"My Brothers and Sisters, the termination of chattel slavery in 1834 was a step towards the acknowledgement of all men as members of the family of humanity, a condemnation of the oppression, abuse and exploitation of all people, and triumph in a struggle against racism and other forms of discrimination."It was the recognition that men ought not to be treated as animals to be tethered and whipped, property to be bartered and traded, or objects of pleasure or profit, at least in the legislative context.
"However, achievement of the ideal that all men are equal and should be treated as such, has been no easy fight in the practical, real world.
"While there have been landmark successes in the recognition of certain fundamental rights through the perseverance of great activists, the struggle is still not over 175 years after the emancipation of slaves in the colonial plantations.
"Emancipation Day must be more than an occasion to celebrate the triumph of the struggle for freedom from bondage, to pay tribute to those who fell and those who rose up to lead the revolution, and to renew the cultural ties that the slave masters tried so hard to extinguish.
"We must also reflect on the current state of affairs and look to the future.
"While many have excelled in academics, business and other spheres, and deserve to be celebrated and exalted, many others are in trouble and in need of guidance, direction and help to steer their lives onto a more progressive path.
"The welfare of the youth and the future generation must have a prominent place on our deliberations as we observe Emancipation Day.
"Across the national landscape, and indeed across the various ethnic groups in Trinidad and Tobago, there are persons who are not rising to their fullest potential. They are the victims of social injustice, political neglect and some form of discrimination.
"They are condemned to a life of suffering because they do not have the basic amenities to compete on equal footing with others for the opportunities for advancement.
"Frustration and desperation sometimes lead them into situations from which escape is difficult, if not impossible.
"Brothers and sisters, the welfare of the oppressed is a matter that should concern us all at this time. We must examine the areas that have been discriminated against and still do not have proper supplies of water, electricity and drainage, and determine whether there is a link to the trouble that is consuming our youth.
"That, brothers and sisters, demonstrates the destructive force that comes from discrimination in any form and against any persons. That is why we must struggle always to end all forms of discrimination in Trinidad and Tobago, and in the rest of the world.
"Best wishes to the national community and in particular those of African Heritage on the occasion of Emancipation Day 2009."
Basdeo Panday, Leader of the Opposition | Aug. 01, 2009
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