The American brig, the Enterprize, was blown by a storm into Bermuda on February 11, 1835, and that proved to be a key for the liberty of 72 men, women and children. The release of Nelson Mandela on February 11, 1990, marked a milestone, demonstrating personal freedom, which resonated throughout the global community.

These two stories have commonalities. The former, occurred 175 years ago when America was still maintaining their system of slavery. On August 1, 1834, that practice was abolished in Bermuda and other British colonies, and the change in paradigm led to this transformative local story.

When the brig dropped anchor only six months after Emancipation, there were a number of responses across the Island, all with one aim.

The Government did its part to ensure that the brig did not leave with the 'cargo'.

The Young Men's Friendly Society took out a Writ in the Supreme Court by which liberty was offered to each one. That choice was not taken up by 72 persons, as one family opted to return to the ship and enslavement.

The story of Mandela points up the difference between liberty and freedom. While imprisoned for almost three decades, that period in the wilderness ironically led to him finding his freedom within himself. His experience proves that while others can take one's liberty they have no control over one's freedom.

Mandela's example demonstrates the power of choice: we all can choose to be either victims or creators in our lives. He chose to be a 'creator' and found that the longer he was imprisoned without his 'liberty', the more personal freedom he had. The 78 on the Enterprize were offered a choice, most took the option to gain their 'liberty'.

What do these stories say to us today. That chapter of our history offers us an insight into the foundation upon which our society is built. Mandela offers us a living example of overcoming adversity.

These two stories provide some practical lessons:

* Life's challenges offer opportunities which can be accessed through conscious choice.

* We're reminded of Marley's insistence that none but ourselves can free our minds.

* Mandela's mantra in prison from the poem 'Invictus' 'I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul guided him to his freedom'.

* Declaring our personal freedom, allows us to act in solidarity with others.