As Emancipation celebrations continue, Saint Lucia recently observed the UNESCO International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition.

According to the United Nations Educational, Social and Cultural Organization, Aug. 23, 1791 saw the beginning of an uprising that played a crucial role in the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade. For this reason, the observance is commemorated on Aug. 23 each year.

A panel discussion lead by Earl Bousquet in recognition of the observance featured historian, author, and poet Dr. Morgan Dalphinis. Dialogue focused on his publication titled “History and Language in Saint Lucia: 1654 to 1915.”

“As far as the African element in our history most of our histories begin straight in the Caribbean, but we need to look at ancient African history first before we come to the Caribbean. In the past 3.3 million years ago Africans created language, the idea of family and more than that, the capacity to think all of those were created by Africans for the rest of humanity,” he said.

Saint Lucia will acknowledge Emancipation this year with a month of activities. Still to come on the Emancipation calendar is the Grande La Wòz celebration, scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 30. The event will commence with a celebratory mass at the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (Cathedral) from 9:30 a.m., followed by a street parade, and culminate with a Gwan Fèt from 1:30 p.m. at the William Peter Boulevard and Constitution Park. Eight groups will present in honor of the La Wòz tradition, while local chefs will demonstrate the preparation of traditional La Wòz dishes.