Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, and Consul General in New York, Ambassador Michael Brotherson, used this year’s Emancipation Day observance to honour the resilience of African ancestors while reaffirming Guyana’s commitment to unity, reparatory justice and national development.
Speaking at the observance at Medgar Evers College in New York on Thursday, Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett described slavery as the “greatest crime against humanity” and said reparations are about justice, not charity.
She noted that Guyana continues to advocate alongside its Caribbean partners for reparatory justice and highlighted Guyana’s support for the landmark United Nations resolution in recognising the transatlantic slave trade and the enslavement of Africans as the gravest crime against humanity.
She also urged Guyanese to emulate the courage and determination of national heroes such as Cuffy and Damon.
Ambassador Brotherson, however, reflected on the significance of Emancipation as a symbol of dignity, justice and self-determination.
He noted that the Village Movement established by newly emancipated Africans laid the foundation for economic independence and community development in Guyana.
He also highlighted the government’s continued investment in the empowerment of people of African descent through initiatives in education, agriculture, culture and entrepreneurship, including the planned Guyana Development Bank’s interest-free business loan programme.
Both ambassadors also paid tribute to the victims of the recent MV Barima tragedy, extending condolences to the affected families.