Culture and spoken word highlight Emancipation Celebrations

Antigua and Barbuda joins the English-speaking Caribbean to observe
Emancipation Day, 2023, the 189 th anniversary of the emancipation of the enslaved
peoples of the region.
Under the theme, 189 – Continuing the mission – the annual Watch Night
activities were held overnight at the Botanical Gardens in St. John’s.
The event was a fusion of cultural and other performances as well as statements in
the form of speeches and remarks from several guests, as well as from the
organizers of the event, the National Reparations Support Commission.
The feature address was delivered by Dr. Radcliffe Robins with remarks from
Education, Sports, and Creative Industries Minister, Daryll Matthew, as well as the
chair of the Dominica Reparations Support Commission, Dr. Damien Dublin, and
the National Reparations Support Commission, chair, Dorbrene O’Marde, who
delivered the welcome address.
The featured performers of the night were Khan Cordice and the ‘Dadli Project and
other performances, including drumming by the Nyabinghi Drummers.