Emancipation Village returns to the Queen's Park Savannah

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Some people in T&T still think the Lidj Yasu Omowale Emancipation Village has been at the Savannah since time immemorial. But for the last three years, it's been relocated to the Jean Pierre Complex. However, for Emancipation Day celebrations this year (which climaxes on August 1), the Village returns to the people's space in the Queen's Park Savannah.

This year marks the 171st anniversary since the emancipation of the slaves, and the 175th since the abolition of slavery in the former British colonies. The slave trade was abolished throughout the British empire in 1807.

The relocation to the Savannah may not be permanent, however, as the change in venue is largely due to activities around the inaugural Caribbean Games at the Complex. Nevertheless, returning to the Savannah also means a return to the original parade route. This year's procession will originate near the site of the Yoruba Village at Besson street, cross the Piccadilly Street bridget, pass the All Stars Pan Yard and site of the original Canboulay Riots on Duke Street, and then northward to the Queen's Park Savannah.

Khafra Kambon, chairman of the Emancipation Support Committee (ESC) which is the organising body for emancipation commemorations, has announced that the theme for this year's events is "Sieze opportunities as the world changes". He says that this year's economic downturn provides an opportunity for those in the African diaspora to return to "traditional values".