My dearest brothers and sisters. Today, October 17, 2009, is an auspicious and joyous holiday for our beloved country Trinidad and Tobago, as we mark the celebration of the holy festival of lights for the Hindu community, Deepavali.
The fact that this auspicious day is a public holiday in our rainbow nation is testimony to our unique tolerance, togetherness and unity that binds us as a kaleidescopic country that blends all races, religions and creed into one.
We as a people have proven to the world time and again how that magic formula of true peace, unity and togetherness can be achieved, and as we celebrate this great holiday, we must never forget that in so many other countries, people struggle to live and survive with others due to their differences.
Never forget the ills of so many other country in our third world bracket where people are persecuted and even killed for attempting to practise their religious beliefs.
The lesson and significance of Divali - the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, prosperity over poverty- is thus applicable to all citizens.
But as I reflect on the beauty of this day, I cannot help but feel fear in my heart for this beautiful nation of ours.
Like Ayodha in the 14 years Lord Rama was in banishment, there is a darkness in this land that's getting to all citizens-the darkness of the corrupt, inept PNM regime which exploits the true meaning and spirit of democracy and threatens, more and more, with frightening rapidity, to destroy the tenets of togetherness, peace, unity and especially tolerance that has been our hallmark and unique trademark as a people.
Like the evil Rawan, the PNM regime threatens to destroy not only our bond as a free people, but the very systems that ensure our basic survival-a strong economy, safety in lieu of crime and violence, employment, proper health care, and respect for the rule of law and the Constitutional freedoms of all citizens.
We as a people must therefore bind together, unite in a great ball of fire to shine our light over the darkness of the PNM and take back our country, for the sake of our survival.
This then, is the true message of Divali which applies to us as a nation-that in the country's darkest hour, there is unity of the good forces to overthrow evil.
The darkest night of the year is Divali but that darkness is dispelled and nullified when people throughout the land light thousands of deyas in unison and provide the light of goodness, triumph and prosperity.
Let this be our pledge on this auspicious day-that we unite and like the tiny flame of a deya, when that flame is joined to thousands, we become a ball of fire that will illuminate throughout the darkness and rescue our country from the bondage of evil.
The power lies in your hearts, your souls, your minds, to preserve a democracy that your forefathers toiled for, and that your children will inherit.
May Mother Lakshmi's richest blessings fall on you and yours, and our beloved country on this day.
Jai Maha Lakshmi Mata-Shubh Divali.
Tim Gopeesingh | MP, Caroni East
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