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Message on African Emancipation Day 2024

Aug 1, 2024

Message on African Emancipation Day 2024

On 1 August 1985, Trinidad and Tobago became the first country in the world to formally commemorate the end of the system of African enslavement. That historic act acknowledged the great hardships and long journey to freedom endured by enslaved Africans. It paid tribute to the relentless struggle of those who fought to dismantle the system from both within and without, and celebrated the eventual triumph of freedom over bondage, and of justice over inequality. Today, Trinidad and Tobago continues to lead the way in acknowledging the experiences of the enslaved, with Emancipation Day this year becoming African Emancipation Day.

The ordeals endured by Africans throughout the period of chattel slavery are well-documented. They were taken forcibly from their lands, shackled and transported across the Atlantic in horrifying conditions and sentenced to a lifetime of mistreatment, servitude and horror. They were deprived, not only of their freedom, but also of their family, identity, and traditions.

As we reflect on this shameful chapter in world history, it is worth remembering that as a means of controlling the enslaved population, the authorities of the day did everything within their power to suppress, vilify and outlaw elements of African culture. We would do well to learn from the resilience and determination of the enslaved to preserve their heritage. Lucky for all of us that they did so, as today, the African influence endures and permeates every aspect of our culture and beyond. For example, the very African drums which were once banned by colonial authorities, are predecessors to the steelpan, our national instrument, which is today recognised and celebrated around the world.

Trinidad and Tobago has certainly been blessed and enriched by the legacy of those who, like the enslaved Africans, toiled, suffered and persevered to enable us not only to have, but to enjoy the lives that we lead today. Let us honour their legacy by taking pride in the country that they helped build; celebrating the traditions they fought to preserve; and applying in our own lives the resilience and strength they exercised in surviving and overcoming the system of enslavement once and for all.

African Emancipation Day ought also rightly to serve as a reminder that, although the institution of slavery was abolished close to two centuries ago, injustice, inequality and discrimination continue to persist and adversely affect our society. If today we feel justifiably proud about being the first country in the world to commemorate emancipation, we need to remember that such noble pride has also to be reflected in our intolerance for all forms of discrimination and division. The enslaved fought for a society in which they would be treated with dignity and respect; let us honour their struggle and legacy by continuing the fight for social justice, treating our fellow countrymen with courtesy and consideration, and contributing to healthy discourse and activism that promote equality and tolerance. This responsibility is no one else’s but ours; it rests squarely on our shoulders.

This African Emancipation Day, and every day, let us uphold the freedom and liberty for which our African forebears fought long and hard, let us build upon the foundation which they established, and let us complete their work by creating a nation of which we can all be proud and glad.

I extend to the entire national community best wishes for a happy and reflective African Emancipation Day.

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The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T
The Office of the President was delighted to welcome students of the Barrackpore West Secondary School and members of Bethel World Outreach Ministries to The President’s House this week.The visitors enjoyed guided tours of the historic grounds—home to a rich variety of flora and fauna—and explored some of the public rooms of the Great House. 📸 See more highlights from their visit:👉 Barrackpore West Secondary School: flic.kr/s/aHBqjCyp4X👉 Bethel World Outreach Ministries: flic.kr/s/aHBqjCyfa5 ... See MoreSee Less

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The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T

5 days ago

The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T
Media Release His Excellency Wade Mark Acting President appoints Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh as the new Chief Justice The Office of the President wishes to advise that in accordance with Section 102 of the Constitution, His Excellency Wade Mark, Acting President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago appointed Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh as the Chief Justice of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, today, October 22, 2025 at a ceremony at the President’s House. This follows the announced retirement of The Honourable the Chief Justice Mr. Justice Ivor Archie ORTT from the position of Chief Justice effective, October 22, 2025. Present to witness the swearing in ceremony was Mrs. Aberleen Boodoosingh, and Ms. Amiya Boodoosingh , wife and daughter of the new Chief Justice, Mr. Justice Ivor Archie, ORTT, former Chief Justice, Senator the Honourable John Jeremie SC, Attorney General, the Hon. Roger Alexander, MP Minister of Homeland Security, Chief of Defence Staff, Captain Don Polo and Ag. Commissioner of Police Junior Benjamin.The Honourable, the Chief Justice, Mr. Justice Roonie Boodoosingh, formerly Justice of Appeal, was admitted to practise as an attorney-at-law in Trinidad and Tobago on 30 October, 1992, and appointed a Judge in Supreme Court of Judicature of Trinidad and Tobago in September 2007. Justice Boodoosingh served as a High Court Judge in both the Criminal and Civil jurisdictions. In 2020, Justice Boodoosingh was elevated to Judge of the Court of Appeal of Trinidad and Tobago.Prior to be being appointed as a Judge, Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh was employed as a Lecturer at the Hugh Wooding Law School in 2001 and in 2007 was appointed as the Course Director of the Trial Advocacy Programme. He also serves as Coach and Adviser to school’s Mooting Teams including the CCJ Moot Team.Justice Boodoosingh is the holder of a Bachelor of Laws degree, a Legal Education Certificate, as well as a Master of Laws in International Dispute Resolution.Justice Boodoosingh has notably published The Complete Advocate, a textbook on Advocacy in the Commonwealth Caribbean, and in 2020, Advocacy in Point Form and Advocacy in Verse, as well as a Practical Guide to Evidence in Civil Cases.The Honourable, the Chief Justice, Mr. Justice Roonie Boodoosingh, in a brief statemen, shared his humility in accepting the new position and thanked the former Chief Justice for his service. Her thanked his family and committed to continuing the work that is required to move the judiciary forward. His Excellency, Wade Mark, Acting President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, raised a toast and congratulated the Chief Justice on his appointment, “Your elevation to this distinguished office is a reflection of your integrity, your unwavering dedication to justice, and your steadfast service to the people of Trinidad and Tobago. I wish you continued wisdom, courage, and strength as you undertake this vital responsibility.” His Excellency also thanked the former Chief Justice for his service, “seventeen years of leadership at the helm of the Judiciary is no ordinary achievement. You have served with distinction, leaving an indelible mark on the administration of justice and on the nation as a whole. On behalf of the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, I express sincere gratitude for your commitment and your enduring contribution to the rule of law. “ ... See MoreSee Less

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The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T

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#WatchliveHis Excellency Wade Mark, Acting President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago appoints the new Chief Justice of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. ... See MoreSee Less

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The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T updated their cover photo.

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The President’s House was the destination of choice for Standard Four students of the La Horquetta South Government Primary School last week! 🇹🇹✨Groups of students had the wonderful opportunity to:🏛️ Visit the official residence of the Head of State🎖️ Reenact official ceremonies📘 Learn about the role and functions of the President of the Republic of Trinidad and TobagoIt was a memorable and educational experience for all!📸 See highlights from their tours:🔗 La Horquetta South Government Primary SchoolOctober 14, 2025👉 flic.kr/s/aHBqjCycx👉 flic.kr/s/aHBqjCycyGOctober 16, 2025👉 flic.kr/s/aHBqjCy79M👉 flic.kr/s/aHBqjCy7e1 ... See MoreSee Less

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