In observance of Emancipation Day 2023, The UWI Open Campus Anguilla/Anguilla Country Conference Committee hosted its annual Emancipation Lecture at the Historic Ebenezer Methodist Chapel on July 27, 2023.
Professor Don E. Walicek, who has conducted extensive research on Anguilla, delivered the lecture on the topic, “Freedom’s Saving Grace: Emancipation in Anguilla and the Greater Caribbean”. His riveting presentation highlighted statistics regarding slavery in Anguilla, as well as activities during the year-long window between the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 and the passage of the act and legal emancipation in 1834. Emphasis was also placed on the four-year Apprenticeship period following the passage of the Act, as well as the role of church in ensuring that the news of freedom and subsequent activities were relayed throughout the Anguillian Community at the time. He also compared the course of freedom in other Caribbean islands.
Following the presentation, Ms. Gina Brooks moderated a lively question and answer/feedback session with the audience that highlighted reparations, unity, legislation, and documentation.
The annual Lecture, in collaboration with the Anguilla Methodist Circuit also marked the 193rd Anniversary of the Ebenezer Methodist Chapel. This traditional venue which was built by enslaved Anguillians remains the chosen home of the annual Emancipation Lecture, as its history and the name, Ebenezer, signifies “stone of remembrance” and calls to mind the gathering of our ancestors to celebrate the first Emancipation Day on August 1, 1834.
Chaired by Circuit Steward, Mr. Val Banks, the programme also included opening and closing prayers by Reverends Vincia Celestine and Wilmoth Hodge, welcome remarks from the Manager of the British Overseas Territories Open Campus Sites, Dr. Phyllis Fleming-Banks, introduction of Lecturer by Ms. Jansie Webster and musical renditions by Mr. Lennox Vanterpool, Mr. Michael “Dumpa” Martin, the Ebenezer Men’s Fellowship and Roots Binghi.
During the programme a special presentation was made to the winners of the Inaugural Rev. Dr. Wycherley Gumbs Award for Creative Non-Fiction. This award was created by the Malliouhana Poetry Committee to honour the work and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Gumbs, a Methodist Minister who was passionate about emancipation, autonomy, and culture.
The Organising Committee has extended its appreciation to all those who participated and shared in the Emancipation Celebration. Special thanks to Superintendent Minister Rev. Vincia Celestine, the Methodist Circuit on Anguilla and the Ebenezer Congregation. Appreciation is also extended to partners, The Anguilla Electricity Company (ANGLEC), View Fort Estate Villa, D-3 Enterprises and NCBA Ltd.
The Committee also thanks members of the Anguilla House of Assembly, including the Honourable Premier Dr. Ellis Lorenzo Webster and the Honourable Minister of Social Development and Education, Ms. Dee-Ann Kentish-Rogers for their presence, as well as the media: including Mr. Carlton Pickering and KCN Television, Lloyd’s Live, Radio Anguilla, Klass FM, Kool FM, Upbeat Radio and the Anguillian Newspaper for their coverage and support.
