Today, as Guyanese and others celebrate the 179th anniversary of the abolition of slavery (in the British Empire) we must find time to stand for a moment of silence in honor of those souls on whose shoulders we now stand. We must ask ourselves, “Have I made the best use of the opportunities my ancestors fought so hard for, have I attempted to uplift my family and people from where we started? Have I set an example for those who will follow me? Am I confident that in my little way I have not disappointed my ancestors?”
Our ancestors endured the hardship of forced labor, inhumane treatment, captivity, injustices and separation from loved ones. It is imperative that we never forget, and that we will not let that chapter in our history prevent us from aspiring to the greatest achievements while reaching out to take others with us.
We must remember that “for us to climb to great heights it is more rewarding to build our own mountain.”
The Staff of Guyana Graphic wish Guyanese everywhere A Happy Emancipation Day.