As the country celebrates Indian Arrival Day today, Opposition leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar is urging citizens to follow in the footsteps of their respective ancestors and “build our nation and create the future we want for future generations.”
“Our forefathers believed, and I also believe, that by working together, we can build a stronger, more prosperous Trinidad and Tobago, and overcome the challenges that currently face our country. They believed in building a better society and a better nation for their children just as we do today,” Persad-Bissessar said in a release yesterday.
Citing that historically, many of the country’s ancestors came to T&T on ships, she called for unity as “we are all in the same boat now” given the current circumstances facing the nation. This, she said, warrants “that we unite to ensure that we move our beloved Trinidad and Tobago forward.”
“Our strength has always been and continues to be in our unity as a people and for that, we must be wary of those who may seek to divide us for their own gain,” she said.
“Together, our forefathers helped build a uniquely diverse, multicultural, multi-religious nation. Those who came from India, China, Africa, Europe, the Middle East and other regions—their hard work, courage, and strength of spirit continue to inspire us today.”
She urged the public to keep this in mind and “to pass on the qualities of nation-building and unity to the younger generation.”
She also commended the efforts of the First Peoples whom, she said, over the centuries “endured tremendous adversities, but have successfully sustained their culture and traditions.”
“On behalf of the UNC and on my own behalf, I wish all a happy Indian Arrival Day,” she ended.
