Emancipation Day

Today is Emancipation Day in Jamaica and it has me thinking, wishing really. Thinking of the sacrifices made by our forefathers, especially now as we approach another general election. No, I’m not about to discuss elections in Jamaica except to wish that my fellow Jamaicans will ‘emancipate themselves from political tribalism and violence’.

A couple of other things I wish we could emancipate ourselves from include, the endless pursuit of materialism, our growing selfishness. It is these two that is responsible for some of the problems we face today. Yet, there is so much for each of us. Yes, some will always have more than others…I am aware of that, but that does not mean that we have to be selfish.

As we enjoy Emancipation Day in our own ways, let us all pause for a moment in thanksgiving for the sacrifices made by the slaves whose blood soaked our soil. To reflect on where we are as a people and individually and finally to be resolved to play our part to make our own lives and the lives of our ‘brothers and sisters’ a little bit happier.

Happy Emancipation Day, Jamaica.