The Nation’s Capital, Grand Turk came alive with pump and pageantry for the 1st of August Emancipation Day Celebrations.
Citizens in Grand Turk were awakened on 1st of August, 2011 by the melodious music of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police band deck down in their band uniforms as they marched into the sanctuary, led by Band Leader Asst. Superintendent Kenny Grant followed by the Girl Guides and Brownies set the tune for the Ecumenical service which began at 10:00.
The event was graciously hosted by Pastor Marilyn Forbes and congregation of The Revival Faith Center Potter’s House the service lasted until 12:30 pm and there were many highlights marking this day.
The Seventh Day Adventist Path Finders Club made up of some 50 persons in their beautiful attire were in attendance and there is no way to describe their entry into the church as they did their Flag Drills and Christian Pledges. This group also led the church into the singing of the National Anthem, which was followed by the singing of the National Song which was led by Minister Huntley Forbes. The Moderator for the service was Pastor Barbara Parker, who did a splendid job of officiating and the exhortation for the day was brought by the dynamic, Youth Pastor Termard Handfield who spoke on the topic “Divine Emancipation” he encouraged the congregation not to worry about what is going on around them at present in the Turks and Caicos Islands but rather to seek the freedom that can only found in Jesus Christ.
Brief remarks were given by Ms. Angela Freites on behalf of the Cultural and Arts Commission who in her remarks expressed the need for more appreciation of the occasion for it is not just some holiday but is based on triumph over oppression.
Representing the Dominicans Brethren were Pastor Elizabeth Hanchell and her members who sang a song about freedom in Spanish.
Among the congregation was His Excellency Governor Wetherell who sang along and expressed in his remarks of how delighted he was to be present and to share in such an occasion.
Also present were members from the Consultative Forum, Mr. Bradley Coalbrooke the newest member. Dr. Linda Williams who prayed a soul touching opening prayer for the people and this nation and The Chair Mrs. Lillian Missick, who in her remarks said “ that she expected more of our uniformed groups to be at the service and also the need for citizens to appreciate this day more
than they are doing at present.
The service ended about 12:30 after which the uniformed groups march out of the church down Mission Folly and up Front Street to the Odd fellows Lodge.
It was a beautiful sight to behold. The Police Band led the march followed by the Girls Guides and Brownies and then the Seventh Day Adventists Pathfinders Club with their beautiful display of flags flying in the wind, as many other citizens marched and danced along including His Excellency who was so delighted to join in the march.
At the Odd Fellows Lodge the crowd was blessed by renditions from the Police Band, performances by the Path Finders Club and an inspiring poem entitled “Slave Blood” written and performed by Former Chief Minister of the Turks and Caicos Islands the Hon. Oswald Skippings. The keynote speaker was the Rev. Richard Taylor who gave a very inspiring and informative address.
He spoke on the topic of Slavery and Emancipation and even the concept of mental slavery, he was introduced by his brother the Former Chief Minister, Hon Derek Taylor.
The celebration climax at abut 2:00pm with additional performances staged by the Seventh Day Adventist Pathfinders Club made mostly up of our Haitian Brethren living among us, they did a splendid job as they took their final salute and marched off, bringing the ceromony to a close.
The celebrations this year were the biggest and the best ever. Some 200 plus people supported the events as well as a number of by standers who followed the parade to the Odd Fellows Lodge.
Everyone commented about how wonderful the celebrations were this year including His Excellency Governor Wetherell who thanked Ms. Valerie Jennings and Ms. Freites for a job well done.
The Cultural and Arts Commission extend thanks to all who came out to make this event a success through their support and participation.
For those of you who missed it, photos of the event taken by business woman Ms Cody Fulford can be seen on Grand Turk Events.com
The Cultural and Arts Commission urges the community to give this day the tribute it deserves and ensure that such and important day in our history continues to be celebrated.
