The Blessing of the Grounds at the Lidj Yasu Omowale Emancipation Village on Sunday included a strong appeal for an end to senseless division within communities.
The blessing of the grounds marks the spiritual opening of this year’s Pan African Festival TT under the theme, “Igniting African Consciousness, Dismantling Colonial Legacies”.
The annual ceremony included a libation led by Elder Equino Moyo, a sacred African tradition that honours ancestors and symbolises the connection between past, present and future generations.
“So through libation we join with our ancestors, we actually become our ancestors. Without ancestor communion, there’s no renewal and the cycle of life is broken.”
The libation is more than a ceremonial act. It is a spiritual practice of remembrance and renewal, reinforcing the belief that honouring those who came before us helps strengthen our connection to heritage, community, and future generations.
“The act of remembering our ancestors through the libation we are going to pour, using water links the ancestors to we, the living, and the yet to be born.”
As Emancipation celebrations are set to begin, Elder Moyo encouraged participants to reflect on both their individual and collective responsibilities.
“Understand what you do and what you fail to do and what you do incorrectly to harm your community.”
Elder Moyo stressed that African consciousness must be reflected not only in words and cultural pride but also in meaningful actions that strengthen and uplift communities.