THE People’s Progressive Party extends congratulations and best wishes to all Guyanese and to our Afro-Guyanese compatriots in particular, on the occasion of the 173rd anniversary of the abolition of slavery in Guyana and the Caribbean. This freedom came as a result of the great resistance of our ancestors to the brutal exploitation and inhuman conditions that they were subjected to.

The fight of slaves against slavery served as a great example and led to many other struggles and victories of our people which culminated in our independence in 1966.

However, almost immediately after Independence, the Guyanese people had to wage another gigantic struggle for democracy. Inspired by the feats of our foreparents, the Guyanese people were victorious in their efforts to win democracy in Guyana.

Today we are building our country economically, politically and socially strong. Guyana has advanced greatly since the victory in 1992. However dangers still exist.

We have to constantly struggle against the unequal relations in international relations which often threaten to retard our progress and to keep us economically disadvantaged.

In the struggle to build a strong and prosperous society in our times we must continue to be inspired by the victories of our ancestors who, fighting an enemy who had superior weapons, succeeded in liberating themselves and destroying the hated system of slavery.

Once again, the PPP extends best wishes to all on Freedom Day 2011.