Happy Bithday, Newsday!

Newsday's 18th anniversary family portrait

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar sent a congratulatory letter to NEWSDAY Wednesday as the newspaper celebrated its 18th birthday.

Newsday's first edition hit the streets on Monday, September 20, 1993. It has been rated as the number one newspaper in trinidad and Tobago for 10 consecutive years.

In her letter to Therese Mills, Newsday's chief executive officer and editor-in-chief the Prime Minister acknowledged the role the newspaper played as it rose from being the “youngest kid on the block” to “a pioneer of several innovations”.

“I note that very often the media is viewed as the voice of the people, taking onto themselves the role of ‘watchdogs of society’, enabled by the right of freedom of speech and expression, that is characteristic of a buoyant democracy such as that of Trinidad and Tobago,” the Prime Minister said.

“While the media has the ability to investigate and inform the public on various issues; with that power also comes great responsibility.

The Newsday has conducted itself in an exemplary manner and is to be congratulated on its many achievements.”

The Prime Minister added, “As we continue to work to uphold the democratic traditions of Trinidad and Tobago, I take this opportunity to extend best wishes to you and your organisation for continued growth and success. Happy 18th Birthday! May God continue to bless you, and your Team and our beloved Nation.”

Mills thanked the Prime Minister for her "kind words" and for her recognition of the role of the media in upholding the democratic traditions of Trinidad and Tobago.

JYOTI also wishes NEWSDAY continued success in its role as one of the guardians of our democracy.