by Linda Straker
- Before 2007, Emancipation celebrations were observed on first Monday and Tuesday
- Tuesday observation removed to accommodate working day lost for cricket tournament in 2007
- Senator St Clair called for Festival Act review
Senator Adrian Thomas, Leader of Government Business in the Senate, said that it is the government’s hope that changing the Emancipation Day observation from the first Monday in August to 1 August will bring a level of consciousness to people of Grenada that will chart a new course for each citizen.
1 August 1834 marked the end of slavery in the British Empire, of which Grenada was a member. Prior to 2007, Emancipation celebrations were observed on both the first Monday and Tuesday, but in 2007, the Tuesday observation was removed via a special sitting of both Houses of Parliament to accommodate the working day lost for the first one-day international cricket tournament that Grenada hosted, the ICC Cricket World Cup. Since then, Grenada has been commemorating Emancipation Day on the first Monday.
Thomas, in presenting the amendment to the Banking Act for debate and approval in the Upper House on 1 July 2025, said the struggle for abolishing slavery did not end in 1834, but it continues, and lip service should not be paid to the first Monday in August. The amendment was already approved by members of the Lower House or the House of Representatives.
“This must change and it’s an honour to be part of this administration, Madam President, to take the initiative to put some meaning to that significant day,” he said. “We know that the legacy of slavery is very painful and sometimes its baffles me Madam President, how can we not remember, how can citizens of Grenada, the Caribbean, the black community whichever part of the world wherever you may find yourself, for Emancipation Day to pass and don’t even remember it.”
The bill was not rejected by any senators, but there was robust and vigorous debate as members advanced their concerns about the impact the change will have on existing national festivals which traditionally coincide with the Emancipation Day commemoration, including the Rainbow City Festival for St Andrew, and the Carriacou Regatta, one of the oldest regattas in the region.
Senator Roderick St Clair called for a review of the Festival Act so that there will be clarity and harmony going forward with the planning, coordinating and executing of these festivals.
“Hear the Truth” did you say students in schools are subject to corporal punishment? Is this a fact? If true, please contact me asap.
[email protected].
As soon as you or anyone reads this and there is proof of whipping/flogging/beating any Grenadian school child let me know. Office number 435-3336.
When is our governemtn going to start looking forward to a brighter future instead staring back at the bad days 200 years ago?
You are insightful and amazing!
The government will always look back because they have no plan for our people. Look at our schools. Pupils are beaten in school, at home, they have poor nutrition, bad health and dental care, the curriculum is outdated, and even the community college is closed more days a year than it offers lessons.
What a shame!
Our elected officials show their self-hate by selling our patronage, our lands, and by willfully not enforcing our laws. They believe that the French and British are to blame for everything bad. Well, last I look the British felt us with a system to truly aspire. Unfortunately, corruption, graft, lies, finger-pointing, and blaming others are their areas of expertise.
Like you, I want accountability; I want our government to take ownership of their responsibility to ensure that our people’s tomorrow is better than it is today.