The Emancipation Bill was presented in Parliament in England by Thomas Buxton in 1833 (thus abolishing slavery in the British Empire) and came into effect on August 01, 1834. However, full emancipation was not to be enjoyed by the ex-slaves for another four (4) years, as slave owning planters in the West Indies lobbied to postpone their freedom. Thus, it was stipulated that they would be apprenticed to their former masters for a four year period. This “indentured apprenticeship” was implemented to bridge the gap between slavery and complete freedom.
On August 01 every year, in Trinidad and Tobago there are celebrations and festivities held in remembrance of those who suffered and died under the oppression of slavery and those who survived and were eventually granted their freedom.
Traditional drummers, steel bandsmen, artists, dancers, singers, lecturers and businesspeople from Trinidad and Tobago and African communities across the world converge on the Lidj Yasu Omowale Emancipation Village, the main venue.
For 2010, the village is located at the Jean Pierre Complex, so take some time and visit the village…..
