PM wants better society

“Our achievement of these and other objectives has always been predicated, however, on our commitment to responsible and accountable behaviour. Freedom and responsibility are, after all, equally concomitant to genuine liberation,” the PM said.

He added, “Let us commit ourselves to those behaviours and attitudes which will bring about the balanced and tremendously great society after which we collectively aspire, and which we are capable of, and are already in the process of forging.”

Manning said there are untold opportunities for citizens to realise every positive dream and aspiration.

“These exist for all in our society, barring none. Today, then, we remember slavery, but sing the songs of liberation and empowerment.”

The PM also noted that the circumstances under which we celebrate Emancipation today are vastly different from those faced by our ancestors, and noted that our land is what it is today because of the contribution of all.

He said this year marks the 168th anniversary of Emancipation in the British Caribbean, and the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade to our land. He said the struggle for liberty, equality and justice is a struggle for all humanity.