The occasion of the Hindu Festival of Divali is a reminder of what a wonderful place Trinidad and Tobago is; a place where many creeds and cultures co-exist in harmony in a melting pot that has seldom been achieved in the history of our world.
Divali 2011 comes at a time when our nation faces many challenges, some of epic proportions. The world is going through one of the worst recessions ever and in Trinidad and Tobago we have not been spared its effects. Businesses are in difficulty. Sales are slow. The cost of goods and services is high. Maintaining employment is a challenge.
The People’s Partnership government inherited tremendous debts racked up by the last administration. This, along with a near-empty treasury, has made it difficult to meet the needs and demands of a neglected public that is often anxious and frustrated; whether in the area of infrastructure, access to basic utilities or wages.
Another challenge is that of the crime situation which has led to some communities being turned into war zones while others have become the hunting grounds for rapists, bandits and murderers. The strides and setbacks of the State of Emergency, a most drastic measure, only affirm that the crime situation has reached such proportions that even curbing it is no walk in the park.
During this Divali time many citizens would be holding and attending Ramayan yagnas where the stories of Lord Raam, Hanuman and Lakshmana are extoled.
The Battle of Lanka reminds us that evil persists only until someone takes a stand against it. Raam’s slaying of the immortal demon king Ravana shows that no task is impossible for the righteous and even the most powerful of the wicked can be conquered.
One of the pillars of the Hindu faith is that of dharma or “one’s duty”. It is a theme that rings through all the great scriptures.
Hindu philosophy tells us that we must be true to our sacred duty even if it imposes physical or emotional difficulty. The current situation demands sacrifice and patience from us all. It will impose some discomfort and inconvenience.
But it is our dharma to protect the vulnerable, restore order and to build and preserve this country for our children and future generations. We take these tough steps knowing that in the end, light will triumph over darkness.
Repeatedly, the Ramayan epic reminds us that Faith is never disappointed; all those who are resolute in their belief are rewarded with salvation. Similarly, I urge the population to hold strong to your faith in the People’s Partnership has we as a government embrace our dharma to fight the rakshas or demons that threaten our peace and to bring prosperity and happiness to all citizens.
On behalf of my staff at the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, the United National Congress, the Chaguanas West Constituency and on my own behalf and that of my family, I wish Mother Lakshmi’s choicest blessings on our Hindu brothers and sisters and on our national community.
It is my belief that the goodness within us all will triumph and we will all find peace, health, and happiness.
Shubh Divali!
Jack Warner | Chairman of the United National COngress
Repeatedly, the Ramayan epic reminds us that Faith is never disappointed; all those who are resolute in their belief are rewarded with salvation. Similarly, I urge the population to hold strong to your faith in the People’s Partnership has we as a government embrace our dharma to fight the rakshas or demons that threaten our peace and to bring prosperity and happiness to all citizens.
On behalf of my staff at the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, the United National Congress, the Chaguanas West Constituency and on my own behalf and that of my family, I wish Mother Lakshmi’s choicest blessings on our Hindu brothers and sisters and on our national community.
It is my belief that the goodness within us all will triumph and we will all find peace, health, and happiness.
Shubh Divali!
Jack Warner | Chairman of the United National COngress
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