United Nations Radio

Russell Simmons

Hip hop pioneer Russell Simmons appointed Goodwill Ambassador for a Permanent Memorial to honor victims of slavery

Jamaica welcomes the initiative to erect a permanent memorial in honor of the victims of slavery

At the same ceremony, the UN launched the Trust Fund for the Permanent Memorial to one of the most profoundly tragic periods in the history of mankind.  The event, organized by the Permanent Mission of Jamaica to the United Nations on behalf of the Member States of the Caribbean Community-CARICOM and the African Union was aimed at re-engaging the attention of the international community with the horrific nature of slavery, the transatlantic slave trade and its legacy of discrimination.  Chairman of the Permanent Memorial Committee is Jamaica's Ambassador Raymond Wolfe.

Haiti says the permanent memorial will advance efforts to raise awareness of the lingering consequences of slavery

Ambassador Memores says while considering the legacy of the horror of slavery, it is a duty and responsiblilty to first educate, inculcate new values and then ensure that this tragic chapter in history is never forgotten nor repeated.

Grenada hails the launching of the Trust Fund for the Permanent Memorial

Amb. Dessima Williams

Permanent Representative of Grenada Ambassador Dessima Williams stressed that the launching of the Trust Fund is indeed an important one as it moves us closer to the realization of the Permanent Memorial.  She says the Fund signals a commitment to transparency and accountability and that the region is counting on the ability of Goodwill Ambassador Russell Simmons to attract the much needed attention and support for this humanitarian venture.

Producer: Donn Bobb

Duration: 14'39"