What is "Freedom" and how is it defined? Well, it can differ from one Society to another. Actually, there is no template. In most instances it is a state of well being. For example, Trinidad and Tobago won its freedom from Britain in 1962 and some of us may remember the chant "Massa day done" as we embraced the uncertainty of Independence. We chose for leadership a man who wrote a book. A man who abandoned his first family leaving them penniless in the USA as he fled never to return. As Prime Minister and having campaigned vigorously against corruption in Government he circumvented following through on that campaign promise. Public Servant Jean Miles dared to bring to the public's attention the "Gas Station Racket". For her efforts she was hounded to death and died almost a pauper. It was not only because of her honesty that she was much maligned. It must be remembered that she was a White woman who dared to expose the corruptibility in a black government. Moving forward, here we are. Our most precious creation, life, has been devalued to the point that it is worth less than a bullet. As we prepare to celebrate our thirteenth anniversary of Independence, have we learnt anything from our life experiences during this period, and is there room for optimism?