In a welcome address she said she was energised to celebrate festivals like Divali because of the rich messages which are embedded in them.
"The triumph of light over darkness inspires me at a personal level, that in all of my thoughts and consequent actions, I must always seek to remove whatever there is that prevents the happiness of others,” she said.
She spoke of the symbolism of light in allegorical terms with Darkness complaining to God that he could not face the sun.
"The reality is that darkness cannot exist where there is light. Indeed, if in every facet of our lives we can be sources of joy for others, then we can celebrate the triumph of light over darkness,” she said.
Persad-Bissessar said darkness takes several forms – poverty, hunger, natural disasters, climate change, environmental degradation, domestic violence, child abuse, diseases, all of which cast “vast areas of darkness upon our planet”.
The prime minister talked about the Goddess Lakshmi, the symbol of light who is worshipped by Hindus on Divali night.
"She is the Universal Mother who is always looking after the well-being of her children. We solemnly pray to her to provide us with the means to do battle with the forces of darkness,” she said.
She also spoke of Divali as signifying reunions, pointing to the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom after 14 years in exile.
“Having served his exile, he returned to his city to be...reunited with his mother and his brothers who had stayed in the city. He reunited with the people.
“We have all had differences of one kind or another with our neighbours, friends and family members. We have differences at our places of work…
“Can we like Lord Rama rise in compassion and forgiveness towards those who have caused our pain?” she asked.
“Can we rise in our ability to move ahead of the past experiences, and discover that there is a joyous future awaiting us, who deliberately choose to abandon the human weakness for hate and revenge?
“If we can do this we would really be celebrating Divali,” she added.
“We too must rise above personal hurts. In reuniting with those who hurt us, we lift not only our own spirituality; but also help others to look deep within and to similarly choose to rise to live a life governed by the best human values.
“My friends, no family, no nation, no community can truly succeed if there is disunity. Unity depends on forgiveness and understanding. We, too, have to win as a Nation.
“We must use this Divali, which is also regarded as the beginning of the Hindu New Year, to turn a new page in our lives,” she said.
The Prime Minister spoke of the political changes that have taken place in Trinidad and Tobago over the past few months, of the schisms, defeats and disappointments.
“We can choose as individuals and groups to allow the past to dictate the future, or we can choose like Lord Rama to forgive and embrace in the interest of the quality of the future we wish to bequeath to our children.
“For Rama, the good of his country was greater than any personal ambition that he may have had.
“Similarly, the good of our country must stand above any personal ambition we may have.
“Let this Divali be the greatest example of reunion that has ever been witnessed in our country,” she said.
“If as individuals we can become through our words and deeds lights of forgiveness, lights of hope; we would inspire a culture of cooperation and goodwill that will redound to the benefit of our country.
“It is this that I ask of everyone and equally of myself on this occasion of Divali," she said.
Persad Bissessar also told her guests of a new youth initiative at the Diplomatic Centre, one designed "to keep the light of hope forever present in our homes and in our Nation"
“At all events and functions which are now hosted at the Centre and the Residence, I have personally requested that our young people be given prominent roles.
"Therefore, with regard to catering and hospitality, students from the Trinidad and Tobago Hotel and Tourism Institute will be given an opportunity to showcase and hone their skills through practical training at these events.
She also pointed to the evening's cultural program, which she said was an example of "the creativity and artistic talents of our youth now have another avenue for expression, right here at the Diplomatic Centre."
The Prime Minister said the new policy also allows for the utilisation of the skills of mirco-entrepreneurs and community organisations in planning and executing functions at the Centre.
"It is my hope that this policy will assist our youth and our entrepreneurs to achieve their full potential, indeed to realize their dharma and to enjoy the success and prosperity which we also seek on the occasion of Divali," she said.
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