Caption: President Christine Kangaloo, First Gentleman Kerwyn Garcia, Senate President Wade Mark, left, and House Speaker Jagdeo Singh. Photo: T&T Parliament
By Alicia Chamely
EMANCIPATION Day must stand as a beacon of hope, of proactive and righteous struggle and an overabundance of ambition.
This was the message shared by Speaker of the House of Representatives Jagdeo Singh in his African Emancipation Day Greeting.
Singh delivered his greeting on Monday at an Extraordinary Sitting of the House of Representatives, at the Red House, Port of Spain.
Speaking on Emancipation, Singh said, “Emancipation in Trinidad & Tobago is inextricably linked to the struggle of African identity and artistic norms and cultural morays against a backdrop of oppressive and restrictive colonial suppression and gross oppression at times.”
He explained that after full emancipation came in 1838, African Trinbagonians still had to fight for the freedom of cultural identity.
Quoting founding member of the steelpan band Charlie’s Roots and legendary calypsonian, Christopher Tambu Hurbert, Singh said, “The journey had just begun.”
Singh cited colonial legislation from the Peace Preservation Act of 1884 to the Sedition Act of 1920, which sought to suppress African cultural, religious and social practices.
He said, “However, like all colonial attempts to oppress and suppress, the actions paradoxically fuelled the ingenuity and resilience of the African population.”
Singh said, “Emancipation therefore was not merely a legal decree, but a long arduous journey marked by continuous striving for the retention of cultural identity in the face of restrictive laws.”
He continued, “These struggles profoundly shaped Trinidad and Tobago’s identity, resulting in a unique cultural experience where suppressed traditions blossomed into celebrated national expressions, serving as a powerful reminder of the enduring spirit and contributions of our African forbearers.”
Singh stated, “Members, I am sure you will agree that Emancipation Day must also stand as a beacon of hope, of proactive and righteous struggle, and an overabundance of ambition.”
The Speaker ended his greeting saying, “I invoke the words of Ms. Ella Andall, and I ask all members here on Emancipation Day to ‘bring down the power of love’ and let our hearts overflow towards our fellow men in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.”
Also delivering his African Emancipation Day greeting was President of the Senate Wade Mark during an Extraordinary Sitting of Senate on Tuesday at the Red House, Port of Spain.
Mark said, “As we mark Emancipation Day 2025, may we reflect on the strength, wisdom, and spiritual fortitude of those who came before us-those who endured unimaginable hardship, yet dreamed of and demanded a better tomorrow.”
He continued, “Let us carry forward that legacy by fostering understanding, protecting freedoms, and ensuring that every citizen-regardless of race, class or origin-is treated with inherent dignity that freedom requires.”
Mark said, “In the spirit of freedom, heritage and community, allow me on behalf of the Parliament of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, myself and my family, to wish the people of our beloved Trinidad and Tobago, Happy Emancipation Day 2025!”
