Community Development, Culture and the Arts Minister Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly has made it clear that slavery has never defined the people of T&T. 

Speaking at the Emancipation Support Committee’s (ESC) launch of the Pan African Festival and Commemoration of African Liberation Day, held on May 25, at Lion’s Cultural Centre, Fitzblackman Drive, Woodbrook, she said: “We are defined by our legacy, the rhythms of our music, the vibrancy of our culture, the boldness of our art, the savoury richness of our cuisine, the inspiring tales of our literature, the majesty of our drumming and yes, the strength of our people. 

“Africans have made history throughout the world—in the fields of medicine, economics, government, law, science and agriculture–just to name a few. If it is that our fates are intertwined, then we accept our common history and forge onwards with common destiny.”

Gadsby-Dolly continued, “The Pan African Festival at the Lidj Omowale Emancipation Village is a multidimensional commemoration of our African and Trinbagonian heritage and culture. It brings together members of the African diaspora: our brothers and sisters from Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania and Senegal, other Caribbean territories, Latin America and North America READ MORE

SOURCE:
Sean Nero
Published:
Thursday, June 2, 2016
Trinidad & Tobago Guardian Online