Happy Republic Day, T&T

“As we make an honest assessment of where we are as a nation, let us determine not to abandon the spirit of our Constitution, which includes our declaration as a people, for respect for the principles of social justice; for our right to play a part in the institutions of national life, maintaining due respect for lawfully constituted authority; and our affirmation that ‘the nation of Trinidad and Tobago is founded upon principles that acknowledge the supremacy of God, faith in fundamental rights and freedoms, the position of the family in a society of free men and institutions, the dignity of the human person and the equal and inalienable rights with which all members of the human family are endowed by their Creator.”

George Maxwell Richards, President of Trinidad & Tobago

Patrick Manning, Prime Minister:

“We must move carefully forward, exercising restraint, spending but saving, working harder and being more disciplined in all areas of our lives.

In short, we must live up to the responsibilities of being the Republic that we celebrate today...

"It is we and we alone who can build or destroy ourselves. There is no one out there to stretch a hand when we stumble. A Republic like Trinidad and Tobago must be able to pull itself up by its own inner strength when visited by adversity...

"Our new budget demonstrates the prioritisation, restraint and creative allocations that are the product of the discernment needed for these times. We will maintain a momentum as we make this crossing...We will ensure the continuing growth of the economy through diversification, increased investment and enlarged markets."

Basdeo Panday, Leader of the Opposition:

"I urge citizens to pay close attention to the current discussions regarding the Prime Minister’s draft constitution...

"I urge citizens to remember the continuous and unrepentant attack on our nation’s institution from the independence of the Judiciary, service commissions and the Government’s failure to appoint persons to fill critical positions in the public service.

"Our democracy is under threat by the very persons appointed to secure it. I urge citizens not to take our Republican status for granted lest we lose what little freedoms we still have..."