"Walk in the rain without getting wet": Ag PM Dookeran

Winston Dookeran returned to Edinburgh in Central Trinidad Wednesday to celebrate the 27th anniversary of the founding of the Hindu Temple there.

The acting Prime Minister, who was present 27 years ago when the foundation stone was laid, noted that the temple has been a place of celebration for him "at different moments over my whole political life".

He praised the temple's founder, Pandit Ramesh Tewari for his service to the people of Trinidad and Tobago and for taking care of the temple where the "air is filled with peace".

He reflected on the discourse he had heard from one of the spiritual leaders who spoke of Mahatma Gandhi's crusade of peace and non violence, nothing that Gandhi lived a life without fear.

The finance minister applied that lesson to Trinidad and Tobago society today and urged citizens to take charge of their inner strength, which shapes the outer world. Dookeran said people must banish hate and incrimination.

The Tunapuna MP said he remembered the words of the Swami that we must “walk in the rain without getting wet.”

He said, "I thought those were words of inspiration, for there are so many negatives around us at times."

He added, "We must never succumb or surrender to these negatives. And I venture to say that what we have experienced in the political world in Trinidad and Tobago over the last few months, has been but an example of those who are prepared to “walk in the rain without getting wet.”

"And today we start another day, another time, another peace, another hope. In the end, the strength of tomorrow will depend on the inner strength in each and every one of us.

"Wherever we may be, whatever duties we may have to discharge, it is the inner strength that will create the promise of that tomorrow, which the political world has given to us."

He thanked everyone for keeping the temple alive and congratulated Pandit Tewari "for being able to “walk in the rain without getting wet.” For being able to keep us on the right course. For building the moral strength of our society and our people."

Dookeran said "without the work of the people who keep guard of the temples, churches and mosques, our moral strength could be in danger."