The Government of Antigua and Barbuda and the Antigua and Barbuda Reparations Support Commission will this evening (Thursday) launch the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent under the theme ‘People of African descent: recognition, justice and development’. 

The UN General Assembly, of which Antigua and Barbuda is a member, has proclaimed 2015-2024 as the International Decade for People of African Descent with a goal of ‘strengthening national, regional and international cooperation in relation to the full enjoyment of economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights by people of African descent, and their full and equal participation in all aspects of society’.

The main objectives  that will guide the work of members states for the decade are to

1)   promote respect, protection and fulfillment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by people of African descent, as recognized in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; and

2)   promote a greater knowledge of and respect for the diverse heritage, culture and contribution of people of African descent to the development of societies.

According to Dorbrene O’Marde, Chairperson of the Antigua and Barbuda Reparations Support Commission, “ our Government has been mandated to inform our citizens about the International Decade and develop a national programme of action to make full use of this ten year opportunity.” He further stated that the UN General Assembly has directed the Secretary General to set aside funds from the regular budget of the UN, as well as extra-budgetary funds, to help finance relevant projects.

The official launch is slated to begin at 7:30 pm today Thursday, February 26th 2015 at the Dean William Lake Cultural Centre with addresses by The Hon. Chet Greene, Minister of Culture, Senator Londell Benjamin, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Social Transformation and representatives from the Christian Council, Evangelical Association, Rastafari Theocracy, Youth and the African Slavery Memorial Society of Antigua and Barbuda. The key note address will be delivered by David Comissiong, Chairman of the Caribbean Pan-African Network(CPAn) and President of the Clement Payne Movement of Barbados. (Antigua and Barbuda Government Press Release)