PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) — Caribbean countries yesterday celebrating Emancipation Day with a public holiday, while regional politicians underscored the need for tolerance and respect for all the various races of the Caribbean.

Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer used the occasion marking the emancipation of slaves of African origin to remind citizens that “the future success and growth of our twin-island state is dependent on the commitment of each resident to cooperate and unite in action for better economic and social growth”.

But Spencer said he was also dreaming of a “united Caribbean strong and steadfast in its thrust for development and prosperity of its entire population” as well as the unification of Africa defending their sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence.

“After 30 years of independence in Antigua and Barbuda and over 45 years of sovereignty among other countries in the region, the time has come for us to integrate in ways that will bring benefit to the ordinary man on the street.

“Therefore, the celebration of Emancipation must also be seen in the broader context of liberating our societies of poor work attitudes, laziness, corruption, disrespect and violent crime,” he added.

Spencer said that his administration supports the recognition of 2011 as the ‘Year for Persons of African Descent’, adding that it “is about creating the atmosphere that will bring to light our African past, rich in human and spiritual evolution which as a Caribbean achievement, should serve to transform and empower our people in the 21st century.

“The decision by the United Nations to declare 2011 as the Year for Persons of African Descent was welcomed with a strong sense of pride, honour and respect for a people with a long and powerful civilisation.

“Hence, my government will continue to work at the multilateral level and collaborate with Caricom (Caribbean Community) to forge linkages with African and Latin American countries to ensure that all persons, particularly those African descents, can improve their access to services in education, health and social welfare.”

In her message, Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar said her country has been in the forefront in raising the consciousness of people locally, regionally and internationally about the importance that we need to attach to Emancipation.

“The story of Emancipation obviously begins with the abolition of slavery which has impacted on the social, psychological, economic, cultural and religious freedoms of those who were originally involved but equally on their descendents, who still bear the scars of this most heinous and inhuman trade in human beings.

“Today, we must all rededicate ourselves to ensuring that such an event must never again occur in human history to fully liberate, in all aspects, those who continue to languish in the traumas of this serious degradation to humankind.

“We are all victims, directly or indirectly of this human tragedy and we should be very proud that Trinidad and Tobago operates as a model nation where we celebrate the successes and failures, the pain and the pleasures of all our citizens.”

She said that the freedoms now being enjoyed is “as a direct result of our African history can never be overemphasized since they help us to forever cherish what we celebrate as a free people”.

Jamaica’s Prime Minister Bruce Golding told Jamaicans they should use the occasion to honour those who fought for an end to slavery, while at the same time recommitting themselves to the process of nation-building.

Golding said while slavery officially ended at midnight on July 31, 1834, the building of the nation will never end.

“It will continue for as long as life lasts. Our task is to do our part in the same way that our slaving forefathers did theirs, and so better enable those who come after us to deal with the challenges that they will face.

“Through the courageous efforts of our heroes like Sam Sharpe and Nanny of the Maroons; through the defiant struggle of persons like Tacky and Three-Finger Jack; through the strident advocacy of conscious white men like William Wilberforce in England and William Knibb in Jamaica; through the missionary work of organisations like the Baptist church, slavery was officially abolished in 1834.

“This transplanted, oppressed and brutalised people set about building the nation we call Jamaica. This is our history. It is these experiences that define who we are and what we are. Emancipation Day is intended to observe and celebrate that critical turning point.”

Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller, in her message, said Emancipation Day should not only be regarded as a day of celebration

“It is also a reminder that despite the odds and despite our size we have pierced the global consciousness. We have shown the world the best of who we are and who we can become. It reminds us that we are descended from a people with histories and achievements in knowledge, technologies, techniques and values which can greatly assist human development.

“Emancipation Day is indeed a platform from which we can reflect on the past and project a future built on the equality and justice our ancestors dreamed of as they sought to justify why, due to the colour of their skin, the twist of their hair, the build of their frame, or the brow of their faces, one race would so, through the crime of slavery, rob them of their very humanity,” said Simpson Miller.

Her Trinidad and Tobago counterpart, Dr Keith Rowley, said that while August 1, 1838 marked a new beginning for African slaves and their offspring “it didn’t mark an end to their struggle for a decent standard of living”.

“Today on the 173rd anniversary of Emancipation in Trinidad and Tobago, I address you with a heavy heart and a troubled mind over the tense and volatile industrial relations climate,” he said, adding “in just over one year the Government has sought to erase much of that was achieved in 173 years”.

Emancipation Day activities in Barbados coincides with the annual “Crop Over” festival — the end of the sugar cane — and on Sunday, hundreds of Barbadians braved the inclement weather to take part in the Emancipation Walk from Independence Square to the Emancipation Village at Bridgetown Market, Spring Garden Highway.

During the walk, a number of stations were set up along the route and walkers got the opportunity to place floral tributes paying homage to the island’s national heroes.