The Human Rights Commission, Citizens Uprooting Racism in Bermuda and Imagine Bermuda have come together to highlight the 189th anniversary of emancipation. It is a milestone that was the result of decades of action by ordinary people across various jurisdictions, leading to global implications.

While Somerset Cricket Club and St George’s Cricket Club have thankfully sustained Cup Match for more than a century, offering symbolic reference to emancipation, this initiative seeks to deepen our community’s appreciation of this paradigm shift.

To that end, a cross-section of today’s leaders have agreed to share their reflections on emancipation and the implication of this legacy for our society, as well as that of future generations.

Rena Lalgie Her Excellency the Governor

We have so much to celebrate on Emancipation Day and Mary Prince Day. For me, it is also sobering. In 2023, we still should not be complacent about the liberties or freedom we enjoy today, not least because so many still remain enslaved.

We stand on our ancestors' shoulders, with rights and responsibilities borne out of their struggle and sacrifice. We cannot take lightly the responsibility to honour them in how we think, what we say and, most importantly, what we choose to do with our freedom.

David Burt Premier of Bermuda

On Emancipation Day, we reflect on the moment our ancestors received their long-overdue freedom on August 1, 1834, as slavery was abolished across the British Empire.

The immense joy of this celebration springs from the struggles endured by our ancestors against oppression and inequality.

We honour the defiant spirit of figures such as Sarah “Sally” Bassett and Mary Prince, whose stories of courage resonated beyond our shores and accelerated the abolition movement in the British Empire.

Today, as we face global challenges such as economic disparity, climate change and social justice issues, we take inspiration from the resilience and bravery of those who came before us.

Emancipation extends beyond a singular historical event; it is a continual journey towards equality, justice and freedom. So, as we reflect on our history, let us also recommit to confronting any discrimination that threatens these ideals — now and in the future.

Karen Grissette US Consul-General

It is an honour to share in Bermuda’s celebration of Emancipation Day. In the United States, we now celebrate emancipation on Juneteenth, a day that recognises when 250,000 still-enslaved people were finally freed from bondage, three years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

Emancipation Day provides the opportunity to reflect on our countries’ imperfect histories and seek to improve the future for our children.

The United States was founded on the ideal that all people are created equal and have certain unalienable rights — life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. As President Joe Biden has said, “While we in America have never fully lived up to those words, we have also never given up on them.”

We recognise that people of African descent in the United States continue to face racism, centuries after the practice of slavery has been abolished.

Working together, we strive to ensure full equality for all people, and to root out racism and discrimination in all its ugly forms. By joining in shared purpose, we can make needed progress for a brighter and more equitable future for all.

Danielle Riviere Bermuda Chamber of Commerce chief executive

Emancipation Day in Bermuda, a symbol of liberation, represents more than historical significance; it’s a universal symbol of freedom and human dignity. This joyous day holds a mirror to our hearts, allowing us to understand our shared humanity, transcending boundaries and uniting us in the spirit of liberation.

In today’s world, emancipation is not solely about breaking physical chains, but also about shedding mental and emotional restrictions that limit us. It encourages us to foster a world where every voice matters, where every dream has the chance to flourish.

On Emancipation Day, we celebrate the strength of the human spirit, its relentless pursuit of freedom, and the transformative power of resilience. As we bask in the festive spirit, let’s remember to embrace emancipation in its fullness, carving a path that paves the way for boundless potential and uninhibited human expression.

Kevin Grant Bermuda Trade Union Congress general secretary

On the first day of the Cup Match Holiday, we celebrate Emancipation Day, commemorating the abolition of slavery. As we celebrate emancipation, we must reflect on the significance of the day, the many sacrifices made and the atrocities experienced by our forefathers. This should not be taken lightly, as it is imperative that we acknowledge the historical components that bring about our biggest holiday celebration of the year.

In February 1835, six months after emancipation in the United States, Bermuda became the centre of an international incident when a ship called the Enterprise carrying enslaved men, women and children was diverted to Bermuda because of bad weather. It was then that the legal intervention of a local Friendly Society played a significant role in successfully securing the freedom of 72 of the 78 enslaved people who were on the Enterprise.

When we consider this significant contribution made by the Friendly Societies during the abolition of slavery, then surely the respect and acknowledgement of these efforts must be held in the highest regard and should resonate throughout the whole community during this momentous occasion.

“... won’t you help to sing these songs of freedom...”

— Bob Marley

On behalf of the Bermuda Trade Union Congress, we wish each and every one a joyful Cup Match holiday.

• Glenn Fubler represents Imagine Bermuda