Opposing political leaders have put aside political rivalry to share similar sentiments in an emancipation message to the nation

Both Prime Minister, Patrick Manning, and Opposition leader Basdeo Panday have agreed that freedom must never be taken for granted

During his emancipation day message, the prime minister described Emancipation as one of the most important and decisive moments in the evolution of human civilization…one of the most critical in the history of the modern world

Mr Manning made special note that because of the efforts of the twin isle republic, this great moment is celebrated in other countries

Meanwhile Mr Panday, speaking on behalf of the UNC and the UNC Alliance emphasized that today’s Emancipation celebrations must be used as an opportunity to free the population from the shackles of mental slavery.

He added that the nation also needed to be released from an ever increasing government induced dependency syndrome

Mr Panday is of the belief that the nation is yet to achieve full emancipation, as he laments that even while the public celebrates it remains enslaved and held prisoner by an unprecedented crime wave