cultural heritage, Singh said Guyana’s strength lies in the contributions of its many peoples.
“When you look across Guyana’s tapestry, you see the contributions made by our various peoples,” he added.
As such, he stressed that “in this one Guyana we have an important responsibility to recognise the strenght that we derive from our oneness and secondly forever to defend that oneness and work on building and consolidating it.”
Singh also used the opportunity to extend Emancipation Day greetings on behalf of President Irfaan Ali and the Government of Guyana.
Regional Chairman Junior Basant also called on Guyanese to honour the sacrifices of the nation’s African ancestors while reaffirming a collective commitment to unity, equality, and freedom as the country observed Emancipation Day.
Delivering remarks during the Emancipation Day observances, Basant reflected on the resilience and courage of the men and women who endured the brutality of enslavement, noting that their unwavering determination and pursuit of freedom laid the foundation for future generations.
He emphasised that Emancipation Day is far more than a commemorative occasion, describing it as a reminder that freedom remains one of humanity’s greatest gifts. According to Basant, freedom represents the right of every individual to dream, speak, learn, worship, and live with dignity.
While acknowledging the struggles endured by African ancestors to break the chains of slavery, he urged Guyanese to remain vigilant against prejudice, hatred, and division, stressing that society must never allow new forms of oppression to replace those of the past.
Basant also highlighted the significant contributions of Afro-Guyanese to the country’s development, noting their impact across agriculture, education, public service, entrepreneurship, the arts, sports, science, and national leadership.
He said these achievements have played a vital role in shaping modern Guyana and continue to inspire future generations to pursue excellence and nation-building.
As Guyanese celebrated their rich African heritage, the regional chairman encouraged citizens to embrace the spirit of inclusion, emphasising that true freedom is strongest when it is shared by all. He said a genuinely free nation is one where every person, regardless of race, religion, or background, is respected, valued, and given equal opportunities to succeed.
Concluding his address, Basant extended Emancipation Day greetings to all Guyanese and encouraged citizens to honour the past, celebrate the present, and continue working together to build a future defined by unity, equality, and lasting freedom.
