The P J Patterson Institute for Africa-Caribbean Advocacy says true emancipation must extend beyond political freedoms and civil rights.

The institute, which is based at the University of the West Indies, says it must include economic empowerment, equitable access to land, productive enterprise and the opportunity for every citizen to build wealth and contribute meaningfully to national development.

It noted that while important political and civil rights have been achieved, broad access to land ownership and economic development “continue to elude many Caribbean people”.