Opposition Leader: "T&T has come a long way since the era of slavery"

A message from Dr Keith Rowley, Leader of the Opposition
On August 1st 1838 slavery was abolished in Trinidad and Tobago. As we all know, slavery is a system under which people are treated as property and are forced to work with no remuneration or compensation. 

Emancipation meant an end to slaves having to endure hard labour, poor food, disease and cruel masters. It meant that slaves were free to make a living as they saw fit and provide for their families, practice their cultural and religious beliefs and above all, be paid wages for their labour. 

August 1, 1838 marked a new begining for African slaves and their offspring but it didn't mark an end to their struggle for a decent standard of living.

Trinidad and Tobago has indeed come a long way since the era of slavery. The growth and development of our nation is inextricably linked to the growth and development of our people; every creed, colour and race. 

The rights of individuals to earn fair wages to provide for themselves and their families is fundamental to this country's economic and social well being. This fact must never be forgotten and this right must be held dear to us all.

Today, on the 173rd anniversary of Emancipation in Trinidad and Tobago, I address you with a heavy heart and a troubled mind over the tense and volatile industrial relations climate orchestrated by Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bisssessar and her UNC led administration. 

In just over one year the Government has sought to erase much of what has been achieved in 173 years. 

We in the Opposition People's National Movement continue to receive complaints and listen to the cries of citizens of all races, religions and walks of life who feel deceived and betrayed by a Prime Minister, who pretended to care and joined hands with labour only to restrict their growth and development and that of their families by declaring a 5% cap on public sector salaries then unashamedly declare that no such cap exists.

My fellow citizens, we must now ask ourselves how far have we really come since the days of slavery when slave masters ruled with an iron fist and used intimidatory tactics to squeeze productivity out of a labour force of disgruntled and subjigated workers. 

With this in mind I urge you to be strong of mind and body. Do not be fooled by public relations gimmickry and grand standing on issues which affect the well being of youselves, your families and your country. Trinidad and Tobago deserves better.

Keith Rowley | Leader of the Opposition in T&T