A large cross section of the Anguillian community gathered at the historic Ebenezer Chapel, and online, for The UWI Open Campus/Anguilla Country Conference Emancipation Lecture Community Engagement Session on Emancipation Day, (August 1, 2021). During the annual celebratory event, the Organisers and the Malliouhana Poetry Committee paid special tribute to the late Poet/Writer and UWI Alumnus, Reverend Dr. Wycherley Gumbs, who was instrumental in establishing the Emancipation Lecture Series. Specially written poems were presented by Mr. Timothy Hodge, Teacher Hyacinth Hughes and Pastor Dwayne Adams. Roots Binghi and Mr. Elliott Gumbs, son of the late Reverend Gumbs, rendered musical selections in tribute.
The highlight of the evening was the thought-provoking and well-researched presentation on “’Slavery in Anguilla and the Price of Emancipation” by Barrister/Historian, Mr. Carlyle Rogers. The Lecture was followed by a very interactive question and answer/feedback session with the audience.
The programme also highlighted the 191st anniversary of the Ebenezer Chapel which was built by enslaved Anguillians and dedicated on July 25, 1830. Committee Chair and chairperson for the evening, Dr. Phyllis Fleming Banks pointed out that the hosting of the Emancipation Lectures at the Ebenezer Chapel was deliberate, as that Chapel was the place where our ancestors would have gathered to celebrate the first Emancipation Day on August 1, 1834. “Ebenezer, which means “stone of remembrance” is an important symbol of our emancipation, and we will continue to host our lectures here in remembrance of those sacrificed so much for our freedom,” she noted.
The UWI Open Campus/Anguilla Country Conference Emancipation Lecture Committee has extended its appreciation to all those who participated in the Emancipation Celebration. Special thanks to Mr. Carlyle Rogers for delivering another dynamic Lecture; to Reverend E. Dunstan Richardson, Reverend Wilmoth Hodge, and the Methodist Circuit on Anguilla, the Ebenezer Congregation, including Mrs. Javiette Richardson Gomez and team of Intriket Events and Designs; Musicians, Mr. Lennox Vanterpool, Mr. Elliott Gumbs, Roots Binghi; Malliouhana Poets, Mr. Timothy Hodge, Mrs. Hyacinth Hughes and Pastor Dwayne Adams.
Appreciation is also extended to the media, including Mr. Carlton Pickering and KCN Television, Lloyd’s Live, Klass FM, Radio Anguilla, Kool FM, The Anguillian newspaper and The Daily Herald.
– Press Release
