Fred Mitchell sorry Emancipation Day not marked

PLP Chairman Fred Mitchell. (File photo)

As of Tuesday, August 4, 2020

FORMER Fox Hill MP Fred Mitchell lamented the lack of celebrations yesterday to mark the 186th anniversary of the end of legal slavery in The Bahamas.

“We continue to suffer the bitter legacy of racism and slavery these many centuries later,” Senator Mitchell said in a statement. “It is a crying shame that our government is doing nothing to mark this occasion. It is certainly the first time in living memory that a government has neglected and ignored this day.”

He said the community of Fox Hill “will particularly miss this day,” saying the area residents “are denied the opportunity to publicly mark the day in the name of a health emergency.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has put a halt on large social gatherings and celebrations.

Mr Mitchell added: “However, while everyone appreciates the health emergency, something of a symbolic nature could have been done to mark the day if only a statement from the prime minister. Instead we have the sound of silence. Today, we ask all Bahamians to say a special prayer to our ancestors for fighting the good fight with all their might to set us free. Parents tell your children the story.”

rawbahamian 3 years, 8 months ago

As usual, Lord Mitchel stands and spews negative rhetoric about the government not celebrating Emancipation Day whilst recognizing that the country is under a never before seen or experienced health pandemic and suggesting the P.M. should address the country on the momentous occassion but ignoring the fact that the very same citizens he claims to stand for are the very ones who have put the country in the position it is in now. Pray tell, what exactly is he supposed to say to people who clearly do not listen or understand that they are directly responsible for this second lockdown ? Instead of being so critical for a brownie point, why didn't he make positive suggestions prior to lockdown or get up to the podium he so loves and deliver an encouraging and positive speech about how we should safely proceed during this crippling pandemic !!!