The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church yesterday celebrated its 22nd Emancipation Day celebrations with a thanksgiving service and street parade in San Fernando yesterday. Members of the clergy and congregation took to the streets after the service at the St Peter’s Parish in Cocoyea Village, in a procession led by Archbishop Abuna Thaddaeus.
Held under the theme: Reparation at home and aboard, the celebration was attended by former minister Joan Yuille-Williams who during the service asked the congregation to say a prayer for their brothers and sisters in Africa. She also asked them remember former prime minister and San Fernando East MP Patrick Manning in their prayers. While he is ill and partially disabled after suffering a stroke, Yuille-Williams said his mind is still intact. Yuille-Williams also paid tribute to the organisation for its work over the years.
Bringing greetings on behalf of the San Fernando Mayor Kazim Hosein, Marabella West councillor Laverne Smith said it was a pleasure seeing men and women dressed as kings and queens. She said it broke her heart to see women dressing half-naked and men wearing their pants under their buttocks. “I am a spiritual baptist and I never felt more queenly then I did today.”
Also delivering greetings, Franklyn Griffith of the San Fernando Catholic Credit Union said the occasion of Emancipation always excites him and gives him hope. Accompanied by a DJ music truck belting out liberation tunes from various artistes, including the legendary Bob Marley and popular Orisha singer Ella Andall, the procession culminated at Palm’s Club for the cultural show and luncheon.