Emancipation Day 2020: Why we do celebrate
Speech delivered by Deputy Government Commissioner Alida Francis to the island of St. Eustatius.
Dear Statian Residents,
Today July 1st is Emancipation Day. It is a day to celebrate the returning of the fundamental human right of FREEDOM!!
Freedom was withheld and slavery was forced upon a race of people for the advancement of another race. This lasted for over 200 years and most slaves were born into slavery and unfortunately they died in slavery. While we reflect on the global plight let us also remember the six men here on St. Eustatius whose lives were lost in that fight for our freedom.
Thomas Dupersoy (a free colored man)
Prince
Joseph
Valentine
Abraham
Oscar
Due in part to the courage, bravery, resilience and sacrifice of these men…… on this day, 157 years ago, slavery was abolished.
Because of them we are reminded to appreciate and put to good use all of the freedoms that you and I enjoy today …
The freedom of education
The freedom of religion
The freedom to come and go as we please
The freedom to marry who we want to
The freedom to work wherever we choose and
The freedom to be who we want to be
As we continue to forge ahead, we must embrace and celebrate the impact of their sacrifice, the beauty of their culture that has become part of our national identity, and the values of courage, resilience, perseverance and community that live on through us and will continue for generations to come.
For a closer look at the contributions of persons that relate more to the times in which we live. On this July Day let us reflect on the teachings of Bob Marley, a cultural artist who became internationally known as a defender of love, freedom and emancipation. Let us reflect especially on the message in his songs and his contributions to both revolutionary consciousness and his call for us to emancipate ourselves from mental slavery.
Fellow Statian residents, it is important that we look forward with renewed vigor and join hands that will build a just community where we can all benefit and live in peaceful coexistence regardless of social standing, ethnicity or geography.
Let the legacy of Bob Marley, Martin Luther King Jr., Marcus Garvey and our very own cultural icons; Christine Flanders, Miriam Schmidt and Walton Schmidt encourage us to ensure that we leave behind a legacy of a better, stronger and more prosperous St. Eustatius.
On behalf of the Public Entity of St. Eustatius, Government Commissioner Mr. Marnix van Rij and I wish each of you a Happy Happy July.