Monday, January 15, 2007

ST JOHN'S, Antigua: Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Baldwin Spencer, has announced the establishment of a committee to organise celebrations in honour of the bicentenary anniversary of the abolition of the British Empire Atlantic slave trade.

In his New Year's Address to the nation, Spencer outlined his intention to appoint the celebrations committee which will be tasked with organising activities to include education and awareness programmes concerning the bicentenary celebration and the question of reparations.

The Committee is to be chaired by Dorbrene O'Marde and includes Ermina Oshoba, Ambassador Anthony Liverpoole, Ambassador Joan Underwood, Senator McKenzie Frank, Alister Thomas, Ras King Frank I Francis, Icilma Cornelius, Saiid Greene, Youth Ambassador Cleveroy Thomas and Veronica Yearwood.

Ambassador Leon Chaku Symister will be the convener of the Committee.

Spencer said that by commemorating the dismantling of the institution of slavery Antigua and Barbuda will be honouring the memory of those who died as a result of one of the worst acts of violation of human rights in the history of humanity, including through exposure to the horrors of the Middle Passage and in revolt against and resistance to enslavement.

He said that it is important that as a nation we reflect on the institution of slavery which was at the heart of profound social and economic inequality, hatred, bigotry, racism and prejudice, which we must ensure does not affect us again as a people.

The event will be celebrated on March 26, 2007.

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