TCI: Emancipation Day Message by Premier Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson

#Providenciales, August 1, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – My fellow Turks and Caicos Islanders, August 1st marks a significant event in the history of these islands and for the people of this region. On this day in 1834 the Emancipation Act took effect, paving the way for the freedom of our ancestors throughout the British Empire.

Emancipation Day offers us the opportunity to reflect on our history and allows that history to serve as a mirror. When peering into that mirror, the reflection tells us more about who we are than what was perpetuated against us; that we are stronger than any system designed to subjugate us; and that no circumstance or challenge will deter us from being masters of our own destiny.

Marcus Garvey stated that “A people without knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots”. Knowledge of our history is essential to charting the course ahead for the Turks and Caicos Islands. History helps us to understand that we are part of a continuum of perseverance, pride, strength, ingenuity and resilience. We are rooted in the legacy of our fore-bearers whose courage and fortitude is our inheritance. Their legacy has enabled us to arrive at this unique juncture and will propel our nation toward full mastery of its fate.

My fellow Turks and Caicos Islanders, we stand on the shoulders of visionaries such as the Right Excellent James Alexander George Smith (JAGS) McCartney, the Turks and Caicos first Chief Minister and sole National Hero. His vision for us was not fully realized in his lifetime, but the seeds of full nationhood were sown and has been left to us to nurture to its full potential.

Tariq Ramadan espouses the belief that “Emancipation can only come from within; it cannot be dictated by someone else”. As we reflect on the incalculable sacrifices of those who came before us that enable us to commemorate Emancipation Day, let us commit ourselves to recognizing and honouring them by pressing toward the full realization of Emancipation.

We must continue to honour our forefathers by uniting in service to this archipelago and unselfishly bearing the mantle of nation builders. So that one day, when we as nation commemorate Emancipation Day and gaze through the mirror of history, we reflect the strength that is our legacy and fully honour our fore-bearers by progressing to a reality that is beyond their dreams.

May God on this day and forevermore bless the Turks and Caicos Islands.