Commemorating the day the slaves were liberated. Twelve million people lost their lives over 350 years. 12% did not survive the voyage from Africa. They lost their families, their languages, their countries, their lives, their identities. All in the interest of commodities – mainly sugar for rich Europeans. Â
And then, in 1838, (arguably, earlier in Grenada, thanks to Fedon), came the beginning of the end of this atrocity .
How do we celebrate the release from this despicable bondage? What culture have we developed to show that we are a liberated people? How do we show respect and reverence for our forefathers who suffered such torture and deprivation? How do we show ourselves,worthy descendants of their appalling sacrifice?
We celebrate it the way we celebrate everything else: Easter, Labour Day, every holiday. We go to the beach, drink a lot, surrounded by loud music, and we leave behind as much evidence as possible of our presence. Leaving, ironically, the trappings of commodities bought from rich Europeans strewn around, and enslaving our fellow Grenadians with the menial task of cleaning up the mess. And polluting the sea, toxifying the fish we eat and causing grievous harm to our blue and green economies. Social media will ensure that the word gets around.
A lot of people realise that this is going much too far. A line has been crossed. It is a disgrace.
Haven’t we come a long way in 200 years?
Grenada Green Group (G3)
