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On Tuesday October 14, Anne Querrard and Lisa Berionus-Magras from the Saint-Barth Heritage association led workshops with pupils from the CM2 class at the Sainte-Marie de Colombier school. The event was part of the commemoration of the abolition of slavery in Saint-Barthélemy (on October 9, 1847, by Sweden) and focused on the notions of freedom and human rights.
In a fun and educational way, with schoolchildren who have already studied the history of slavery in the classroomslavery, Anne Querrard and Lisa Beronius-Magras delicately and intelligently tackle themes that some would prefer not to raise again. The deprivation of freedom through the ages aroused the children's innocent indignation and curiosity. In fact, the questions came thick and fast. We didn't just want to talk about slavery, but also about freedom, human rights and equality," explains Lisa Beronius-Magras. Observing the schoolchildren's involvement in the workshops and their insistence on better understanding, it seems that the historical and educational objective has been achieved. With all the oratorical precautions necessary when such subjects are addressed to a young audience.
Two wreaths and an abolition photo express
Initially scheduled for Thursday October 9 at 5pm, the commemoration of the abolition of slavery in Saint-Barthélemy was cancelled on Wednesday afternoon by the Collectivité territoriale. The decision was taken "as a precautionary measure", in anticipation of worsening weather conditions forecast for the night of Thursday October 9 to Friday October 10, due to the passage of storm Jerry. While the commemorative day of October 9 took place in glorious sunshine, Friday was indeed marked by episodes of heavy rain, swell and gusty winds. However, in the early afternoon, two wreaths were discreetly laid at the foot of the commemorative plaque beneath the cheese tree on Fort Gustaf III. One for the Collectivité, the other for the Prefecture. Just enough time for a photo. The two wreaths were then taken back to the Hôtel de la Collectivité and placed on a bench in the lobby. The photo was published online a few minutes later by the Collectivité territoriale with the following text: "On this stormy day, the Collectivité and the Prefecture were nevertheless keen to commemorate the abolition of slavery. "Yesterday, Wednesday October 15, the prefecture also published a text and photos to reiterate the cancellation of the commemoration ceremony. The publication was much more detailed, with references to the actions carried out locally since 2023 "to keep alive the memory of slavery". There was no reference, however, to the express laying of wreaths by the Collectivité five days earlier.
