BROKOPONDO — During the commemoration of Saamaka Daka in Marshallkreek, Brokopondo, Regional Development (RO) Minister Miquella Huur on Saturday (today) emphasized the importance of preserving and nurturing the unique cultural identity, traditions and values of the Saamaka community. “Our ancestors were determined, had courage and perseverance,” said the minister.
Rent praised the resilience of the ancestors and focused especially on the responsibility of the current generation towards children and grandchildren. According to the minister, it is important that communities think about what they leave behind for future generations and lay a solid foundation for them. In that context, she also advocated the legal anchoring of the Free Prior Informed Consent.
“Our ancestors were determined, had courage and perseverance”
RO Minister Rent
Courage ancestors
Saamaka Daka is commemorated and celebrated annually on September 19. On this day we commemorate the peace agreement that the ancestors of the Saramaccans concluded with the colonial government on September 19, 1762. This year, Marshall Creek was dedicated to the 264th commemoration of this historic event. The celebration took place under the theme ‘Courage builds the future’.
The activities started with playing the apintidronfollowed by a towe wataa thanksgiving service and a polo waka. According to RO, this reflected in a traditional way the history, struggle and legacy of the ancestors.
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Captain Ronny Asabina of Marshall Creek emphasized that Saamaka Daka is more than an annual day of remembrance. According to him, it is a lasting reminder of the courage and struggle of the ancestors, which ultimately led to peace and freedom. He called on the community to continue to cherish the traditions and intangible cultural heritage left by the ancestors and transmit them to future generations.
During the celebration, several people were also honored who had made a special contribution. Among them were athletes, musicians and others who made significant contributions to the development of the Saamaka and Sakiki community.
