N E W S F R O M
the mission
independence day message from HIS EXCELLENCY garvin nicholas
Above: His Excellency Garvin Nicholas, High Commissioner
creative geniuses. We have given the world Carnival, steel pan and calypso music. Indeed, our contribution to the global landscape is profound, proving that while we are small in size our influence is boundless.
Our extraordinary achievements make it that My fellow Trinbagonians, much more dispiriting to view the challenges we face or the past three years in society today. Like many I have served as High of you, I absorb the news Commissioner for the of our country’s escalating Republic of Trinidad and societal degeneration with Tobago to London, a position a heavy heart. What we are which has imbued me with witnessing is a shocking immeasurable pride. I am lack of consideration and honoured to serve our compassion for our fellow man, nationals based in the United two elements a society cannot Kingdom and our European territories of Denmark, Finland, live without. For too long, we Germany, Norway and Sweden. have been subjected to reports of families losing their sons It is with great pleasure that and daughters and those in I represent our country on authority failing the people this international platform, as who have entrusted their lives I truly believe that Trinidad to them. It is reprehensible, and and Tobago’s beauty, natural to stand idly by makes us part resources and ingenious cultural capital make us one of and parcel of the problem. the most exceptional countries Most of us can reminisce on an in the world. idyllic childhood in Trinidad and Tobago, a time when our As we mark the occasion country epitomised the dream of our 51st Anniversary of of an island paradise. We stood Independence it is imperative together as Trinbagonians that we stop and take stock of and lived up to the vision of how our nation has evolved, our forefathers which saw and the path we will chart for ourselves going forward. In our all creeds and races living harmoniously. Our nation was 51 years as a self-determining brimming with promise, and nation, we have experienced it was in our hands to mould. glorious triumphs. We have What kind of country will our produced an outstanding children inherit? citizenry who have ascended to the pinnacles of their To my Trinbagonians at home respective fields of athletics, and abroad, I extend to you academia and business. We a sincere request. Together, have birthed world beauty we must wake up from our queens, a Nobel Laureate, and
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slumber and take back our country from the negative forces which threaten our harmony and solidarity. We must not allow negative elements to destroy the exceptional progress our country has made.
The significance of Independence is that a country’s citizens have the power to shape their own destiny, and this is a duty you must take very seriously. Corruption and criminality can only be allowed to thrive as long as you allow it, and on this occasion of Independence it is my wish that the people of Trinidad and Tobago can look within and find the strength and courage to stand against these roadblocks to our continued development.
We are blessed to have been born nationals of Trinidad and Tobago. Our leadership in trade and business extends far beyond the Caribbean, and we are globally lauded for our wealth of creative talent and the warmth of our people. The beauty of our lands continues to captivate international visitors. Certainly, there can be no doubt that we have much to be proud of. As we embark on our 51st year as an Independent nation, we must vow to protect the land we love and steer our country back on a path our children would be honoured to tread. I wish you all a happy Independence. May God continue to bless you and our beloved nation.