A message from Joe Toney, Chairman of the Congress of the People (COP)
Congress of the People joins with the rest of the nation in the observance of the 173rd Emancipation Day, August 1, 2011.
Trinidad and Tobago and indeed the Caribbean, were brought into international focus in the 16th and 17th centuries, both with the importation of slaves from the Horns of Africa and then later, its abolition by the British Parliament 1838.
Trinidad and Tobago and indeed the Caribbean, were brought into international focus in the 16th and 17th centuries, both with the importation of slaves from the Horns of Africa and then later, its abolition by the British Parliament 1838.
The human impact of Chief Abolitionist, William Wilberforce must come to the fore. His life and work confirms what we, too often forget, that the power of the committed, dispassionate, resolute individual, righteous in humanity's cause, can change the world.
It is sobering and encouraging that so many great individuals sacrificed their own egos to work for the betterment of society and by so doing, created the new space and opportunity for future generations.
It is sobering and encouraging that so many great individuals sacrificed their own egos to work for the betterment of society and by so doing, created the new space and opportunity for future generations.
We in Trinidad and Tobago are reminded of such men as Wilberforce, Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela, who took their stand on the side of universal morality.
Let us therefore use Emancipation Day 2011 to make a national pledge to build our nation in the style of such men. Emancipation remains the triumph of all mankind. This is a time, not only for glorification, but also for reflection as we look positively to the future for generations to come.
Happy Emancipation Day 2011.
Let us therefore use Emancipation Day 2011 to make a national pledge to build our nation in the style of such men. Emancipation remains the triumph of all mankind. This is a time, not only for glorification, but also for reflection as we look positively to the future for generations to come.
Happy Emancipation Day 2011.
And as we celebrate let us reflect on Nelson Mandela's immortal words, "to be free is not mearly casting off one's chains but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others."
Joseph Toney | Chairman, COP
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