Caribbeans Celebrate Abolition of Slavery
Preparations to celebrate the bicentennial anniversary of the abolition of slave trade is mobilizing Caribbean governments and prompting reflection in the area, one of the worst hit by the scourge.

"We must make sure that slavery, which is at the heart of deep economic, social inequalities, cannot hit us again," said Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Baldwin Spencer.

In a public speech Friday, Spencer explained that activities including educational and debate programs are being organized to honor the memory of those who died during one of the worst human rights violations in the history of humankind.

Monday, March 26 2007 will mark the 200th anniversary of the British Slave Trade Act that put an end to slave trade.

Historians agree that this and other similar legislations were only the facade of what started to be unofficially implemented later in order to maintain the inhuman traffic of people.

At least 40 million people were captured and turned into slaves between the 16th and the 19th century, according to estimates.

Saint Kitts and Nevis is also organizing a program of activities to celebrate the end of slavery, based on a plan approved in the Cabinet and jointly carried out by UNESCO and the ministries of Education, Culture and Foreign Affairs, including a mass, lectures, concerts and group discussions," announced Deputy Minister of Information Nigel Carter.