Jack Warner told his constituents Sunday the cultural diversity of Trinidad and Tobago's plural society constantly serves as a reminder of the many opportunities that exist to build a great and powerful nation.And he said he is privileged because he sees the potential in the diversity "which can be used to unite us."
Warner was speaking at a Divali celebration in Felicity in his Changuas West constituency and sharing the stage with Congress of the People Leader Winston Dookeran, who delivered the feature address.
Warner noted that the key message of Divali is one which celebrates the victory of good over evil, right over wrong, light over darkness and wisdom over ignorance.
He called them themes which offer "courage, hope and confidence as we anticipate a brighter tomorrow."
He told his constituents their greatest contribution to nation building has been the refining of the moral fabric that is provided in Hindu folklore.
"From your own teachings, it is clear that you have understood that to educate a man in mind without morals is to create a menace to society.
"So patiently, through your teachings and your scriptures you have provided stories and images which have influenced behavioural patterns not only within your religious enclave but also throughout our national community," he observed.
The UNC Deputy Leader said there is a need in Trinidad and Tobago today for a spiritual awakening, "a renaissance that would give birth to many Lord Ramas...(to) rid our society of the Ravanas of Lanka who are among us to plunder, pillage and rob us of a good life."
He noted that the "Ravanas" are in different forms causing mayhem and death on the nation's highways, depriving citizens of "the basic amenities in life like water, a roof over our head, food to place on the table and a secure nation in which we can live."
In a clear reference to the Manning government, Warner said, "The Ravanas rape our treasury and create debts which our children and our children’s children would never be able to repay, sentencing them to long periods of poverty; our future is threatened."
He said if ever there was a need for a Lord Rama to emerge again it is now. "Lord Rama was that beacon of hope who fearlessly challenged wrongdoing and the darkness that covered the land.
"And though it seems as though darkness always preceded light, what is clear is that when light appeared darkness was removed; today as we celebrate Divali it has to be with the hope that the victory of light over darkness will continue to remain a constant struggle for us until we win."
He urged the nations to "ask Lord Vishnu of whom Lord Rama was an avatar for wisdom and knowledge to be the light not only in the communities where we live but the national community of Trinidad and Tobago."
Warner said, "As a nation, we can no longer be content to eat and see our brother starve. As a people, we can no longer be satisfied because crime is not on our doorstep but in someone else’s home.
"As true Hindus, we can no longer participate in breaking down others and building up our own. These motifs are not located in the celebration of Divali and it is your dharma, your duty to ensure that the message of good, light, wisdom and righteousness is never left isolated but becomes the clarion call that will influence our people to move to higher ground."
Warner took a swipe at UNC leader Basdeo Panday as well. "The politicians you voted to serve you, regardless of whether they still come to you on a Thursday morning or not, may be the very ones depriving you of the happiness that light brings and the knowledge that leads to your freedom.
"But do not despair...Lord Rama is on his way, moving among us and through us, to be beacons of light to illuminate this darkness which has engulfed us. Let the lights provide a vision for change.
"It is for us to accept the challenge and make the change. It is for us not to be a part of the problem but the solution that would bring an end to ignorance, expel the darkness and allow good to reign over evil," he said.
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