Congratulations, Trinidad and Tobago!

Congratulations to the Honourable Dr. Keith Christopher Rowley, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Faris Al-Rawi, Attorney General, Major General Edmund Dillon, National Security Minister and to all the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago. Wishing you, as always, peace and prosperity.

Watching live swearing in ceremony with 3,693 other viewers.

..............................................................................................................................
"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 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

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



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

For Our Former PM, Peace And Love As You Recover.

DONA LA PACE

Dona la pace, dona la pace ai nostri cuori, oh Signore!
Dona la pace, dona la pace ai nostri cuori, oh Signore!
Resta qui, insieme a noi, resta qui, insieme a noi.
E la pace regnerà.

Give peace, give peace to our hearts, O Lord!
Give peace, give peace to our hearts, O Lord!
Stay here with us, stay here with us.
And peace will reign.

Dona l'amore, dona l'amore, ai nostri cuori, oh Signore!
Dona l'amore, dona l'amore, ai nostri cuori, oh Signore!
Resta qui, insieme a noi, resta qui, insieme a noi.
E l'amore regnerà.

Give love, give love to our hearts, O Lord!
Give love, give love to our hearts, O Lord!
Stay here with us, stay here with us.
And love will reign.

Dona la pace, dona la pace al mondo intero, oh Signore!
Dona la pace, dona la pace al mondo intero, oh Signore!
Resta qui, insieme a noi, resta qui, insieme a noi.
E la pace regnerà.

Give peace, give peace to the whole world, oh Lord!
Give peace, give peace to the whole world, oh Lord!
Stay here with us, stay here with us.
And peace will reign.

Dona l'amore, dona l'amore al mondo intero, oh Signore!
Dona l'amore, dona l'amore al mondo intero, oh Signore!
Resta qui, insieme a noi, resta qui, insieme a noi.
E l'amore regnerà.
Resta qui, insieme a noi, resta qui, insieme a noi.
E l'amore regnerà.

Give love, give love to the whole world, oh Lord!
Give love, give love to the whole world, oh Lord!
Stay here with us, stay here with us.
And love will reign.
Stay here with us, stay here with us.
And love will reign.
..............................................................................................................................
"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