Gopeesingh praises T&T's diversity, announces plans to inlcude it in school curriculum

Education Minister Tim Gopeesingh said over the weekend Trinidad and Tobago stands unique in the world "as a country of harmonious, diverse religions, ethnicities and histories which has, more than any other country in the world, managed to make its differences a part of its heritage rather than a reason for strife."

Gopeesingh was speaking Saturday night at Divali Nagar.

He added, "As a nation, we have proven to the world that is possible to live progressively and harmonious amid such diversity, we have proven that cultural differences should not separate us from each other, but rather cultural diversity brings a collective strength that can benefit all citizens, and by extension, all humanity.

"It is this core value as a country which played such a crucial role recently in delivering us from the darkness of the rule of the former regime, a rule of virtual mismanagement and oppression, into the light of the People’s Partnership Government."

Gopeesingh spoke of the Hindu teachings and the victory of good over evil in the context of the Holy Ramayan. In the religious epic Lord Ram represented the forces of good while the demon King, whom Ram defeated in battle, was the embodiment of evil. He spoke of the significance of the event in the context of national politics.

"In many ways our story of political victory for the people of that country is similar to the story of Ram’s victory over Rawan, of his triumphant return to deliver Ayodhya (Ram's kingdom) into proper governance, the story of Divali.

"Ours is truly a story of good triumphing over evil, light prevailing over darkness, but let me warn all that the work to recapture our nation from the darkness of crime and poverty and illiteracy that still prevails is not finished.

"As a people we still have much to do to regain that core sense of social values and family life, which are reflected in the auspicious teachings of the Hindu religion, and indeed, all other religions of our country," Gopeesingh said.

He said the celebration of Divali is a splendid way to ensure social progress "knowing we must take full cognizance of our heritage and recommit to ensuring that our cultural values and achievements never again are allowed to fall by the wayside."

Gopeesingh said the Peoples’ Partnership Government "is intent on ensuring equality among all religious and ethnic sects in our country as we recognize that they all have contributed significantly to the diverse progressive cultural development of our country.

"This is in keeping with the fact that as a Government we believe that we must have an expansionary vision, one that captures the imagination and diversity of the whole community and society we live in, one which befits a nation which has moved to the point where we want to develop our rich cultural heritage, truly a unique one in the world, as a firm element of our societal culture which will affirm our democratic traditions and give expression to the diversity and vibrancy of our people."

The minister reminded his audience of plans for a Sugar Museum announced in the budget. He said the museum will "incorporate the roles of all the sectors of our society in building the first prosperous industry of our country."

He said the museum from cover the period beginning in 1792 up to the end of slavery and then include the contribution of the Indians, who started arriving on the plantations in 1845.

"As Minister of Education and President of UNESCO in Trinidad and Tobago, I wish to also point out that I intend to ensure that our heritage and cultural history is no longer removed or forgotten in our school system," he said.

"Soon, the Parliament will be asked to ratify three UN conventions regarding heritage and its preservation and worth in the country, and I intend to ensure that the celebrations of all cultural festivities in this country, and the teachings of their history, to be incorporated in the school curriculum," the Caroni East MP stated.