INDEPENDENCE DAY MESSAGEPM: Real prospects for a brighter future

Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley has called on citizens to celebrate the things that make T&T great.

In his Independence Day message, Rowley encouraged citizens to consider the achievements of the country over the past 62 years compared to countries affected by geo-political issues.

“Maybe here, in this comparison, notwithstanding the many difficulties that we have to confront daily, we may better appreciate our overall achievements, our resilience as a people, our natural and cultural wonders, and the beauty and richness of this land, called Trinidad and Tobago,” he said

Noting that this country sets an example of racial harmony and respect for each other, which must not be dismissed or understated, Rowley added: “This unique facet of T&T has caused some observers to describe our inter-racial relationships as “uncommon”.

“Whatever our race or status, our unique, collective Trinbagonian spirit stands out, wherever, because we always expect to be enjoying and enhancing our daily lives, protecting our freedom, celebrating our music, our dance, our food, our fashion and, of course, our Pan.”

He acknowledged that the country was not immune from violent crime caused by family disputes, meaningless altercations and gang culture.

“Yet, looking deeper, we can identify and praise what we call ‘The Trinbagonian’ – our collective spirit in which we hold a transcendent respect for the Almighty, alongside an eager willingness to display kindness, selfless care, compassion, respect, love, sharing with family and friends, and extending trust to strangers, as fellow humans all wrapped in a daily ambition to be better,” he said.

Rowley devoted a significant portion of his message to highlighting initiatives undertaken by his government since being elected in 2015. He pointed to vocational and skills training being offered by the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service.

“The agriculture projects are exciting initiatives which have already produced their first graduates and first harvests,” he said, noting that 1,500 young people are expected to benefit over the next year.

Rowley also praised the country’s robust social services.

“Thousands of our most vulnerable citizens continue to benefit from social grants, social services, free healthcare and medicine, in addition to Government subsidies for water, electricity, transportation, and education grants,” he said.

He mentioned the restructuring of the State energy company Petrotrin and deals with Venezuela for the development of natural gas fields on the border of both countries.

“These projects will boost this country’s declining gas production, will sustain the plants on the Point Lisas Industrial Estate and are the basis for the Government’s optimism and hope for our secure future,” he said.

Rowley stated that inflation is below one per cent, the unemployment rate was 4.1 per cent last year, and the country’s external reserves and Heritage and Stabilisation Fund (HSF) are approaching US$6 billion.

“So, today as we celebrate our Independence 62, I ask that all citizens join me in committing to this optimistic spirit,” Rowley said.

“I assure you that your Government is fully engaged as we address all the major issues while pointing to the real prospects for a brighter future,” he added.

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