Remembering past struggles as we embrace today's challenges

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1: For many of us, Cup Match is an opportunity to relax. It’s a respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It’s our opportunity to go to the beach, go camping, go to concerts and spend time with family and friends.

But, it’s also a time to remember the struggle. Tomorrow is Emancipation Day. And, we must never forget that for generations right here in Bermuda, there wasn’t just institutionalized discrimination, there was legalised slavery.

For over a hundred years after slavery was abolished, there was legal discrimination and segregation in Bermuda.

Our grandparents, parents and many of us that are still alive today remember the days of legal discrimination and the struggle for equality for all our people.

Today, families in Bermuda face challenging times. Similarly, so do families all around the world. But, we are Bermudians. We have faced those difficult times in the past. And, we overcame.

 We are a people that overcame slavery. We overcame discrimination. And, we built one of the wealthiest and happiest societies on the face of the earth.

In these difficult times, we must not be fooled by those offering quick fixes and rapid and radical change. We must all realize that there is no quick fix that is going to solve all of our problems. Instead, we must come together and work together to surely and steadily move our country forward.

The wise choice in tough times is to continue to stand strong. The struggle continues and we must not put our faith in slick salesmen who offer what appears to be shiny new car — but one that’s filled with old rusty parts.

We know that our dreams won’t come true over night, but, just as we overcame the wrongs of the past, if we stand strong, together, we can overcome these challenging times as well. 

Happy Emancipation Day.

• Paula Cox is Progressive Labour Party Leader & Premier.