The Government is struggling to break the stereotypes left in the wake of slavery, says Information Minister Neil Parsanlal. Speaking at emancipation celebrations hosted by the National Archives at the Point Fortin Borough Corporation yesterday, Parsanlal said that vestiges of the transatlantic slave trade remain evident today.

“While emancipation is a time to celebrate our independence and freedom, we need to recognise that there is still much to do to help advance human rights and reduce suffering in the world,” he said. “Here in T&T, Government is committed to improving the quality of life and standard of living for all its citizens.” Parsanlal said, however, that challenges lay ahead. “As a country and as a people we are making headway in a number of fronts but we still struggle with breaking those barriers and stereotypes that are vestiges of the transatlantic slave trade,” he said.

Meanwhile, University of the West Indies lecturer in history Dr Gelien Matthews outlined the negative aspects of the period of slavery. She said that slaves found ways to thwart productivity in the sugar cane plantations. She outlined several forms of resistance as well as three major revolts—the Haitian Revolution of 1791, the Jamaican revolt of 1832-33 and the Demerara revolt of 1823.

She said that a revisionist historian such as Dr Eric Williams was able to document the activities of black freedom fighters. Meanwhile, government archivist Cheryl Lee Kim urged the public to visit the archives to research the historical struggles of black people. After the speeches, Awade drummers entertained the guests. This was followed by a song from Patsy Biggot.