On this day of commemoration of the abolition of slavery in Saint-Martin, signed on May 28, 1848, Daniel Gibbs, president of the Collectivity, and Mr. Michael Doré, secretary general of the prefecture, laid a wreath at the foot of the Lady Liberty statue, in Agrément.
Daniel Gibbs' speech
“Each year, on May 28, Saint-Martin commemorates the abolition of slavery. To commemorate is to remember, collectively. It is to bring memory to life through the ages to allow it to transcend the collective present.
We hope that this Thursday, May 28, everyone will devote their time to reflection on what slavery and the slave trade were in our regions. This reflection should allow our Saint-Martin society to move forward and develop while respecting and considering others, their culture and their heritage. Living together on this island supposes knowing its history, and beyond, knowing the history common to all the islands of the Caribbean.
The duty to remember should not be overlooked, but respected. History must never repeat itself. This reflection and this acceptance is the only way which will allow a real and lasting cohesion on a territory.
It is important to accept the dialogue and to make this past, not a weight but a driving force in our way of living together, without discrimination and without anger.
The Afro-Caribbean populations are beautiful, strong and fighting. They have built an identity over dramatic centuries, but they have known how to get up and find relief, driven by a desire for control over the future, which is rooted in a common ethic and a lucid and serene memory.
Saint-Martinoises, Saint-Martinois, to all the inhabitants of Saint-Martin, respect for others, whatever they may be, is the key to a life in harmony ”.
Following the wreath laying, a minute of silence was observed in memory of those who fought for freedom.
7,945 total views
No comments