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columns2012

Remembering victims of transatlantic slavery

by CCSJ Chair, Leela Ramdeen
by CCSJ Chair, Leela Ramdeen

“Every time I hear the crack of a whip, my blood runs cold. I remember on the slave ship, how they brutalised my very soul. (Nesta Marley’s song: Slave Driver)

In 2007, the UN declared March 25 (annually) as the “International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade”. We must never forget those who endured immense suffering during what Ban Ki Moon, UN General Secretary, said, is the “longest, most widespread tragedies in human history. By studying slavery, we help to guard against humanity’s most vile impulses. By examining the prevailing assumptions and beliefs that allowed the practice to flourish, we raise awareness about the continued dangers of racism and hatred.”

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columns2011

How to lessen racial divisions

Mike James
by Mike James

By Mike James
mikejames@aecrc.org

Our Caribbean Church also calls us to concrete action on Race issues

There is also much that can be done by the Church in this matter. We must constantly preach and teach that any form of racial prejudice is a direct sin against Christ’s command to love our neighbour as ourselves. We must stress and promote the positive values inherent in each culture so that people will come to respect them and those who hold them. It will be useful to encourage serious study into racial origins and the causes of conflict so that people can look at this whole question in a mature and non-emotional manner.

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columns2011

Take no account of race

Mike James
by Mike James

By Mike James

mikejames@aecrc.org

In Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana, countries with significant proportions of populations which trace roots back to Africa and India, the issue of racial equality and rights has recently become a hot topic of debate (again).

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