It's Official - August 1 is Emancipation Day

Contact: John Emmanuel

Wednesday, August 30, 2000 - Efforts toward the further recognition of August 1 as Emancipation Day got a boost on Tuesday, when the St. Lucia House of Assembly considered the Bank Holidays Amendment.

According to Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Kenny Anthony, celebrating Emancipation Day on the first Monday of August, had served to desensitise the consciousness of Caribbean peoples, from the historical condition that led to their existence. Dr. Anthony says in keeping with moves by several other regional states, in reverting to the historic date, St. Lucia was amending the Bank Holidays Ordinance to officially recognize August 1 as Emancipation Day.

"What we are seeking to do therefore, is to reintroduce St. Lucians and reacquaint them with their history, helping them to understand who they are and where they came from. Helping them to grasp the journey they have taken over the years and freedom is something that is so sacred that we need constantly to be reminded of its value. St. Lucians had lost completely, perhaps due to amnesia, the significance of Emancipation Day and if you were to ask the average St. Lucia what August Monday meant, they probably would simple tell you that it is just another holiday. Very few could have linked it to that great historical event of August 1 and very few understood the significance of August 1 for the freedom that we enjoy today." Dr. Anthony said.

Emancipation Day was officially recognized in St. Lucia this year on August 1. Prime Minister Anthony has meantime called upon the Ministry of Community Development that oversees the event, to do more in heightening public awareness of Emancipation Day. The Budget cycle he indicated will henceforth incorporate funds being put aside to properly mark the occasion.

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