Emancipation Edition
2013 Emancipation Festival in Trinidad and Tobago Celebration of Freedom
Angélique & 2face serenade the crowd with their duet Wole Soyinka featured speaker at the 2013 Trade Symposium. Photo Courteous www.cp-africa.com
Youths at the 2013 Street Procession
Guests at Emancipation 2013 Street Proccession
Moko Jumbies tower over the particpants of the 2013 Emancipation Procession Kankouran dazzle the crowd at 2013 Opening Night
This year’s Emancipation Festival hosted by the Emancipation Support Committee of Trinidad and Tobago, was a tremendous success. Each year’s celebration of emancipation provides an opportunity for the national community to celebrate the historical significance of Emancipation Day and to allow for remembrance of ‘the past as it provides a compass by which we measure where we 1are and how far we have come. The Emancipation Support Committee has chosen to embrace memory in order to understand the
present and develop a vision for the future.’( Khafra Kambon, Chairman, Emancipation Support Committee). On st August 1 1985 Trinidad and Tobago became the first country in the world to declare Emancipation Day a national holiday. Since 1992, the Emancipation Support Committee of Trinidad and Tobago has been at the forefront of the development of the celebrations into one of the largest and best known festivals in the world, with the participation of tens of thousands of persons in an array of artistic cultural, spiritual, educational and
business activities over a period of one week, leading up to Emancipation Day. The theme for this year’s celebration was Institutionalizing the African Agenda in the Global Future as 2013 marks several significant anniversaries, th the 50 anniversary of the formation of the Organization of African Unity, the 21st anniversary of the Emancipation Support Committee, the 175th anniversary of Emancipation in the English speaking Caribbean and the 150th in the Dutch speaking Caribbean. Continued on page 2
Wole Soyinka, Nobel Prize Laureate Addresses 2013 Trans- Atlantic Trade and Investment Symposium
“We are not forgotten and the ancestors have not forgotten us. To be free we must stay emancipated and then emancipate others,” Wole Soyinka 2013
Speakers at this year’s Trade Symposium. Photo courtesy m.guardian.co.tt
The Emancipation Support Committee is committed to the economic and corporate development, growth and success of Trinidad and Tobago, Africa and the entire African Diaspora. The annual Trans-Atlantic Trade Symposium is one path by which the organization’s Symposium has
Sought to achieve these economic goals. This forum allows for the creation and expansion of business and trade linkages between Trinidad and Tobago and Africa as well as the rest of the Diaspora. The Trans- Atlantic Trade and Investment Symposium created an atmosphere for engaging in discourse and networking and this year featured special interest in Nigeria and its booming economy. The past years have seen the symposium featured prominent business men and women from throughout the world and has provided the incentive for trade delegations from Africa to establish trade ties with Trinidad and Tobago and by extension the region. This year the Trade Symposium focused on Nigeria because of its fast growing economy and preexisting trade linkages. The featured speakers were President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture, Alh Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, Compass Consulting CEO, Ms Tokunbo Chiedu and Nobel Prize Laureate Wole Soyinka, who spoke of the ever expanding investment opportunities in Nigeria. Information on the legal framework by which Nigerian investment opportunity can be pursued was presented and Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State also elaborated on those investment opportunities peculiar to Osun State. The Trade Symposium was well received, principally because of the information available on the many business opportunities created as a result of its booming economy.
The Travel Professionals of Colour TPOC is an organization based in the United States of America that promotes training, networking and support of minority travel professionals, which assist them in reaching the multicultural travel community. In addition TPOC also seeks out travel suppliers, who have an interest in reaching this niche market. The Emancipation Support Committee’s relationship with TPOC grew out of the desire of the ESC to promote the Emancipation Festival to a niche US market and so the organization began to participate in the annual Conferences of TPOC and used the opportunity to market the festival through an exhibition booth. Understanding the value of the Emancipation festival as a heritage tourism product, the ESC has always sought to partner with the Ministry and the agency responsible for tourism to promote and market the festival at home and abroad. In this regard the TPOC was introduced to the Tourism Development Company and participation in the Conference was encouraged and the proposal for the Ministry to invite TPOC to host their Conference on Trinidad was also put forward. Subsequently the ESC and TDC partnered to promote and market at the TPOC Conference, not just the Emancipation Heritage Festival, but
Trinidad and Tobago as a Heritage Site. In 2011 TPOC recognized Trinidad and Tobago as an authentic heritage site and an official TPOC Heritage destination. In 2012 the decision was taken by both TPOC and the Ministry of Tourism to host the TPOC Conference in Trinidad and Tobago and to shift the dates of the Conference to coincide with the 2013 Emancipation Festival in Trinidad and Tobago Continued on page 8
Members of the TPOC delegation attempt to wrestle some local blue devils
2013 Emancipation Festival in Trinidad and Tobago: Celebration of Freedom Cont’d This year we also celebrated the 100th anniversary of the birth of the great Pan Africanist, Martinique’s Aimé Césaire. 2013 therefore 2brought to the national community an abundance to celebrate, the Honorable Lincoln Douglas echoes this sentiment in this statement “This is a festival which reminds us that we are free people…We must understand the value of our African heritage.”
Kwame Ture Memorial Lecture Series CYNTHIA MCKINNEY:KEYNOTE SPEAKER AT THE LAUNCH The Kwame Ture Memorial Lecture Series kicked off this year with a fascinating feature address by American human rights activists and politician, Cynthia Mckinney. Her topic was The African Agenda and the Elevation of Humanity on which she spoke extensively about her experiences as a human rights activist. She had the audience riveted at the th Central Bank Auditorium on the 16 of June, with her tales of people’s plights and struggles from across the world. . This series continued with several lectures delivered by key note speakers like David Comissiong the Chairman of the Caribbean Pan African Network, Renee Cummings, Criminologist, Dorbrene O’Marde, Chairman of the National Reparations Commission of Antigua and Pearl Eintou Springe Nobel Laureate of Port of Spain among others. Issues discussed were topical and of relevance to wider society. Steering our Youth Away from Crime and The Case
Cynthia McKinney and Tracy Wilson at the 2013 Launch of the Kwame Ture Memorial Lecture Series
Reparations lectures were well attended and were effective in stirring up further interest in these topics. David Comissiong also took the time to launch his book entitled, It’s the Healing of the Nation: The Case for Reparations in an Era of Recession and ReColonisation at the library in Port of Spain. Even the youths got an opportunity to voice issues most dear to them. Daniella Johnson, Modupe Onilu, Lindiwe Ome and Emortel carried on an enthralling discussion on Prpoud to be African, the discussion left the audience contemplative of the magnitufe of their African heritage
Angelique Kidjo & 2face Headline Acts for the 2013 for the Pan-African Spectacular
Angelique Kidjo performs at the Pan African Spectacular
3
This year the Emancipation Support Committee was proud to have featured Grammy award winning international artist Angélique Kpasseloko Hinto Hounsinou Kandjo Manta Zogbin Kidjo at its Pan African Spectacular. She graced the stage along with Nigerian Reggae sensation 2face and local artistes the likes of Sherwayne Winchester, Singing Sandra, Wasafoli and Jeunes Agape on the 31st of July 2013.Keino Swamber got it right when he wrote “It was as if the spirits of ancestral Africa had journeyed all the way to Trinidad and Tobago and descended upon the Lidj Yasu Omowale Village at Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain on Wednesday night.” Angélique Kidjo, the headline act along with these fellow artistes dazzled the crowd at the Lidj Yasu Omowale Emancipation Village at the Queens Park Savannah. Wednesday night.” Angélique Kidjo, the headline act along with these fellow artistes dazzled the crowd at the Lidj
Yasu Omowale Emancipation Village at the Queens Park Savannah. The concert saw Angelique Kidjo perform her Grammy award hits Batonga, Djin Djin, Afrika, Wé-Wé and many more. The Trinidad Guardian noted “Kidjo sang her signature heart-stopping Malaika, before definitely capturing both hearts and dancing feet of her new Caribbean fans…” However the highlight of the night was a duet performed by Angelique Kidjo and 2face with their rendition of Bob Marley’s classic ‘Redemption Song’. Simon Lee commented that for her last four songs Kidjo “flooded the Grand Stand with the kind of propulsive energy last experienced here during World Beat in 1999.” At the closing of the night Angelique Kidjo left the crowd ready for Emancipation Day Celebrations and the Emancipation Support Committee was very appreciative for her breathtaking performance
A New Space and Look for the Lidj Yasu Omowale Emancipation Village
The Lidj Yasu Omowale Emancipation Village underwent an amazing transformation in 2013. Relocated to the North of the Grand Stand of the Queen’s Park Savannah, the Emancipation Village boasted greater square footage and decorations which inspired images of the African continent. Ann Marie Evans and Abuloa Balewa in collaboration with Selva Edwards landscape architect revamped the Lidj Yasu Omowale Village turning it into the ideal place to shop and take in all the unbelievable cultural events. Included in the space was a Nigerian Pavilion erected for the delegation from Osun State of Nigeria, to display treasured elements of their culture and Nigerian heritage. With all these changes the village still provided fine dining with traditional African and Caribbean dishes available. Stunning dresses, bags and jewelry created by both local and international artisans were on sale. Pan Night with steel band heavy weights the likes of Exodus, Renegades and Desperadoes just to name a few forged the perfect atmosphere to do some night time shopping before grabbing the best bake and shark from one of our vendors at the Food Court. Calypsonians couldn’t resist the village either, with Black Stalin making an appearance on calypso night to sing his iconic song ‘Black man Feelin' to Party’. Patrons undoubtedly identified with Black Stalin as he demonstrated why he was a timeless performer. The Lidj Yasu Omowale Village proved to be an exceptional experience this year.
Lidj Yasu Omowale Village
A revamped Emancipation Village
Modeled after the Obelisk of Axum
Village décor certainly inspired
Flambeau procession brings emancipation to an end
4 Amazing centerpiece
THE CALL FOR REPARATIONS IN THE CARIBBEAN The issue of reparations has always
The issue of reparations has always been been a contentious one to say the least. However with the recent Thirty Fourth Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM held in Port of Spain th th between 4 to 6 July 2013, some sort of consensus has been reached. In large parts this can be attributed to the intense lobbying by the Organization Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) who requested that Reparations for Caribbean Slavery and Native Genocide be placed on the agenda for the 3 Verene Shepherd. Photo courtesy day meeting. However when the word reparation is thrown about in the public www.caribbeannewsnow.com arena the first thing which comes to mind is monetary compensation. While monetary compensation does form part of the call for reparations, other initiatives, activities and programmes make up the lobby for compensation. In the United States of America First Nations People have been compensated in the form of land concessions allowing them to live on reserves and practice native culture, safe from the intrusion of modern society. Additionally though not identified as part of a reparation initiative the Smithsonian Museum has a number of exhibits dedicated to the African American experience in the US, ranging from slavery to the civil rights to the Harlem renaissance. More significantly people of African descent on the continent have also launched their call for reparations. Most recently has been the Mau Mau movement in Kenya, veterans of the Mau Mau resistance have of last year launched a claim for the tortures carried out on members of the Mau Mau or those suspected to be members of the anti-colonial movement..In this landmark case the British government formally recognized the atrocities committed against the Kikuyu people and the Mau Mau rebels following a lengthy court case. Monetary compensation in the sum of £19.9 million or £2,600 to each of the 5,228 surviving claimants was agreed. In the Caribbean Pan Africanist like David Comissiong. Khafra Kambon, Verene Shepard and Hiliary Beckles have been firm supporters of the call for reparations. In actuality reparations is far more than a call for payment in monetary form, because this DavidComissiong. Photo courtesy would beg that a most insensitive question be www.nationnews.com asked, that a monetary value be placed on the years of suffering endured by slaves and the legacy descendants have been forced to live with. Rather reparations should be seen in terms of healing and regaining something lost, dignity, pride and a culture. In practical terms this calls for re-education of African history on the continent and in the Diaspora through schools, research centers and museums. Access to information on the atrocities which plague African history and the achievements of this community collectively as well as individuals belonging to the African Diaspora should be made readily available. ESC’s Chariman Khafra Kambon
5
After receiving submissions from the Pro Vice Chancellor of the University of the West .
ini Indies Professor Hilary Beckles CARICOM Heads of government have responded positively on the reparations issue. As such CARIOCM has agreed to establish a i committee under the Chairmanship of the Prime Minister of Barbados and consisting of the Chair of CARICOM. Furthermore the leaders of Guyana, Haiti, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Suriname will oversee the work of a CARICOM Reparations Committee made up of the chairs of National Reparation Commission of which each CARICOM member states are mandated to form. Additionally a representative from a research unit at the University of the West Indies would also sit on the CARICOM Reparations Committee. Lastly an undertaking has been given by all Heads of States throughout the region to establish and convene a national reparations commission to discuss the way forward. What this represents for the African Diasporic community is a first step to an attempt to recognize and apologize for what has been described as the worst crime committed against humanity
Dorbrene O'Marde Chairman of the National Reparations Commission of Antigua & Barbuda
Yoruba village drum festival & RHYTHM AND VOICES OF AFRICA IN THE COMMUNITY this year Desmond Wallace was presented with the title. In celebration of the U.N.’s Day of the African Child each year a child from the East Port of Spain community is acknowledged, this year name of the child
Derick Charles leads the drum circle
The name, Yoruba Village or Yoruba Town was replaced by Laventille, Belmont, Gonzales and Morvant and today there is not one single district, street or landmark named after the Yoruba people except for the Yoruba Village Square opposite the old Besson Street Police Station at the southern end of Piccadilly Street and St Joseph Road, Port–of– Spain.
Not forgetting the amazing drumming groups such as SEPOS, Belan, Ancestors Beyond, Nelson Street Boys, Diego Ville Drummers and numerous others which graced our stage and created an intoxicating beat which vibrated throughout east Port of Spain. The festival is held annually on the day before Fathers’ Day and each year tribute is also paid to the fathers of the Community. In 2013, all the Fathers at the Festival were presented with gifts, which were made by one of the Fathers and drummers of the community, who was contracted by the Emancipation Support Committee This year the Yoruba Village Drum Festival added a new twist to its celebrations, a cookout held by participating performers. Performers such as Lester and Oba Dread impressed the crowd with both their culinary and creative spoken word talent.
Retentions of Yoruba culture include the sou– sou, gayap or lend hand which serve as the foundation of the cooperative credit unions of today. Orisha egbe and their flags can be found in almost every community across Trinidad and Tobago and the oriki or songs and dance of the orisha continue to leave their mark on our cultural heritage Today in commemoration of this historic location an annual Yourba Village Drum Festival is held at the Yoruba Village Square. Moreover the Drum Festival serves as an outreach medium whereby ESC can engage communities with strong positives messages and energy through culture. Artistes such as Brother Book, Curious Ringo, Oba Dread, The Wise One, Knocker and many more drew a crowd to the Yoruba Village Square this year. All of these Spoken Word artistes guarantee that a traditional African art form never dies and reminds the national community of its artistic value. In keeping with ESC’s support for cultural continuity, each year a Keeper of the Tradition Award is awarded, this year the child
Frontline & Diegoville drummers show off their skills
Following the tremendous success of the Yoruba Village Drum Festival and ESC’s and the artistes dedication to taking a positive message and energy to communities across the nation, the Rhythm and Voices of Africa in the Community caravan has been rolling from community to community This project also gives our artistes the opportunity to promote and market their talent and our African heritage and culture. Thus far Belmont, St James and Diego Martin have generously hosted these drum festivals and the caravan will continue to roll in 2014.
TPOC Continued
6 Lester Spoken Word Artiste, shows off his elegant African garb
The hosting of the Conference on Trinidad and Tobago during the period of the national Emancipation celebrations afforded the opportunity to further market Trinidad and Tobago as a heritage tourism destination and specifically the Emancipation Festival as a major national heritage tourism attraction. According to the Minister of Tourism, Worldwide the enthusiasm of tourists to experience cultural and heritage tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors in tourism and Trinidad and Tobago is poised to take advantage of this type of tourism as our twin island Republic is blessed with a rich cultural heritage. Participants at the Conference were presented with copies of the booklet Trinidad and Tobago’s African Heritage Sites, which was researched and written by Eintou Pearl Springer, Director of Culture of the ESC on behalf of the Ministry of National Diversity and Social Integration. No doubt the highlight of their visit was participation in the annual Kambule (street procession), where they joined their African brothers and sisters th as they marched to commemorate this the 175 anniversary of Emancipation. Ms. Dixon of the Guardian Newspaper got it right when she penned “ whether it was the beauty of the traditional African costumes, the moko jumbies that never got tired on the long journey or the occasional man or woman seen “ketching power” it was a moment of reflection and appreciation…”
ESC’S YOUTH IN ACTION One of the major activities of the ESC is youth mobilization. As such the Youth Arm of the E.S.C. hosted a plethora activities which targeted the youth of the nation. Our most celebrated activity has to be the Youths Take Over at the Lidj Yasu Omowale Emancipation Village. Youths Take Over draws young persons from all ages to part take in workshops which, expose them to African culture locally, regionally and internationally. Workshops include limbo, capoeira, stilt walking and storytelling all of which are made available free of charge.
This young boy tried his hand at stilt walking.
During the Food Fair youth steel bands such as Exocubs, Starlifts, St Margaret’s Boys Steel Orchestra, Success Stars Steel Orchestra and BpTT Renegades Youth Steel Orchestra created the perfect atmosphere to taste African cuisine from local, regional and international places. As night covered the vibrant Lidj Yasu Omowale Emancipation Village the Youth Concert came into full swing. Artistes like Zebulun, Buzz Rock, Jamelody and I Sasha ensured that the Youth Concert drew a large crowd and produced the perfect mellow reggae vibes. That night was all about conscious, positive music to uplift and inspire the younger generation.
These girls perfected their balance at the Lidj Yasu Omowale Emancipation Village Recording artist I Sasha ensured the audience had a mellow time. This girl proved that she could hold a beat.
7
All in red these young panists serenade the crowd during the food fair
Excobs showed off their talent for patrons at the Lidj Yasu Omowale Emancipation Village
IMAGES FROM 2013 EMANCIPATION CELEBRATIONS
r
St James Cultural Artisans ensures the procession pulsates with a beat
Moko Jumbies graze the tree tops A participant of the 2013’s Emancipation Procession
EMANCIPATION 2013
2013 Theme: Institutionalizing the African Agenda in the Global Future
Emancipation Village offered the best of shopping
Emancipation Support Committee
Emancipation tribute to OAU’s 50th Anniversary
Pempamsie se, bebebre ahooden ne koroye: Unity is Strength!
5B BERGERAC RO AD M AR AV AL PORT OF SP AIN Telephone 6285008 Fax 6289526 Email: info.emacipation@t stt.tt.net
Reflection, Resistance, Renewal.
. “ESC Raising Consciousness through Culture, Research, Education, Business, Community & Youth Mobilization” Facebook Emancipation Support Committee-ESC Twitter
8
@triniesc
The Emancipation Support Committee seeks to advance the interests of Africans nationally and internationally. We are an organization that sees the need to strengthen the identity of our people by reconnecting them with their roots and reaffirming the need for pride in being Africans. By understanding the traditions of our ancestors and the struggle that brought us to where we are today we can then make plans to brighten our future through understanding of and appreciation for our heritage.