PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – On the occasion of our 48th Anniversary of Independence, it gives me great pleasure to extend warm greetings to all nationals of Trinidad and Tobago, currently residing away from the beautiful shores of our twin-island Republic. From my own experience, I know that it is on these special occasions that you feel more than a twinge of nostalgia for home; when the colours – red, white and black assume an even greater importance and the bond among non-resident nationals grows even stronger.
As you celebrate our Nation’s 48th Independence Anniversary, I encourage each of you to be true to our national watch words, “Discipline”, “Tolerance”, “Production”.
Let us use these simple but powerful words to guide our daily interactions and to define us as a country and a people committed to the highest ethical standards personally and professionally.
Forty-eight years ago a small twin-island territory dared to imagine that it could move forward on its own, “with boundless faith” in its destiny. We took a leap of faith into the unknown, unsure of what we would encounter but certain that we would gain more by treading the path of independence. Today, that audacity to believe that we had the power within us to take control of our lives has resulted in a wonderful story of change, innovation and creativity.
Out of the debris of colonialism we have emerged a community of people at once resilient and resourceful, determined to build a strong, sovereign Nation. Our task now, as nationals of an independent Trinidad and Tobago, is to continue to channel that determination into a building a society which cherishes life, honours diversity, generates prosperity, encourages innovation and acts with compassion to its most vulnerable citizens.
To you, our nationals abroad, I also charge with the responsibility to ensure that Trinidad and Tobago does not gradually recede from the intellectual and cultural horizons of the new generations growing up overseas.
The culture and values of T&T must be transmitted to the younger generations making new homes in distant lands. These are the intangible ties that bind and influence who we are –“of Trinidad and Tobago parentage or heritage” must be spoken often and with pride.
As a young Nation, our journey of exploration and unexpected discoveries has only just begun. How that journey will end is entirely up to us. Let us strive towards a destination of prosperity, peace and security.
I wish you a Happy Independence. God Bless You and God Bless Our Nation.
