Take a more active role in building T&T—President Kangaloo

As T&T marks its 48th Republic Day, President Christine Carla Kangaloo has made a call for citizens to take a more active role in nation-building.

In her Republic Day message, the President emphasised the importance of civic duty, public service and individual responsibility in shaping the country’s future.

Reflecting on the country’s transition to a republic on August 1, 1976, President Kangaloo highlighted the significance of that historic moment.

“Achieving Republican status was the next significant step of our journey of self-actualisation,” she said.

“Our Republican Constitution established the Office of President and transferred all allegiances and power from a distant monarch to the people of Trinidad and Tobago.”

The President explained that at the heart of republicanism was the idea that the nation’s well-being was a shared responsibility, rooted in the term’s Latin origins, res publica, meaning “public affair.”

She continued, “Embracing republican status requires us to accept that the wellbeing of the republic is indeed a public affair. In other words, it is the responsibility of every citizen of Trinidad and Tobago.”

She also called on the population to see themselves as “individual and indispensable architects” of the country’s future, stressing that nation-building is not solely the job of government or elected officials.

“Each of us can, and must, actively contribute to the well-being of our republic. Each of us can, and must, engage in the process of nation-building,” she said.

President Kangaloo expressed concern about a lack of engagement in public service, noting that many citizens hesitated when called upon to serve.

“Since coming into the Republican office of President, I have found that a significant challenge has been getting citizens to step up when called upon to share their talents in this public affair of building our nation’s future,” she said.

“Some have doubted their abilities, while others hesitated to commit the time and energy necessary to fulfil their duties as citizens.”

In her message, she underscored the critical need for active participation from all sectors of society, noting that progress requires “deliberate, concerted action.”

She added, “Change will not happen on its own, nor can it happen overnight. Instead, it is brought about by all of us participating fully in this public affair of republicanism.”

Calling for deeper civic engagement, President Kangaloo urged citizens to fulfil their duties by participating in public consultations, staying informed, and making their voices heard.

Quoting scripture to emphasise the need for action, she added, “Let us all answer to the Biblical injunction to ‘Get up; pick up our mats; and walk.’”

President Kangaloo encouraged citizens to move beyond criticism and actively contribute to the country’s development, whether through public service or advocacy.

“Let us put down our loudspeakers and instead, roll up our sleeves and work, including by answering the call to public service, to make our hopes and vision for the future an achievable reality.”

Acknowledging that T&T had not yet achieved its full potential, the President concluded with optimism.

“Forty-eight years is but a short period of our history, and while we have not yet achieved our full potential, I am confident that we possess the wherewithal to do so.”

She wished all citizens a “blessed, happy, and productive Republic Day,” urging them to renew their commitment to the nation’s progress through active and meaningful engagement in the public affairs of the country.

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