Story and pictures by
innis_francis@yahoo.com
After a two-year absence from outdoor activities, the Point Fortin Community was treated to an Emancipation Day Celebration and Concert at the John Cupid Market Square in Point Fortin.
Point Fortin Mayor Saleema Thomas and the Point Fortin Executive hosted the free event that attracted many to the venue on Emancipation Day.
Thomas reaffirmed the importance of the holiday and the setbacks of the COVID-19 pandemic and the importance of mental freedom. Patrons eagerly sat in anticipation of the show’s cast of local acts that included songs, dance, and instrumentals.
Thomas said despite the abolition of slavery many years ago, people of T&T were fortunate to be emancipated but, as reality has it, we are still far from accomplishing this given some of the heinous crimes that are reported in daily newspapers.
Lady Adanna entertains in song.
innis francis
“Emancipation is a celebration of liberation and freedom. Standing here, with all of you…in this moment, I have to ask, how many of us are really free, when we continue to see acts of hate in our society? Many of our citizens do live in fear…albeit from incidents and stories in our daily newspaper, social media, and the like, which carry news of despair and violence against our fellowmen. Our borough is not untouched by similar ills.” Many of the local talents projected aspects of the forefathers who were burdened by the shackles of slavery and the appreciation for their sacrifices through talent. Thomas said people should be responsible for their actions and apply the rule of freedom; and be free to be educated, free to express ourselves, free to elect leaders, free to love, and so many more freedoms that are enshrined in our nation’s constitution.
Xhaiden Darius dances stage side.
innis francis
She said: “I urge you to be productive...to contribute to the advancement of our country and to be tolerant of people who are different in size, class, creed, race, religion, or orientation. Let’s share our love…loving ourselves first, loving our God, and loving our families. We also must show love to every person we meet at our workplace, in doing business, in our places of worship, or even the random person we may encounter on the street, with a simple good morning, a smile, a word of compassion, or exercising patience. We hold the power of chance to inspire, so I urge you to use these tools of kinship.”
In keeping with the show’s emancipation theme and as a show of gratitude for the culture and personal growth of self and community Thomas unveiled a banner in honour of the late John Gladstone Cupid.
Cupid was a researcher, cultural economist, historian, artist, dancer, and organiser. She said he was a fighter who fought relentlessly and passionately to preserve the unique traditions of all aspects of our culture.
A section of patrons at the function.
innis francis
Cap-de-ville dancer of the Cap-de-ville Folk Performers in action.
INNIS FRANCIS