Thursday 28 May: Abolition of slavery
The commemoration of the abolition of slavery will be held this Thursday, 28 May, in the historic setting of the Old House. In a spirit of remembrance, reflection and passing on the legacy, a number of artists, organisations, schoolchildren and local figures will pay tribute to the victims of slavery through songs, readings, dances and cultural performances.
This year marks the 178th anniversary of the abolition of slavery and the 25th anniversary of the law recognising the slave trade and slavery as crimes against humanity, known as the ‘Taubira Law’.
The decree definitively abolishing slavery in the French colonies was signed in Paris on 27 April 1848, at the instigation of Victor Schœlcher and the provisional government of the Second Republic. However, its implementation subsequently varied from colony to colony due to delays in transmission and local circumstances. Consequently, the dates of commemoration differ from one territory to another: 22 May in Martinique, marking the slave uprising that precipitated abolition even before the official arrival of the decree; 27 May in Guadeloupe, marking the official proclamation of abolition on the island; and 28 May in Saint Martin, the date on which the abolition of slavery was effectively proclaimed in the territory in 1848.
Historical research carried out in particular by the historian Daniella Jeffry has indeed shown that the proclamation did not take place on the same day as in Guadeloupe, but on 28 May 1848 in Saint Martin. Following this research and a request from the Collectivité, the official date of commemoration was changed to be ‘in keeping with the history’ of the territory.
Commemoration and culture at the Old House
The ceremony will begin at 2pm to the sound of the conch shell with the traditional “Blowing the Conch Shell”, orchestrated by Latisha Stephen of the Soualiwomen Kultural Association, followed by a presentation of the mill and its mechanisms by four members of the Territorial Youth Committee.
The formal proceedings will begin at 2.15 pm, also accompanied by music, with the Saint Martin anthem “Oh, Sweet Saint Martin Land” by Amyra Ottley, conducted by Natisha Hanson’s Vocal Lab, before the official speeches and the laying of a wreath. A moment of silence will be observed before giving way to the cultural performance, which will begin at 3.15 pm.
The Old House will provide the setting for a choreographed performance by Company Ö & Co set to a historical and cultural audio piece by Audrey Claxton, a reading of “New Moon for Quashiba” by Jocelyne Arnelle, and songs including ‘Oh Freedom’ by pupils from Charlotte Brookson School and ‘4 Women’ by pupils from Vocal Lab and Pianissimo. The show will continue with a dance performance by pupils from Roche Gravée secondary school in Moho, a reading of the poem “The Unfinished Freedom Behind the Rock Walls” by Saby Soualouiga, and a final dance performance, this time by the Grain d’Or troupe.
To make way for the performers, the public will not be able to park near the Old House. A free shuttle service will be available from 1.30 pm, departing from the Beach Volley car park (formerly Boo Boo Jam).
