 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
      |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
WELCOME There are defining moments in a nation’s history, on which its citizens must pause to reflect. Such reflections are important in building understanding and enhancing our appreciation for the struggles that were necessary to bring about these defining moments. The abolition of the brutal Transatlantic Trade in Africans is such a defining event that is worthy of observance.This year, Jamaica is proud to join in observing the 200th anniversary of the legislative abolition of slavery and the beginning of the march to freedom by our ancestors. This period has left a lifelong scar on the entire history of human civilization. In commemorating this important anniversary, we must never forget from whence we came and the route traveled to get us here. We must never forget that more died, than were born, during the period of slavery. And, we must never forget that is was the brutality suffered by our ancestors that has helped to mould us into such a strong people, full of hope and confidently charting new possibilities. If we fail to enhance this aspect of our history, unacceptable though it is, then we could well be embracing the shame of the atrocities committed during the awful period. The end of the Transatlantic Trade in Africans marked the beginning of a new Jamaican identity, as up to 1807, the black people of this country did not, and could not, consider themselves Jamaicans. This recognition and acceptance of the Jamaican identity is a significant milestone in our history and progress as a nation. Slavery has left us a legacy of struggles. The dehumanizing and cruel conditions of the Transatlantic Trade in Africans can never be forgotten. As a proud and determined people, however, let us use this most significant observance to generate a renewed sense of unity, hope and purposeful determination so that the sacrifices made will not be in vain and the freedom we now enjoy will remain cherished and guarded for the future generations. The Most Honourable Portia Simpson-Miller ON, MP |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
Home | Our Mandate | Message | Why Mark Our Aniversary | Links | Gallery | Want to Help | Context Papers |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Contact: Prof. Verene A. Shepherd |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
