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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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#ICYMI On Tuesday, September 30, 2025, Her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo, ORTT, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, delivered the Keynote Address at the International Women’s Forum Trinidad and Tobago’s (IWFTT) 4th Inspirational Women Awards Gala. ♀️🌟In her address, Her Excellency congratulated the honourees on their remarkable achievements, commending their courage and determination in the face of challenges. She also applauded the IWFTT, the local affiliate of the globally recognized International Women’s Forum (IWF), for creating a platform that highlights and celebrates women’s accomplishments.The Office of the President extends warmest congratulations to the awardees:✨ Dr. Catherine Minto-Bain – Inspirational Champion of Women Award✨ Ms. Suzan Lakhan-Baptiste – Inspirational Advocate Award✨ Ms. Maya Kirti Nanan – Inspirational Emerging Leader Award#OfficeofthePresidentTT #trinidadandtobago #InspirationalWomen ... See MoreSee Less

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

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On Friday, September 26, 2025, Their Excellencies Christine Carla Kangaloo ORTT, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, and Kerwyn Garcia S.C., First Gentleman, hosted a Republic Day Cocktail Reception at The President's House in appreciation of the various stakeholders who support the work of the Office of the President.In her toast, Her Excellency expressed heartfelt gratitude to the members of the various Commissions, Public Offices, NGOs, Patronages, Agencies and Private Sector Organisations in attendance for their service and partnership.A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the commemorative scroll to members of the Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR), who were awarded the Chaconia Medal (Gold) at the National Awards Ceremony on Republic Day.✨ Did you know? Every recipient of a National Award is presented with a medal and an accompanying scroll.📸 🔗See link to full album: flic.kr/s/aHBqjCv#OFFICEOFTHEPRESIDENTi#NationalAwardsw#chaconiamedalM#trinidadandtobagoobago ... See MoreSee Less

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

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Mr. Guillaume Pierre, Ambassador-designate of the French Republic to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago presented his credentials to Her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo ORTT, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago on Tuesday September 30, 2025 at The President’s House.The Ambassador was accompanied by his spouse, Mrs. Emek Pierre and Mr. Franck Josselin, Deputy Head of Mission at the French Embassy.Her Excellency welcomed the Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago and wished him every success in his new post. ... 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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This year, 2025, marked the third consecutive year that Their Excellencies Christine Carla Kangaloo ORTT, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and Kerwyn Garcia SC, First Gentleman have ensured the inclusion of Sixth Form students from schools across Trinidad and Tobago, in the National Awards Ceremony. By reading the biographies of each awardee, the students not only became part of the historic occasion, but also served as a bridge between generations... the future of Trinidad and Tobago saluting the achievements of today. This initiative stems directly from the vision expressed by Her Excellency in her 2023 Inaugural Address, where she spoke of her determination to make The President’s House and the protocols of State more welcoming and accessible—not only to all citizens, but especially to the young people of our nation.🇹🇹🏅💫 We say a special thank you and congratulations to the following students: • Salma Ali of ASJA Girls’ College, San Fernando• Tyreek Alleyne of Scarborough Secondary School• Ciana-Marie Baptiste of Holy Faith Convent, Penal• Nickolas Carrington of Diego Martin Central Secondary School• Dacia Cooper of Rio Claro East Secondary School• Ronaldo Farrell, of Fyzabad Anglican Secondary School• Tariq James of Arima North Secondary School• Danielle Karim of St. Augustine Girls’ High School• Nyvanne Kirk of Speyside High School• Danika Linton of Sixth Form Government School (Polytechnic), St. James• Christiano Mejias of Barrackpore West Secondary School• Serena Patterson of Northeastern College, Sangre Grande• Vaidev Persad of Vishnu Boys’ Hindu College, Caroni• Kelsey-Marie Peters of Carapichaima East Secondary School• Joshua Teesdale of San Fernando Central Secondary School• Nevaeh Walcott of Barataria South Secondary School#NationalAwards2025 #trinidadandtobago #OfficeOfThePresidentTT ... See MoreSee Less

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