Photo Credit: BVI Platinum News
Photo Credit: BVI Platinum News
"I want to take this opportunity to remind us the reason why we celebrate; to remind us that Emancipation is not about another carnival," stated Hon. Dr. Kedrick Pickering, Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources and Labour. He was speaking at the opening ceremony of the Moviene Fahie Festiville in East End/Long Look on Monday, August 6.
Hon. Pickering, who is also the Representative of the Seventh District said, "...Emancipation for us here in these islands is a celebration for the Emancipation of something none of us ever want to see happen again."
He said he will continue to remind persons of the true meaning of Emancipation celebrations.
"And to remind us also that as we celebrate to continually remember that freedom is not free and so as we revel, jump up...we must constantly remind ourselves that the land on which we stand was once a plantation that was owned by a different set of individuals, different persons. And those of us who are descendants of the slaves were living under different circumstances," he stated.
The Deputy Premier noted that those who have the responsibilities for leadership have to ensure that they never repeat from`whence we came.
The theme for this year's Emancipation Festival is 'Bringing Back Our Cultural Past; Let's Celebrate BVI Festival With Class', while the slogan is 'Emancipation: A Golden Story To Tell; Enjoy VI Festival 2012'.
