This event to mark the 10th Anniversary of the United Nations Permanent Memorial to Honour the Victims of Slavery and the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, the “Ark of Return”, is an opportunity to reflect on how music and rhythm have played a role in both resistance and resilience. Drumming holds a special place in this journey.
CARICOM Secretary-General, Dr Carla Barnett
CARICOM Secretary-General, Dr Carla Barnett, delivered remarks at the Drum Dialogue titled “Beats of Solidarity: Drumming for Peace and Equity” on the margins of the Fourth Session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent.
Please listen to her remarks below (a transcript is available below the video):
Transcript:
I am delighted to participate in this Drum Dialogue that brings together master drummers from Africa and the African diaspora and I congratulate the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the Africa Centre, for this creative initiative.
Drumming is a universal form of creative expression, transcending countries, ethnicities and languages. In the modern world, beset by division, inequality, and systemic injustice, drumming is a powerful symbol and tool which fosters unity. The rhythms connect us to our shared humanity, creating space for dialogue, healing, and transformation. Drumming is like the beat of our hearts.
In the Caribbean, drumming is a time-honoured tradition and it is integral to our expressions of celebration, commemoration and identity. I am pleased to note that we have drummers from our Region who are part of this celebration.
This event to mark the 10th Anniversary of the United Nations Permanent Memorial to Honour the Victims of Slavery and the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, the “Ark of Return”, is an opportunity to reflect on how music and rhythm have played a role in both resistance and resilience. Drumming holds a special place in this journey. During the era of enslavement, African drums were often banned by enslavers, who feared their power to communicate, inspire rebellion, sustain unity and cultural identity. Yet drumming survived, and today we are being entertained and inspired by the master drummers who have kept this valuable tradition alive.
The Ark of Return stands as a solemn reminder of the atrocities of slavery and the enduring legacy of racial injustice. We remember the countless acts of courage and defiance by enslaved Africans and honour their memory by being resolute in the call for reparatory justice for the victims and their descendants. As we mark the 10th Anniversary of the Ark of Return, we are invited to imagine a world founded on dignity, equality and peace.
The master drummers who are engaging us today demonstrate the power of the rhythms that sustained African people through many struggles and continue to inspire movements for justice today. Let the drumbeat carry our message, our clarion call for repair, for peace and for equity for all.
Thank you very much.
