Bermudians will this Sunday join millions of people across the world celebrating the bicentenary of the abolition of the slave trade.

On March 25, 1807, decades of campaigning finally paid off when the Trans-Atlantic slave trade was banned — signalling the beginning of the end of the tragic abuse of humans which blighted many countries, including this Island, for centuries.

Today, religious leaders are calling for people to mark the occasion’s 200th anniversary by packing out two major commemorative events in Bermuda.

One, at the Cathedral, will feature presentations from community leaders and prayers and hymns symbolising the anti-slavery movement.

The other, at Commissioner’s House, in Dockyard, will include a reading about Bermuda’s slavery history by Social Rehabilitation Minister Dale Butler, with entertainment from Gombeys in a three-hour celebration.

Organisers of both say they want the whole of the Island’s community to come together and make Sunday a day to remember.

The Royal Gazette’s Break The Chains campaign is continuing to call for people to help in the fight to free at least 12 million people who are trapped in modern day slavery across the globe.

For the past few months, this newspaper has been backing Anti-Slavery International’s on-line petition, which calls for governments across the world to take action to end all forms of human captivity, including human trafficking, child labour, bonded labour and forced marriage.

All you have to do to sign the petition is log onto your computer and follow a few simple instructions on the screen.

The Bishop of Bermuda Ewan Ratteray, Roman Catholic Bishop Robert Kurtz and AME Church Presiding Elder Malcolm Eve have all issued statements calling for people to attend Sunday’s events.

Rev. Nick Dill, pastor at St. John’s Church, Pembroke, is organising the Cathedral service.

He said: “There’s an open invitation to anyone who wants to come. It’s very important that we acknowledge this anniversary.

“The events of 200 years ago demonstrate how a few people could overturn public opinion and the whole societal evil, just through the power of prayer and petition.

“When we look at slavery which is ongoing today, the temptation is to think we can do nothing about it. The reality is that if we can stand up, we can make a difference.”

The Cathedral service begins at 5 p.m. and will include anti-slavery hymns Amazing Grace and And Can It Be, presentations and displays.

The Commissioner’s House event is being set up by the Commission for Unity and Racial Equality (CURE).

It will run from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and those attending will be given a tour of a slavery exhibition at the venue.

Dr. Sydney Gibbons, executive officer of CURE, said: “The historical experience of slavery contributed to the way people think in the present. It’s very important we recognise the significance of what happened 200 years ago.”

Premier Ewart Brown called for Bermudians to recognise the significance of the anniversary.

Dr. Brown said “Two hundred years have passed since the Slave Trade Act abolished slavery and we remain unable, as a world society, to completely abolish acts of racial discrimination, the trafficking of human beings for the purpose of slavery and to finally move to honour and respect the ethnic heritage of all people.”Our government encourages all Bermudian to bring about substantive change in our way of thinking here in Bermuda and work together to end racial, social and religious discrimination.”That is why our Government has embarked on the Bermuda Race Relations Initiative.”

United Bermuda Party leader Wayne Furbert issued a statement acknowledging the bicentenary.

“Slavery is a scar across human history, and Bermudians continue to live with its heavy legacy of discrimination, whether real or perceived,” said Mr. Furbert.

“It is the dragon we must slay, and it can only be done if we truly want something better for our children.

“The only way we’re going to get to a better place is through developing the widest understanding of the continuing impact of slavery and programmes, such as education reform, that ensure equality, personal advancement and a fair share for all our people.

“Therefore my United Bermuda Party colleagues and I join with the rest of Bermuda and the world to celebrate the first great blow against slavery, the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act, which was passed by the British House of Commons on March 25, 1807.

“While the Act did not end slavery, it did lend authority and encouragement to the long march by the United Kingdom toward the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 and the worldwide march for greater justice and humanity that continues today.”

To sign the Anti-Slavery International petition, go to www.antislavery.org/2007/actionsign and fill in your details.

To comment on The Royal Gazette’s Break The Chains campaign, call 278-0153 or e-mail tsmith@royalgazette.bm