SAN Fernando mayor Robert Parris says mental slavery is something that people must continue to strive to overcome.

He made this comment at the inaugural San Fernando Freedom Festival at Harris Promenade, San Fernando on August 2.

Parris told the gathering African Emancipation Day was more than just remembering the atrocities inflicted on enslaved African people 200 years ago or taking part in different aspects of African culture.

It also spoke to the liberation of one's mind from the past and learning to do new things.

"Some of us are still mentally enslaved and entrapped through a system that has held us back for many, many years."

Parris did not say what system he was referring to, but suggested this system existed at an individual and institutional level.

"Even in our hallowed halls of (San Fernando City Hall) where it is that you would think that persons who should know better and support events like this, it's always a fight."

Parris did not disclose the identities of the people he was referring to.

He said, "We need to stop fighting each other. We need to start to support each other."

Parris described San Fernando as a unique and diverse place, inhabited by a wide diversity of ethnic and religious groups who celebrate all events together.

"Our culture in San Fernando is so unique that we celebrate together."

Parris added that he embraces this practice because of the diversity in his own family background.

The festival included several cultural performances and a parade of different groups from Independence Avenue to Harris Promenade.

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