A powerful re-enactment of the death of Sally Bassett takes place this evening as part of a series of events to mark emancipation.

Minister of Culture and Social Rehabilitation, Dale Butler, is encouraging everyone in the community to join in this week's celebratory events presented by the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs. The public are also invited to attend the Fourth International African Diaspora Heritage Trail Conference, at the Fairmont Southampton today and tomorrow.

Emancipation Day on Thursday marks the anniversary of the abolition of slavery in Bermuda in 1834.

Mr. Butler said: "This Government believes that it is important to celebrate and honour the emancipation of Bermuda's bonds people as one of the momentous events in our country's history.

"I would also like to outline a series of superb events that have been planned this year to commemorate the emancipation of slaves of Bermuda, which we hope the public will see as an opportunity to reflect, look back and to look inwards, as our community seeks to move forward and embrace the spirit of reconciliation."

'Trial By Fire: Sally Bassett's Streams Of Consciousness' takes place this evening in Bernard Park at 8 p.m. Written by Dr. Kim Dismont Robinson, Mr. Butler described the performance as "a very powerful and moving dramatisation of the slave's attempt to poison her master; and her subsequent punishment and execution".

On Thursday, the Liberty Theatre screens 'Scattered Africa: Faces And Voices Of The African Diaspora' at 7 p.m. The third annual Dr. Kenneth E. Robinson and Cyril Packwood memorial lecture will be delivered by producer Dr. Sheila Walker, a cultural anthropologist who has worked on the UNESCO Slave Route project.

Last night, people also gathered at Barr's Bay Park to make a Friendly Society March to Union Square. Walkers stopped at points of significance where speakers detailed their history. The speakers included Melissa Trott, the descendant of a slave aboard The Enterprise, who spoke about the arrival of the US ship with 78 slaves at Barr's Bay Park in 1835.

Shirley Pearman also spoke about 'Little Parliament' - on the site of 'Twice-Told Tales', and its importance as a meeting place for politicians and others. Dr. Michael Bradshaw talked about the importance of Alexandria Lodge and Mr. Butler spoke about the Recorder and other black businesses which thrived along Court Street and Victoria Street.