Prime Minister's Statement at Post-Cabinet Briefing.

Prime Minister's statement at Post-Cabinet Briefing.
Date: September 5, 2013
Venue: Office of the Prime Minister

Good afternoon to Members of Cabinet, Members of the Media, and to the viewing audience on television.

For the past two weeks, there has been speculation in the media, on the blogs, and throughout the national community, that a Cabinet realignment was in the making. I have listened to the people, I have taken my time, and I have consulted.

The local government elections are being held midterm in this administration's period in office, a low point in the popularity of most governments as evidenced recently in the United States. But just as that administration bounced back to sweep the polls, the People's Partnership stands poised to do the same.

We were elected with the highest of expectations. In fact, one can say that our coalition is victim to its own success at raising the bar in what the electorate now demands in the new dispensation. And that is good, that is the way it should and must be. That is the change you voted for.

So while there have been missteps along the way of our multi-party government, let's be clear on one thing, in just over three years, the People's Partnership has achieved, or is about to achieve so many things for the betterment of the people of Trinidad and Tobago.

They include:

-The Bail-out of CLICO and HCU

-70,000 laptops given out to Form 1 students.

-Near completion of the Overpass at Grand Bazaar

-Development of the fashion industry

-Distribution of HDC homes to hundreds of people.

-Distribution of Food Cards to thousands of persons.

-Distribution of land to hundreds of former Caroni employees

-Partial completion of the Solomon Hochoy Highway to Point Fortin

-Increase in the Senior Citizens’ Grant

-Performance of the Ministry of the People and Social Development

-Prevention of flooding on highways

-Improvement in infrastructural development throughout the country.

-The Children’s Life Fund which is saving so many lives

-Trying to create a sense of national pride

-Construction of hospitals, including the Children’s Hospital in Couva.

-Construction of schools, day care, elementary, primary and secondary.

-An improved water supply for thousands of people, especially in rural areas.

And those are just some of the dramatic shifts for the better across the nation. But we recognize that good news doesn't always make for great headlines. So the negative stuff will always feature prominently. Who's to blame? We are. We have failed in some quarters in selling our message, in informing you adequately of all that has been positively taking place. We have also failed to spend enough time among you all sharing ideas and learning from you, whether you support the government or not.

And that is going to change as well. Starting today and as promised, I have taken stock of the performances in my Government over time, examined where more needs to be done and who is best suited to perform in what area in order to accelerate the speed of delivery to meet the expectations of the public.

In this regard, I have decided to make several changes which I will formally announce in a moment.

During my last Cabinet reconfiguration, I said then that I would review performances against the demands and satisfaction of the people and would make decisive moves for further changes as you require.

This ushers in a new era of my Government. I can assure you that no one will escape scrutiny of his or her performance and satisfaction of the public interest. This is lift off time, the launch of the most aggressive development and progressive period of governance in our nation's history. The groundwork has been laid, the foundation is there, now the transformation you elected us to achieve will occur and will do so at breathtaking pace.

But we will not do this alone. We will achieve it with you. We will embrace every group in this country. Through our diverse opinions and dreams we will not always agree on method but we will always mutually, respectfully agree to engage each other.

Decisions ultimately will be made by the government elected by the people that will not always find favour with everyone but everyone's view must be considered equally important. But having arrived at such decisions it is my duty and obligation to implement them as deemed appropriate to the development and improvement of our beloved nation.

I will not be guided merely by political considerations. It matters less to me whether decisions taken in your interest are inimical to my own political future. Let history judge me as being a leader who loved you more than she did pursuit of office. This is my solemn oath to you. And in this regard, I hold out an olive branch to all opposition groups to work with me in making a difference to the very nation they aspire to lead. In this regard, there will be no losers, only the country wins, only the people benefit.

It is not idealistic, ironically, it is quite the opposite, it is the only practical solution to the challenges we face. When we unite, the combined power of our resources are unbeatable. Trinidad and Tobago has been blessed with so many natural resources and gifted with such talented, inspiring people. All that has kept us back is the lack of common purpose, the discipline required, the coming together of all our resources to make this work for the benefit of all.

The battle to win your support cannot be compromised to the detriment of what is good for the country or at the risk of national security and further impoverishment. When you, the electorate, sees the genuine effort of all groups working together, you will be able to decide in peaceful ways what changes are necessary to be made and you will choose wisely accordingly. But know this now, the only choice the country has, is for everyone to be in this together for the greater good of all. This is not the time for posturing, this is not the time for fanning fires of discontent, this is not the time to destroy, this is not the time for irresponsibility, this is the time for true leaders at all levels of our society to emerge and take their rightful place. This is the time when red, white and black is the only thing that colours our view of the world around us.

We can recall how crime all but disappeared during our World Cup football qualification. Look at the euphoria when Keshorn Walcott won our second Olympic Gold Medal in London in 2012. Just weeks ago, Jehue Gordon won our second World Championship Gold Medal. All differences and avarice dissolved. what more could a citizen have asked for than the collective celebration of themselves in a moment of completeness, of profound understanding of who we truly are at heart, citizens of Trinidad and Tobago. Proud, identified, and inspired.

It is time to reclaim that spirit. It is time for balisier, rising sun, circles, cane stalk and refinery, fist, tree and any other political symbols to be overwhelmed by national aspirations symbolised through the scarlet ibis and the flag.

For it is this, that matters most at the end of the day. If I had my will, I would form a national government comprised of all groups but our coalition government happens to be the closest ideal to that pursuit. It is an expression of several parties and interest groups. But that doesn't cancel out our ability to share authority with others who have different ideas of the path forward. And that is one of the ideals of the National Conversation.

Let the process of collaboration replace that of confrontation. Let open hands replace clenched fists. Let us embrace opposite views rather than wrestle against them. Let us sit and eat at the same table even as we recognise the divergent views of each other.

If Mandela persuaded forgiveness and unity for the good of South Africa, if Gandhi demonstrated the power of non violence in India, if Martin Luther King could have birthed a dream for a different America why can't Daaga, Ramadhar, Rowley, Warner, London, Kamla or any other embrace the same noble aspirations for the good of all who follow us?

Ask not how this will work, ask when does it start and begin the process of collaborative politics now. I pledge my full commitment to it. No one expects the road will be easy but the world is filled with countless examples of inspired success where the history and complexity of societies proved even more challenging than ours. I am well aware of the critics that will scramble out of everywhere to condemn this initiative of inclusion across all boundaries but I am determined to present its immense potential to the national community.

As part of the process of a reinviograted government, I have proposed the following changes be made to my Cabinet by His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

MINISTERIAL RE-ALIGNMENT 2013

Minister of Gender, Youth & Child Development- Hon. Clifton De Coteau

Minister of Housing and Urban Development- Hon. Dr. Roodal Moonilal

Minister of Land & Marine Resources- Hon. Jairam Seemungal

Minister of Local Government- Hon. Senator Marlene Coudray

Minister of National Diversity & Social Integration- Hon. Rodger Samuel

Minister of Tourism- Hon. Chandresh Sharma

Minister of Transport- Hon. Stephen Cadiz

Minister of Works & Infrastructure- Hon. Dr. Surujrattan Rambachan

SENATORIAL APPOINTMENTS 2013

Minister of Communications- Mr. Gerald Hadeed

Minister of State in the Ministry of Gender, Youth & Child Development- Ms. Raziah Ahmed

Minister of Justice- Sen. Emmanuel George

Minister of National Security- Mr. Gary Griffith

Every single member listed here has been advised of the accelerated progress expected in each area for which they are responsible. Performance reviews will be conducted on a regular basis and if necessary further changes will be made. You, the citizens, will also have an opportunity to make your opinions known through the National Conversation platform.

The local government elections are upon us and I expect a tough battle and it is our objective to ensure every community is supported by a level of localised representation that ensures our accelerated development plan helps every area meets its target. At the end of the day, we are the government with the capacity and political will to meet the needs of the people. And so as we go into local government elections each of our candidates knows what will be expected of them to deliver as never before.

The euphoria and dreams of May 2010 still echoes in hearts but has been overcome by the urgency of needs still to be met and a justifiable weariness of political battles.

The refrain of “We will rise” still resonates deeply among us but has been dulled by the cries of crime victims, We will rise is muffled too by the pain of an imperfect health care sector and the demand for more jobs. But we will rise to conquer these odds and meet these challenges.

The revolution you won cannot overcome everything within just three years. It is impossible to turn around decades of neglect in just three years. But it is not impossible for us to demand that more be done. In fact, it is an urgent requirement that your government delivers more.

We accepted the job of national restoration and while everything is not in place, I can assure you my heart is in the right place. I care more for the welfare of my country and your well being than I do anything in this world. And I will stop at nothing to ensure that you see a Trinidad and Tobago that is on the rise again.

Let not your hearts be troubled as the welfare or Trinidad and Tobago is in capable hands, your economy that wobbled on the brink of disaster when we took office has been stabilised even as the world economy totters, there has been record reduction in inflation, social programmes have been expanded, even crime which remains a huge challenge has gone from X to Y and development is no longer centered just in the city and north of the island but touches the most remote and rural of areas that were hitherto sorely neglected.

I am heartened by the response of the Honourable Leader of the Opposition to hold talks with my Government on how to find ways to deal with the crime problem, especially in the depressed areas of our country.

Too many of our young people are dying through violence. We must find a way to stop this! We have to return to the churches, temples, and mosques. Our teachers have a vital role to play from a child’s early upbringing.

We have to confront this problem from the home. We have to encourage parents to take control of their children’s lives from a very young age. It is only then, would we put a handle on the social problems affecting young people in our society.

The shift has certainly begun. But is any of this enough? No, it is not! There is so much more to be done. If 18 hours a day isn't enough for us to deliver then we shall have to give 20, find a way to power nap to recharge and deliver, deliver, deliver. No excuses. No explanations. Just execution beyond the call of duty. That is our mantra now.

I thank you for the belief in a dream we forged together. A dream which is still possible.

God bless you all, and May God bless Trinidad and Tobago.

I thank you.

-END- SOURCE

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A Note From The Gull

I have highlighted the parts of this speech which are especially important to me.

Only time will tell if in the future we will refer to this speech as the watershed moment in the history of the People's Partnership and our country. I am particularly interested in the National Conversation Platform mentioned by the PM and how it will be operationalised.

Words can signal beginnings and words have been known to become flesh. A government is nothing without the power of the people behind it and if this government is saying now that it has realised this fact, then this is the time for all the people in this country to step forward to offer their hands and minds. No one is asking us to be less vigilant. No one is saying that we should surrender our power but maybe we are being asked to consider that a government's failure is also our failure.

Wishing only the best for my homeland, I can only hope that our PM's resolve is sincere and pivotal and that it is around this promise that all are now being invited to wheel and come again. Bring down the power!

Uploaded by IsDePanInMe

BRING DOWN THE POWER

By Ella Andall

Bring down the power of love I say. Bring down the power!

The power of love, I say, is the greatest power!

Stop hell and damnation. Bring down the power!

Love to heal a nation is the greatest power!

A wind of destruction is blowing over this land [Over this land]

And now the earth is a-trembling with man's oppression of man. [Bring down the power!]

Now the time come to sit down and rediscover what's life. [What is life]

Show the world the true meaning of real love power, not strife. [Bring down the power!]

Bring down the power of love I say [Bring down the power!]

The power of love, I say, is the greatest power.

Stop hell and damnation [Bring down the power!]

Love to heal a nation. [Is the greatest power!]

Put a hand, fan the fire and cleanse the wicked right now. [Right now]

All of them who does worship greed and vanity, must bow. [Bring down the power!]

Unity is the banner, so come together, I say, [I say]

And this love is for freedom, it growing stronger each day. [Bring down the power!]

Bring down the power of love, I say, [Bring down the power!]

The power of love, I say, is the greatest power.

Stop hell and damnation, [Bring down the power!]

Love to heal a nation. [Is the greatest power!]

So rejoice in a rhythm of celebration, come on [Come on!]

Lift your voice with a feeling of satisfaction as one [Bring down the power!]

And let we move with a purpose, all freedom-lovers hold tight [Hold tight!]

Stepping out of the darkness with one direction in sight [Bring down the power!]

Bring down the power of love, I say [Bring down the power!]

The power of love, I say, is the greatest power

Stop hell and damnation [Bring down the power!]

Love to heal a nation [Is the greatest power]

[Bring down the power!]

Bring down the power of love, I say [Bring down the power!]

The power of love I say [Bring down the power!]

Stop hell and damnation. [Bring down the power!]

"Patria est communis omnium parens" - Our native land is the common parent of us all. Keep it beautiful, make it even more so.

Blessed is all of creation
Blessed be my beautiful people
Blessed be the day of our awakening
Blessed is my country
Blessed are her patient hills.

Mweh ka allay!
Guanaguanare

Prime Minister’s Address To The Nation, 50th Anniv. of Independence, 2012

The following is the text of Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s address to the nation delivered on 31st August, 2012, on the occasion of its 50th anniversary of Independence:

"My dear fellow citizens of Trinidad and Tobago,

I am grateful to God that we can all be here today sharing in the pride and joy of the Golden Jubilee Anniversary of our Independence.

On this day, 50 years ago, we became an independent nation and for the very first time the Red, White and Black flag of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago was unfurled and the pride had only just begun.

From that moment to now the flag has inspired hundreds of thousands of us, it has brought us to tears, it has filled us with immense pride, it has made us feel at home in foreign places, it has given us a sense of identity and belonging to that special place, it defines us.

Across the nation today these very colours are proudly displayed in an outpouring of nationalism and patriotic pride.

Today, more than ever, we know what it means to be a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago.

For fifty years we have charted our own course as an independent nation proudly flying high the red white and black, ever steadfast in our commitment to our democracy and the rule of law and to the belief that all men and women are created equal and endowed with inalienable rights.

For fifty years as a nation, forged from the love of liberty in the fires of hope and prayer, with boundless faith in our destiny, we have proven our ability to determine the direction best suited to the needs of our citizens.

Our self-determination has brought success, recognition and respect to our great nation, here at home and on the world stage.

As our history shows, there were a few instances in the past five decades when we nearly let the fires fade to our near peril, but in the many times when we allowed the fires of hope and prayer to burn even more brightly, we stunned the world with our innovations, our achievements , our beauty and our humanity.

In areas such as academia, labour, sport, culture, literature, business, energy, entertainment, fashion, indeed in every sphere of human endeavour, we have produced global heroes, men and women who have excelled bringing us gold, silver and bronze, record breaking scores, titles in beauty and the fashion industry, Nobel Prizes, all sons and daughters of our soil who have ensured we will always be remembered as a people of great achievement, as a great nation.

And for every luminary in our past and present, there are also thousands of unsung heroes some of whose names we may never know, but whose courage, dedication and commitment to our country have helped to make us the great nation that we are.

It is a time for each of us to stand proud together as Trinidadians and Tobagonians as we celebrate this important milestone in our nation’s history.

And, even as we reflect on all we have achieved and as we take stock of our accomplishments over the last fifty years, I am of the firm view that we are about to embark on a promising new era in the history of our young Nation as we stand together, not as a nation built on sand, but as a nation built on the solid rock of the foundations laid by so many of our citizens who preceded us and citizens who continue to fortify those foundations.

Today, we stand proudly on the shoulders of the giants who came before us and those who continue to fortify us, both sung and unsung heroes of our nation. I pay my deepest tributes to those great men and women who positioned us as an independent nation.

In particular, I pay tribute to the Honourable Dr Eric Eustace Williams, our country’s first Prime Minister and founding Father of our Nation, Dr Rudranath Capildeo, the first Leader of the Opposition of an independent Trinidad and Tobago, Sir Ellis Clarke, the principal architect of our 1962 Constitution and first President of Trinidad and Tobago.

They stand beside many equally talented citizens, who demonstrated the vision and courage to recognize that in order to survive as a small, independent nation of such remarkable diversity, we needed to embody and epitomize the spirit and character of democracy in its truest form – respect, tolerance and a determination to protect and safeguard our democracy and our sacred human rights and to have the willpower to let this forever be our hallmark as a nation.

Our founding leaders thus engineered the direction of our new nation under God with a self-reliant, ambitious people living in liberty and harmony and, today, I pay homage to them as we express our gratitude and thank God for the significant contributions they made to Trinidad and Tobago.

And after fifty years of peaceful, democratic governance, we pay homage to those leaders and to all who supported the pursuit of our independence.

Their faith in the capacity of our country and our people was crucial to the growth of Trinidad and Tobago as we know it today.

And as we reflect on the vision of our early leaders, there is no doubt that we are standing also on the shoulders of other giants, including Butler, Cipriani, Rienzi, Gomes and CLR James to name a few.

And over the fifty years there are many more giants to acknowledge for placing us where we are today.

And so, I pay tribute to those great men and women who sacrificed and worked hard to shape and sustain the three organs of our constitutional government: the parliament, the judiciary and the executive.

I pay tribute to the working class and in particular, the thousands of public officers and the protective services and the business class, whose dedication to duty developed our economy and social institutions.

I pay tribute to our religious leaders and organizations which through all the years kept us and, continue to keep us firmly grounded in our faith and belief in God.

With boundless faith in our destiny, we made tremendous strides as a nation, as one people over the past fifty years.

Trinidad and Tobago, our small island nation, has changed the sound of the world in music by gifting it with – the steelpan, the only acoustical musical instrument invented in the 20th Century, tassa, calypso, soca, chutney and parang which reflect the rich tapestry of diversity in our nation.

The contributions of pioneers such as Ras Shorty I, Sundar Popo, Lord Kitchener and Sparrow will never be forgotten.

They will continue to inspire the coming musical generations both locally and around the world.

We have become known for the greatest show on earth, our Carnival.

In 1962 we established our own Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force, the military organisation responsible for defence of our nation.

We can feel duly proud that the TTDF, comprising the Regiment, Coast Guard, Air Guard and Defence Force Reserves, as one of the largest and best equipped military forces in the English speaking Caribbean,has played major roles both locally and internationally,and has rendered assistance to our Caribbean brothers and sisters in times of need.

We have shown our prowess in the world of sport, as is evident by the outstanding performances of our cricketers, such as,Brian Charles Lara: World Record Holder for the most runs scored both in a Test and in a First Class Innings and three times claimed the highest individual batting records.

Brian Lara, a son of our country, has brought us honour and pride as one of the most globally celebrated cricketers in the world.

In 2006, our Soca warriors qualified for the FIFA World Cup in Germany, for the first time making us the smallest country ever to qualify.

We have witnessed excellence in the outstanding performances of our Olympic athletes, in particular our gold medallists, Hasley Crawford and recently, Keshorn Walcott, our silver medallists and our bronze medallists, Rodney Wilkes, Lennox Kilgour, Mc Donald Bailey, AtoBoldon, Wendell Mottley, Lalonde Gordon, Richard Thomson, George Bovell and others.

We have made our mark in the creative industries, fashion, music and literature.

We have produced a Nobel Prize winner – Sir V.S. Naipaul.

We have a tradition for doing well at international beauty pageants winning several with names such as Janelle Penny Commisiong, Giselle La Ronde and Wendy Fitzwilliam recognised as women of intelligence, beauty, charm and poise.

Peter Minshall, Carnival designer, is known for his role in the opening ceremonies of the Barcelona Olympics, the 1994 Football World Cup, the 1996 Summer Olympics and the 2002 Winter Olympics for which he even won an Emmy Award.

Heather Headley who has won both a Tony Award for theatre and a Grammy Award.

In the world of trade and investment, we have developed Trinidad and Tobago into being a gateway to Latin America, CARICOM and the wider Caribbean.

Our entrepreneurs have earned our country respect through their success both at home and abroad.

We remain a leading world exporter of Liquefied Natural Gas, methanol and ammonia and can feel proud that our small island nation is amongst the world’s oldest and most experienced in the energy sector.

Our local education system provides universal education to all citizens from primary education straight through to secondary school, and our universities are recognised as learning institutions which produce graduates of the highest calibre.

We have surpassed the United Nations MDG in our education sector.

Trinidad and Tobago has indeed made a name for itself on the global stage.

Unlike other nations, we can be proud of our history of a strong democracy and a peaceful elections process.

Democratic change has come time and again without the violence and chaos that characterizes the electoral process in so many countries in the world.

Our political maturity in this regard is a beacon in a world where so many countries today are struggling to achieve peaceful democratic change.

In Trinidad and Tobago, we live in harmony; we celebrate our multi-ethnic, multi-religious society; we enjoy peace and democracy.

And this is a credit to the nature of our people and the way we live among each other, sharing and enjoying our music, food and culture and religious observances.

We do have so much to celebrate in Trinidad and Tobago in this, our 50th year of Independence.

Yet now, on the occasion of our Golden Jubilee, let us not only acknowledge and take pride in our accomplishments, but let us take this opportunity to look ahead and envision the future that we want for Trinidad and Tobago.

Where do we want to see our nation forging ahead?

What do we want for our country and our citizens?

Where do we want to see Trinidad and Tobago in the next fifty years?

These are questions that each and every one of us must ask ourselves, because it is only when we work together hand in hand side by side can we lay the groundwork for a prosperous nation.

My fellow citizens, we must continue to build our sense of patriotism and nationhood.

Each of us has our own expectations for the future of Trinidad and Tobago.

But above all, we want to see our country flourish.

The responsibility lies within each of us as Trinbagonians, to take the future into our hands and play our own part in taking Trinidad and Tobago forward.

I not only envision but also plan for a nation in which the wealth of our nation is more equitably distributed.

For far too long some of our citizens have sat on the sidelines watching so called development take place while their lives remain relatively unchanged.

As we observe and celebrate the achievements of the past 50 years we have every right to be proud but we also have every reason to do some soul searching on where we might have done better and what kind of nation we must create.

What is the purpose of a society in which the landscape appears to be more modern but there is an absence of values?

What is the purpose of children attending more schools, being better educated but are more prone to violent behaviour and the erosion of family values?

What is the purpose of a good school feeding programme when children go home to bad parenting?

What is the purpose of producing great local artistes with their unique genres of music, even inventing rhythms and instruments unique to the world, when we have not learnt to appreciate their value and would even celebrate our own 50th Anniversary by heralding musical celebrations from other countries?

I intend to pursue specific ways to begin a transformation of our society.

Our character education programme launched by the Ministry of Education is one way we begin instilling values at an early age.

And I wish to formally announce that Cabinet will be examining a formal parenting programme based on those which have achieved remarkable success in other parts of the world.

We cannot change what kind of adults our children become unless we change the kind of parents we are and so many of us do not know how to cope with the stresses of our lives and the responsibilities of parenthood.

Family life has changed from what it was 50 years ago but there has been no comprehensive, effective system or programme put in place to buffer the negative effects of single parent homes and stressful professional life.

I intend to examine ways and incentives through which more local arts, music and culture and sport can receive greater exposure and appreciation in Trinidad and Tobago.

The erosion of what belongs to us must stop.

Let us begin the conversation with the artistic community with all their abundant talent our nation is blessed with on the ways and means of changing things and together with government let us begin implementing the measures necessary.

Again, what is the purpose of creating a better business environment, one that produces more value generating ideas and investment ventures when the value of life itself appears to amount for less by criminal elements?

I believe the creation of a value based society is one long term way of beginning the changes necessary to do so.

But I also believe that the short term tough imposition of law and order upon those who today are bent on creating mayhem must be enacted now.

The Ministry of National Security has been sharing with me a two pronged approach to dealing with this issue.

One is a strong social programme that includes an intensifying of sports activity, mentorship, education, skills training and employment while the other arm is about an aggressive zero tolerance intervention in all hot spot areas.

Special units, new resources, surveillance technology and interception methods combine to make the strategies different and more effective.

As we celebrate our 50th Anniversary, crime is one of the critical areas which remains an unfortunate reminder of how much needs to be done to transform our society.

This did not happen overnight.

But we must see this as the dawn of a new day in changing it and I recommit my pledge here on the 50th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago that every resource possible will be engaged and invested in turning the situation around.

I take this opportunity to announce that a major new phase of development that has been engaging our attention over the past few months will be revealed within the coming weeks.

It will cover the most ambitious infrastructural and financial investment programme ever launched in Trinidad and Tobago, one that will become a beacon for the region.

As you know the nation’s new Minister of Finance has been diligently planning the way forward for Trinidad and Tobago that will be worthy of the celebrations we mark today across the nation.

This is indeed a new era, a new opportunity, a shift in consciousness and conscience.

I am fortunate to lead a government that marks our beloved nation’s 50th Anniversary but I am keenly aware of the huge expectations of a population that has waited far too long over the past few decades to see the kind of changes needed.

This celebration and the well timed recent inspiring accomplishments of our Olympic athletes allow us to recognise the value of what it means to be identified with the Red, White and Black, what it means to be a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago and to know we have the ability to conquer all odds, to be the best in the world, to recognise in ourselves that amazing feeling that comes from truly acknowledging ourselves.

And in this acknowledgement all differences disappear, the power of who we are as One People emerges.

Trinidadian, Tobagonian, Proud, Passionate, Patriotic.

If it were possible to package the spirit that flows across the nation at this time, all that we ever wish to become would be readily realised for there is nothing more powerful than a people united by a celebration and recognition of themselves.

We were all so moved upon hearing our anthem play and our flag displayed when Keshorn Walcott stood on the podium at the just concluded Olympics; those emotions, that overwhelming sense of pride define us.

Let it be a timely reminder now of what we truly celebrate today.

A small but great nation comprised of different ethnic groups woven together through our arts, culture and cuisine and religion.

And I am confident that moments such as these help us to be reminded that through creativity, innovation and collaboration, we shall reach new heights together.

At 50, this is our coming of age.

It is not the time for complacency.

It is the time for progressively redoubling our efforts to ensure no one is left behind.

It is time for a new approach to politics – a more mature politics which is no longer defined by religion, race or geographical place or partisan interest but by policy that is not only even-handed and all inclusive, but also speaks to where we, as a nation must be when we celebrate our centennial fifty years from now.

Just as society was ready to embrace progress in 1962, now fifty years on, we the people of Trinidad and Tobago are ready to advance our democracy and inclusiveness.

We are ready to welcome a new era- An era which sees Trinidad and Tobago moving forward as a dynamic, trail-blazing nation in our region and around the world.

In his speech on our first Independence day, August 31st, 1962, Dr. Williams told us that democracy means the protection of citizens from the exercise of arbitrary power and the violation of human freedoms and individual rights.

He called on us to dedicate ourselves to these principles of democracy.

Now, fifty years later, in 2012, as we remain committed to fulfilling his mandate, we acknowledge that we are on the threshold of unparalleled social change and national development which embraces the politics of inclusion.

Over the past 50 years we have risen up against systems of oppression based on racial and social inequality.

We have protested against unfairness, injustice and exploitation.

Just as we relegate the remnants of colonialism to the past, so too we must now cast off the shackles of discrimination, inequity and inequality which persist in our beloved land.

Our iconic national anthem affirms that our nation was “forged from the love of liberty” and pledges that “every creed and race find an equal place”.

We must become a nation more committed to upholding human rights.

Through a number of state mechanisms, we will ensure that the Trinidad and Tobago of the future is one where no one is the victim of stigmatisation or prejudice, and where everyone is afforded equal rights and opportunities and where the playing field is levelled to enable everyone an equal opportunity to pursue and achieve their legitimate goals and aspirations.

This is the legacy I wish to leave as we begin this new period in our history.

This is part of the foundation my government will build.

But this vision cannot be achieved alone.

We must all work together,the public and private sectors, labour, civil society, communities, and individuals, to fulfill the collective aspirations of our people.

We have all seen – the spirit of determination and unity embodied in Trinbagonians.

In times of hardship, we have come together and strengthened our sense of community.

Recently, in the aftermath of the floods which affected so many across our country, I saw solidarity and brotherhood in the midst of tragedy.

I saw neighbours, friends, family and strangers helping those in need, offering comfort and support wherever they could.

This is how I know that we will continue to stand strong as a nation and as a people.

Our morale, our togetherness, our unity – these will carry us through any adversities we may face.

Fellow citizens, we are at a critical juncture in the history of our Nation.

Fifty years of Independence have gone.

I ask you what will be our legacy over the next fifty years?

How will we be judged by our children’s children?

Will we be found lacking?

Or will we be heralded as the visionaries who did what was necessary for the future of the next generation?

We have to continuously work for the changes we seek.

This is how we will bring about positive growth in our nation.

We must be determined and unflagging in our efforts to uphold the legacy left to us by Dr. Eric Williams and Dr. Rudranath Capildeo in 1962.

And that legacy was to keep moving forward, to be tenacious and brave, and to take the necessary steps to secure the best possible future for Trinidad and Tobago.

Not one of us can or should ever deny our ancestral past.

Our culture and our traditions tell the stories of the many lands from which we came, of the many hardships our foreparents endured and of the successes they achieved.

For the health of our nation, if there is any void in the recounting, it must be filled in the coming years.

But today, all of us here are citizens of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and because of our many roots, we are perhaps one of the most cosmopolitan countries in the world.

It is our widely varied heritage that has made us unique.

Our speech defines us.

Our cuisine defines us.

Our rhythm defines us.

Our passion defines us.

Be proud of this.

Be proud of what it means to be Trinbagonian.

We are now the co-creators of the present, paving the way for those who come after us.

I urge you, fellow citizens, seize this opportunity for progress.

You are living in an exciting new chapter and it’s in your power to carry our twin-island nation forward as a pioneer in our region.

Our best days are yet to come and together we will usher them in.

As we celebrate our 50th year as an independent nation, let us with confidence and courage, stand side by side, with a renewed sense of hope for the future.

Let us recommit ourselves to the service of our country.

Let us endeavour to live our lives by the inspiring words of our national motto “Together we aspire, Together we achieve”.

And let us continue to solemnly pledge our lives to this our native land Trinidad and Tobago.

I wish you all a very Happy Golden Jubilee of Independence.

May God continue to bless each of you and may God continue to bless our great nation Trinidad and Tobago."

................................................................................................................................


A Note From The Gull

Thank you, Prime Minister, for this inspiring call to arms. When I say arms, I do not mean weapons but the force of real arms of flesh working together to preserve the good that is ours and to make the not so good better. If we are sincere and our hearts and minds are united, we will give these hopes every chance to become flesh and to bless our land as much as it has always blessed us.

"Patria est communis omnium parens" - Our native land is the common parent of us all. Keep it beautiful, make it even more so.

Blessed is all of creation
Blessed be my beautiful people
Blessed be the day of our awakening
Blessed is my country
Blessed are her patient hills.

Mweh ka allay!
Guanaguanare

India, Kitna Pyar!

Prime Minister the Hon. Kamla Persad-Bissessar visits her ancestral village Bhelupur in Bihar, India

Uploaded by eyeonkamla

BACK TO THE ROOTS: An affectionate touch for the child
from Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Kamla Persad-Bissessar
during her visit to her ancestral village Bhelupur in Buxar district on Wednesday.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2793894.ece

Persad-Bissessar (centre) with her family in Bhelupur.

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/trinidad-prime-minister-kamla-persad-bissessar-in-bihar/1/168472.html

"I appreciate this simple visit from the PM of Trinidad more than the grand Republic Day visit from Barack Obama or Putin or Sarkozy.
She has really spoken from her heart, rather than speaking from
the US State Department "Strategic Diplomatic Briefing Notes"."
---Mohan (Patiala) The Times of India | Jan 11, 2012

So said reader, Mohan, from Patiala - a city located in south-eastern Punjab, in northern India. I found this opinion among a sea of comments responding to the article, "Kamla Persad-Bissessar returns to village in Bihar for an emotional reunion." by Faizan Ahmad in the Times of India, Jan 11, 2012, 09.13PM IST. I am paying attention to the articles in the Times of India because there are many readers who are motivated to leave comments there. I like to get an idea of how people on the ground have responded to our PM's state visit to that country. So far it is only at the level of hearts that anything seems to be registering and much of it is positive. Only time will tell what the return on the investment will be for both countries. This is not the first time that a Trinbagonian Prime Minister has visited India and others are more qualified to comment on the benefits that came our way as a result of that last visit. One scholar, who mistakenly refers to Vasudeo Pandey [Basdeo Panday] as having been the PM of Suriname, remembers our Panday's visit to the village home of his ancestors in Lakshmanpur village of Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, on January 27, 1997. That sent me looking for responses to his visit to India and I found the book below from which I took some excerpts:

page 44

page 45

page 46

page 47

page 48

page 49

page 50

page 51

http://news24online.com/Trinidad-PM-visits-ancestral-village-in-Bihar_News24_38858.aspx

On a personal level, it is abundantly clear that our PM was deeply, deeply moved by this visit and I cannot help but celebrate with her. With all these blessings, I look forward to her returning energised and inspired to redouble her efforts to lead our homeland with grace and wisdom.

God bless our leaders
Give them grace to guide
Bestow on them thy judgment wise
To rule our land aright
To keep the flag of freedom high that we may sing most lustily
We take a pride in our liberty.
---God Bless Our Nation

..............................................................................................................................
"Patria est communis omnium parens" - Our native land is the common parent of us all. Keep it beautiful, make it even more so.

Blessed is all of creation
Blessed be my beautiful people
Blessed be the day of our awakening
Blessed is my country
Blessed are her patient hills.

Mweh ka allay!
Guanaguanare

PM Kamla Persad Bissessar`s Speech - Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2012

Speech of T&T PM Kamla Persad Bissessar at inaugural session of PBD 2012

Greetings

Prime Minister of the Republic of India Dr the Honourable Manmohan Singh
Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Mr Ashok Gehlot
Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs, Mr Vayalar Ravi
Secretary, Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, Mr Parvez Dewan
President, Confederation of Indian Industry, Mr B. Muthuraman
Officials of the Government of India and Trinidad and Tobago
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen
Brothers and Sisters of the Diaspora

Namaste and good morning.

Opening

I am deeply honoured to participate in this Pravasi Bharatiya Divas which marks the occasion of the return of Mahatma Gandhiji to India from South Africa on January 9, 1915.

I offer my sincerest thanks to the Honourable Prime Minister and Government of India and by extension the people of India for the invitation extended to me and members of my Government to be present at what has emerged as one of the most important gatherings of people of the Indian Diaspora.

As I stand before you, I am moved by the sense of cooperation and unity that the Pravasi represents.

I am reminded of a well-known profound statement made by Gandhiji who as a member of the Diaspora in South Africa led a struggle for equality of treatment and, then in India, the struggle for the freedom of India.

“I offer you peace.
I offer you love.
I offer you friendship.
I see your beauty.
I hear your need.
I feel your feelings.
My wisdom flows from the Highest Source.
I salute that Source in you.
Let us work together for unity and love.”

It is with this spirit of friendship, cooperation and the search for international and domestic peace that I join you here today.

The Power and Significance of the Diaspora

In the short time that I have been in India, I can already feel the warmth of its people and see its rich culture and diversity.

And yet despite the vastness of your country, I note with admiration the sense of community and national pride of the people of India, a nation of over 1 billion strong.

This sense of pride is also keenly felt among the members of the Indian Diaspora.

More and more countries are becoming aware of the power of the Diaspora to contribute not only to socio-economic development in their homeland but also to shape and sustain positive images of the country of origin thus contributing to its international stature.

It is true that today, with the rapid advances of communications technology, we live in an ever smaller global village.

It is thus easier than ever before for countries to reach out to their Diaspora community and establish relationships which can prove equally beneficial to their adopted homes, the countries of origin and the members of the Diaspora.

I feel compelled to note that India offers an impressive example of excellent leadership in the management of Diaspora relations and has in a significant way provided a model for other countries to beneficially engage their Diaspora community.

Through your Ministry of Overseas External Affairs, you have created a pragmatic and effective platform for engaging with the Indian Diaspora around the World.

Such a visionary approach to addressing issues relating to the Diaspora has indeed borne fruit, and today India’s Diaspora is one which remains strongly connected and engaged with India.

The potential mutual benefits to be accrued from maintaining close ties with the Diaspora are many, ranging from opportunities for technical cooperation on a national scale to exchanges between schools Organisations and institutions.

Trinidadian Freedom Fighter in India and Africa

Allow me to refer to a most illuminating example of the closely-intertwined histories of Trinidad and Tobago and India as I highlight the significant role played by a Trinidadian citizen in India’s independence struggle.

Inderjit Bahadursingh studied at Oxford University alongside Jawaharlal Nehru, with whom he established a firm friendship.

While at Oxford, Bahadursingh joined the University’s Majlis Society, through which he became immersed in the Indian struggle for freedom.

Nehru encouraged Bahadursingh to ‘return’ to India in service to his ancestral home, and this he did with great effect.

Not only was he involved in the Indian Independence struggle, but he also remained in post-Independence India, joining the Indian foreign service and serving as Chief of Protocol and as Ambassador to several countries.

Bahadursingh the freedom fighter also became involved in Independence struggles in Africa, where he was honoured with an honorary Kikuyu chiefdom.

Unity Through Diasporic Linkages

This example amply highlights the underlying, key message of what can be gained by reaching out to the Diaspora for any country, and also for welcoming the Diasporas of other countries.

This message is one of international unity- unity that does not stand isolated, but that crosses oceans, that transcends and blends different cultures.

By embracing the Diaspora and embodying this sense of international unity, the ways in which we can benefit and support one another as nations, as communities and as individuals are endless.

Through the many dynamic and active Diasporas across the globe, we are all reminded that the modern world is now, more than ever before, a melting pot of peoples and cultures.

And through significant occasions such as the Pravasi, we are called to reach out to one another regardless of borders or distance to the greater benefit of all.


Diasporas in Diverse Trinidad and Tobago

In my own country, Trinidad and Tobago, we enjoy a rich fusion of ethnicities and religions with a blend of peoples from across the globe: Africa, India, Europe, the Middle East, China.

And I am proud to say that we have come together in our diversity to create the colourful tapestry that is now Trinidadian and Tobagonian society.

While the large Indo-Trinidadian community continues to uphold the cultural heritage of their East Indian forefathers who travelled to Trinidad as indentured labourers in 1845, this cultural legacy does not only remain entrenched in the way of life, ceremonies, dress, names, food and music of Indo-Trinidadians, but it is also entrenched in the broader Trinbagonian culture.

Children of all races and religions light deyas in honour of Divali, just as Trinbagonians regardless of ethnicity dance to the beat of a tassa drum and the rhythm of Trinidad’s own hybrid chutney soca beat.

This is the true beauty of a Diaspora: the ability to maintain the culture of the land of origin and seamlessly incorporate it into the fabric of a new home, thereby enriching the culture of the receiving country.

Trinidad and Tobago stands as a true testament to this, where the cultural legacies of Africans, Chinese, Indians, Europeans and many more do not merely co-exist, but they come together to create a culture that is vibrant and dynamic.

Caribbean East Indians have held Mahatma Gandhi in high esteem and from the 1930s there were repeated initiatives for him to visit Trinidad and Tobago but sadly he was not able to accept. However, in 1945 when a group of young Trinidadians decided to publish the Indian Centenary Review, commerating the first century of their presence in their new homeland, they immediately asked Bapuji for a message on that occasion. Gandhiji responded promptly on the 25th of April 1945 and in his message he wisely advised our population “domicile Indians prove worthy of the motherland .

That reinforces my view that there is only one Mother, mother Trinidad and Tobago, there is no mother India, Africa, China, Europe. But there is Grandmother India, grandmother Africa, grandmother China, grandmother Europe. We all know the Great love that we hold for our Grandmothers. As a grandmother of Shiva Kristiano Bissessar and Kavita Sofie Bissessar I am experiencing the wonder and love of my grandchildren as I acknowledge their love. A very special kind of love.

Trinidad and Tobago Partnering with India

As our own population with its unique cosmopolitan culture continues to grow and make its mark in different countries across the World, my Government looks to the example of the Government of India so that we too may remain closely interconnected with our budding Diasporic community.

However, Trinidad and Tobago’s bilateral relations with India go far beyond simply drawing upon your efforts to engage the Indian Diaspora.

Our technical cooperation, trade and investment linkages and of course our longstanding historical ties which date back to the 19th century have all contributed to the present excellent relationship between our two countries, which is characterised by mutual support and respect.

Within the recent past, the interest in India by people in my country has been heightened.

This is so not only because of the emergence of India as a super power and economy, but also because of the excellent diplomatic relations shared between our countries and the frequency of cultural visits, technical cooperation and academic exchanges at the level of our Universities.

India has been and continues to be a great friend of Trinidad and Tobago and has extended this hand of friendship by providing hundreds of scholarships for our nationals to train in world class Indian Institutions.

For too long we have looked upon the former colonial masters for the answers to our problems; we must now also look inwards, tapping the vast latent resources which we undoubtedly possess.

When our first Prime Minister, Dr. Eric Williams, met India’s first Prime Minister in New Delhi, they discussed these very issues and the initial results of those discussions was the establishment of an Institute for Afro Asian studies at the Trinidad campus of the University of the West Indies.

Today the work started by that Institute has grown considerably and the Indian inputs have steadily increased.

It is now incumbent upon us maintain that dream of our founding fathers.

I have always regarded India as one area of light, of knowledge and wisdom.

Today, India has demonstrated this in no small way by its contribution not only to spiritual well being across the globe, but emerging as one of the fastest growing economies.

It has provided a model for social and economic transformation which developed countries grappling with issues of financial and economic sustainability as well as long term growth and the ability to attract direct foreign investments may well choose to study.

In particular, India has a lot to teach the world in terms of how to attain food security, as well as to make affordable computers and I-Pads which are basic tools in generating creativity and international competitiveness.

India perhaps understands and fully appreciates the fact that human development which combines the spiritual and the secular is the key to improving the quality of life in any society.

Even as India grows its economy at home, Trinidad and Tobago provides an excellent opportunity for Indian entrepreneurs and investors to set up manufacturing and service industries in my country where we are committed to a program of diversification and are offering attractive incentives to investors.

Further, Trinidad and Tobago has a number of trade agreements which will allow for market access into the 600 million Central and Latin American markets.

For those of us who may be unaware of Trinidad and Tobago, we are the world’s number one exporter of methanol and at times urea.

In fact the largest methanol plant in the world is located in Trinidad and Tobago.

With one hundred years of experience in oil exploration and our technological savvy in gas monetization, TT and India can develop a strong partnership to assist emerging oil and gas nations in the south, thus giving life to the much touted South-South Cooperation and Trade.

Mini-PBD in Trinidad and Tobago

I am aware that the Pravasi is meant to examine in the main the contribution of the Indian Diaspora to India’s development.

However I wish to sincerely urge that consideration be given to the holding of a Pravasi in the Caribbean and for which I pledge the support of my country.

In so doing we shall share new understandings, and develop appreciation for the Diaspora in their adopted homelands.

Even as India benefits and develops from the annual Pravasi in India, other countries especially small island nations will also benefit by way of a Pravasi in their countries. I speak here of the Trinidad Diaspora which resides in every country of the world, and can be found in the UK, Canada, and the USA.

It will become a type of pilgrimage that combines tourism, education and business development.

Closing

Prime Minister, you have paid Trinidad and Tobago and me great honour by having me as your Chief Guest.

I am deeply inspired by what is happening here today, inspired by the unity of purpose of this gathering which speaks of a desire to contribute through the application of one’s skills and resources for the benefit of humanity.

I see in this Pravasi the spirit of yagna, selfless sacrifice for the community’s well being and I applaud and draw inspiration from such commitment.

As I commend this important opportunity for the Indian Diaspora to come together with the Government of India, I wish to leave you all with the simple words of Rabindranath Tagore:

“You can’t cross the sea merely by standing and staring at the water”.

In order to effectively reach out to one another, to the members of our Diasporic communities, to nations, to our neighbours, we must be proactive.

We must not restrict ourselves to mere words, to ‘standing and staring at the water’, but instead we must take the initiative to reach out across the sea to one another to create a stronger, more tight-knit and supportive international community.

May God continue to bless each of you.

May God continue to bless both our nations.

May God continue to bless the nations from which the Diaspora have gathered.

May we pledge to work for the mutual benefit of the people of our own countries and the world.
..............................................................................................................................
"Patria est communis omnium parens" - Our native land is the common parent of us all. Keep it beautiful, make it even more so.

Blessed is all of creation
Blessed be my beautiful people
Blessed be the day of our awakening
Blessed is my country
Blessed are her patient hills.

Mweh ka allay!
Guanaguanare

India’s Diplomatic Outreach To Far Abroad – Analysis.

Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Kamala Persad-Bissessar (L) gestures as she meets Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during a welcome ceremonial at The Presidential Palace in New Delhi on January 6, 2012. Kamala Persad is in India for a 10-day state visit. Photo from First Post

India’s Diplomatic Outreach To Far Abroad – Analysis
Written by: SAAG
Eurasia Review | January 06, 2012
By Rajeev Sharma

Normally, Trinidad and Tobago does not have much media coverage in India. Not even if it is the largest among all small nation states that constitute the Caribbean. And yet, Trinidad and Tobago is justifiably in the limelight because its Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, the first woman of Indian origin to reach this position, is currently on a state visit to India (January 5-14, 2012). The importance of this visit from the Caribbean tiny dot nation is two-fold. One, this is the first state visit of the year. Two, this also happens to be the first state visit by a woman Head of Government of Indian origin. Kamla is accompanied by seven ministers and two prominent cricket stars of the region: Brian Lara and Daren Ganga.

India rolled out the red carpet to Kamla and engaged with her at the topmost political level. Apart from the fact that she held delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday, she also had discussions with President Pratibha Patil, Vice-President Hamid Ansari and External Affairs Minister SM Krishna. Kamla’s main official engagements in New Delhi concluded on Friday itself after which she is to visit Jaipur for the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas as the Chief Guest where she is to be conferred the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman award.

The foreign dignitary will be in Bihar on January 11where she will visit Bhelupur, her ancestral village in Buxar, apart from her visits to Indian metropolises like Kolkata and Mumbai. During the delegation-level talks between the two Prime Ministers on Friday, the two sides vowed to intensify their bilateral cooperation. Five MoUs were signed: one pertaining to culture, one in technical education, two pertaining to Department of Ayush (one is for technical cooperation in traditional medicine and the second one is for establishing an Ayurvedi Chair in the University of West Indies), and the fifth is bilateral air services agreement.

The importance of Trinidad and Tobago cannot be over-emphasised as people of Indian origin constitute about 42 per cent of the population there, and are part and parcel of the economic, political and social fabric of the country. For at least half a decade, India has been pursuing vigorously its far-abroad diplomacy and strengthening ties with the Latin American and Caribbean region.This is reflected by the fact that in 2010 India’s trade with the Latin American and Caribbean region was US$ 23 billion and cumulative investments in that region were estimated to be about US$ 15 billion.

India’s pro-active engagement with this region, known in the diplomatic circles as LAC countries, is to be seen in the larger context of New Delhi’s aspirations for permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council where every single vote counts. Trinidad and Tobago supported India for the non-permanent membership of the UNSC and voted for India. As regards the permanent membership, many of the smaller countries constitute and work together as groups, and they work within what is called the CARICOM. It consists of various other countries in the region. CARICOM has a generic view on this rather than Trinidad and Tobago individually. They work within the parameters of that view in the United Nations. It is this big picture that is the template for India’s diplomatic outreach to every nook and corner of the globe.

People-to-people interaction and exchanges constitute an important part of India’s bilateral relations with Trinidad and Tobago. People of Indian origin constitute about 42 percent of the population there, and are part and parcel of the economic, political and social fabric of the country. These historic and cultural linkages have become stronger with time. In 1966, India established the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Cultural Cooperation in Port of Spain. The Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR), an important tool for cultural diplomacy, has also set up long-term Chairs on contemporary Indian studies and on Hindi.Indian cultural troupes regularly visit Trinidad and Tobago. The Government of Trinidad and Tobago, since January 2011, has relaxed visa requirements for Indian nationals for tourism and business purposes, if the period of stay does not exceed 90 days.

The outlook for bilateral trade between India and Trinidad and Tobago has considerable potential. Indian exports have grown exponentially from US$ 8.8 million in 2001 to approximately US$ 420 million in 2008-09. However, during the last two years bilateral trade has declined on account of shortfall of Liquefied Natural Gas(LNG) exports of Trinidad and Tobago to India and also due to global economic recession. The bilateral trade between India and Trinidad and Tobago was pegged at a modest figure of $ 140 million. Indian exports include drugs and pharmaceuticals, iron and steel, petroleum products, IT services, auto components and gems and jewelry.

Trinidad and Tobago is rich in oil and gas resources and has the largest and most vibrant economy in the Caribbean. Indian companies have evinced interest in investing in gas and petrochemicals sector. India also offers 30 ITEC training slots annually to Trinidad and Tobago nationals for training in Indian institutions. Indian companies like Essar, Indraprastha Gas Limited (IPL) and Reliance are already negotiating for investing in Trinidad and Tobago’s oil, fertilizers and chemicals sectors. Reliance is interested to invest about a billion dollar in a bitumen plant.

In today’s world where distances have shrunk drastically, India needs to get more pro-active in pursuing its far abroad diplomacy. The on going visit of the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago is a part of this process. India has woken up quite late to the importance of its far abroad and China has already stolen a march over India in this regard. China’s presence in Latin America and the Caribbean is already phenomenal. India must take the cue from China in pursuing a vigorous diplomacy all over the world and economic diplomacy is, and should be, an important tool to make India a truly global power.

About the author: SAAG

SAAG is the South Asia Analysis Group, a non-profit, non-commercial think tank. The objective of SAAG is to advance strategic analysis and contribute to the expansion of knowledge of Indian and International security and promote public understanding.


Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Kamala Persad-Bissessar (2L) and her husband Gregory Bissessar (L) pose alongside Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh (2R) and his wife Gulcharan Kaur (R) during a welcome ceremonial at The Presidential Palace in New Delhi on January 6, 2012. Kamala Persad is in India for a 10-day state visit. Photo from FirstPost

Joint Statement by India and Trinidad and Tobago.
NetIndian News Network | January 7, 2012

The following is the Joint Statement issued by India and Trinidad and Tobago on the State Visit of Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to India:
The Honorable Ms. Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago paid a State Visit to India from January 5-14, 2012 at the invitation of the Prime Minister of India Dr. Manmohan Singh. Prime Minister Ms. Kamla Persad-Bissessar was accompanied by her spouse Dr. Gregory Bissessar and a high-level Ministerial and Business delegation.

2. Prime Minister Ms. Kamla Persad-Bissessar was accorded a ceremonial reception in New Delhi on January 6, 2012. She paid homage to the Father of the Indian Nation Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. She called on the President of India Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil and the Vice-President of India Shri Mohammad Hamid Ansari. The Prime Ministers of India and Trinidad and Tobago held talks and the Indian Prime Minister hosted a Banquet in honor of the visiting dignitary. Minister of External Affairs of India Shri S.M. Krishna called on the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago. Prime Minister Ms. Kamla Persad-Bissessar and her delegation will also visit Jaipur, Agra, Jodhpur, Kolkata, Buxar and Mumbai.

3. The Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago will be the Chief Guest at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Jaipur from January 7-9, 2012. The Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago is the first woman of Indian origin to become a Head of Government in the wider Diaspora which is a source of inspiration to the Diaspora. Prime Minister Ms. Kamla Persad-Bissessar will be conferred the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award in recognition of her contribution to the cause of the Diaspora in the development of relations between India and Trinidad and Tobago.

4. Prime Minister Ms. Kamla Persad-Bissessar will visit the Kolkata Memorial Monument from where her ancestors had set sail for Trinidad and Tobago in the middle of the 19th Century. She will also visit her ancestral village of Bhelupur in Buxar district of the State of Bihar.

5. Discussions between the Prime Minister of India and the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago were held in a warm and friendly atmosphere with full mutual understanding, characteristic of the close relations between the two countries. The official talks covered bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest.

6. The two sides expressed satisfaction that the bilateral interaction and partnership between India and Trinidad and Tobago encompassing political, economic, trade, investment, energy, tourism, agriculture, science & technology, medical, education and culture was progressing in a positive direction. At the same time, the Leaders of the two sides noted that there was considerable potential towards further development and consolidation of the historical relations between the two countries and agreed to work together for further enhancement of the multi-faceted relations to a higher level. Leaders recalled that the bilateral relations between India and Trinidad and Tobago were anchored on shared democratic values, respect for human rights, mutual understanding and cooperation and a similarity of views on major international issues.

7. During the visit, the following Agreements were concluded: a Bilateral Air Services Agreement; an MoU on Cooperation in Traditional Indian Medicine; an MoU on setting up of a Chair on Ayurveda in the University of West Indies; Programme of Cultural Exchanges and; Technical Cooperation Agreement in the field of Education.

8. Prime Ministers of India and Trinidad and Tobago highly appreciated the results of the first meeting of the Joint Ministerial Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation between the two countries which was held at the Foreign Ministers level in November 2011 in New Delhi. They welcomed the results of the Ministerial Joint Commission which is an important institutional framework for providing a direction to the development of bilateral cooperation.

Trade, Economic and Investment

9. The two sides expressed satisfaction at the growing engagement between India and Trinidad and Tobago in trade and investments. They noted that bilateral trade has a vast potential which needs to be tapped with renewed efforts by encouraging participation in each other’s trade fairs, business seminars and conclaves and exchange of business delegations. They agreed to diversify trade and investments to prospective areas such as conventional and renewable energy, SMEs, ICT, Pharmaceuticals & Medical equipments and consumables, Health, Wellness Tourism, Ayurveda, Entertainment, Shipping among others.

10. The Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago welcomed the announcement by the Indian side to increase the number of ITEC scholarships from the current number of 30 to 50 commencing the year 2012.

Energy

11. The two sides noted that the importance of energy security to cater to their development needs. They reiterated their interest to collaborate in the energy sector for a mutually beneficial partnership. In this context, they noted Trinidad and Tobago’s strength in the energy sector and the possibilities for closer technical and commercial cooperation between the two countries in this regard. Both sides welcomed the fact that Indian companies from the public and private sectors have expressed interest in investing in Trinidad and Tobago. They agreed that at the invitation of Trinidad and Tobago, an Indian delegation led by the Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas would visit Trinidad and Tobago in the near future to further concretise areas of mutually beneficial cooperation.

12. The two sides expressed support for closer bilateral interaction in the utilisation of renewable and alternative sources of energy and appropriate technologies as a basis for sustainable development and as part of the global effort in addressing the challenges of Climate Change.

Information Technology

13. Both sides noted the growing importance of Information and Communications Technology as a powerful catalyst in the development of their economies. The Trinidad and Tobago side expressed its keenness to transform its country into an inter-connected, technologically advanced society with modern information and communication systems for economic growth and social progress. They expressed their interest for partnership with the Indian IT sector in the development of an Information Technology Park which will drive innovation, conception and design of efficient technologies. The Indian side agreed to encourage the Indian IT sector, both public and private, to collaborate with Trinidad and Tobago in its endeavour to develop an efficient IT industry.

Health Sector

14. The Trinidad and Tobago side expressed its interest to develop Trinidad and Tobago as a hub of medical and healthcare tourism in their region. The Indian side agreed to assist Trinidad and Tobago in this endeavour. The Indian side also agreed to develop the Indian system of traditional medicine, especially Ayurveda in Trinidad and Tobago. The Trinidad and Tobago side welcomed the Indian proposal to set up a Chair in Ayurveda in the University of West Indies.

Education

15. Both sides expressed their interest to intensify educational linkages, especially in the technical and higher education areas through use of IT enabled services such as e-Education. In this regard they underscored that the bilateral Technical Cooperation Agreement in the field of education would facilitate closer academic ties.

Tourism

16. Both sides recognised that the vast tourism potential in each other’s countries needs to be fully realised through cooperation in training in travel and hospitality sectors and though greater tourist exchanges between the two countries. They noted that the Bilateral Air Services Agreement signed during the visit would facilitate better air connectivity between the two countries and help in the people-to-people exchanges and trade. The Indian side appreciated the decision of the Government of Trinidad & Tobago for according visa waiver facility to Indian citizens for a period of 90 days. Both sides recognised that this will further enhance business and tourist movement between the two countries.

Films

17. The Trinidad and Tobago side underlined the growing importance of its creative industry, notably in the areas of Fashion, Film and Animation. They invited India’s participation in the development of these areas through transfer of technology, investment and training. It was agreed to explore mutually beneficial opportunities in these sectors through institutional linkages and involvement of Bollywood production units.

Arts and Culture

18. Both sides recognised that the historical and cultural linkages between the two countries are being further strengthened through the Mahatma Gandhi Centre for Cultural Cooperation in Port of Spain set up in 1996. The Trinidad and Tobago side expressed its appreciation for the active role of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations in the promotion of Indian culture and arts through various activities as well as through setting up of Chairs on Contemporary Indian Studies and Hindi. Both sides expressed satisfaction at the conclusion of the Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP) for the period 2012-14 noting that it will give fresh impetus to the existing cultural ties.

International Developments and Multilateralism

19. The two sides exchanged views on a broad range of regional and international issues of mutual interest. They discussed developments in South Asia and the Caribbean region. They reaffirmed their commitment to fight hunger and poverty, promote democratic values and foster economic development and emphasised the importance of implementing the Millennium Development Goals.

20. The two sides emphasised the central role of the UN in maintaining global peace and security; promoting the economic and social advancement of all people; and for meeting global threats and challenges. Both sides expressed the need to implement the process of UN reforms to make it more representative, legitimate and effective. They agreed that any expansion and restructuring of the Security Council must reflect contemporary realities, increased transparency and democracy and include developing countries in both categories of membership. The Trinidad and Tobago side reiterated its support for India’s permanent membership in an expanded UNSC.

21. Both sides strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and agreed to cooperate in the international communities’ joint endeavour in eliminating the menace of international terrorism. They also noted their cooperation in the UN in this regard and urged the international community to adopt a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism at the earliest.

22. The two sides recognised that Climate Change is a global challenge with strong economic, environmental and social dimensions. It impacts all countries, but is particularly severe for developing countries, given their vulnerabilities, inadequate means and limited capacities to adapt to its effects. They called on developed countries to take the lead in mitigation efforts and provide the necessary means of implementation, including financial and technological support.

23. The two sides expressed deep concern over the international economic and financial crisis and agreed that the current situation demands restructuring of the international financial and monetary system. They underlined that the voice of emerging and developing economies, in the international financial and monetary system, should be heard in order to avoid new and potentially more calamitous crises in the future and contribute to the inclusive growth.

24. The Prime Minister of Republic of Trinidad and Tobago sincerely thanked the Prime Minister of the Republic of India for the warm hospitality extended to her and the accompanying delegation. She invited the Prime Minister of India to pay a State Visit to Trinidad and Tobago. The invitation was duly accepted.

Prime Minister Hon. Kamla Persad-Bissessar attends bilateral meeting with Indian Prime Minister

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"Patria est communis omnium parens" - Our native land is the common parent of us all. Keep it beautiful, make it even more so.

Blessed is all of creation
Blessed be my beautiful people
Blessed be the day of our awakening
Blessed is my country
Blessed are her patient hills.

Mweh ka allay!
Guanaguanare