PM Kamla's Mothers' Day message

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Biussessar and her spuse, Dr Greg Bissessar

I welcome this opportunity to honour the immeasurable contributions made by mothers everywhere, not only for the nurturing and sustenance of their children and other young charges in their care, over time, but also for the guidance, protection and unconditional love they possess; that have positively impacted the collective consciousness of our youth who in time, will engender the qualities necessary to ensuring a positive, productive, sustainable future for the citizens of this blessed Republic. 

Sunday May 12th, has been internationally accepted as the day, in which most citizens observe the rituals that recognize and appreciate the great and almost supernatural attributes of that special person, who is our Mother. 

A Jewish proverb says: “God could not be everywhere and therefore he made mothers”. No statement could be more appropriate. Marion C Garretty contends that “Mother’s love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible. We have only to ponder our individual past, to recall vividly the many wonders, even miracles that might be credited to our Mothers, in any given situation. 

They seem to comprise, supernatural powers of persuasion, wisdom, insight and skill, just as they display, intuitiveness, grace, beauty, truth and love, with the same incredible intensity. 

Mothers play the leading role in giving birth to other souls, and then with loving hands and gentle hearts, they mold and shape our future, with an unfathomable understanding. We cannot quantify this all-encompassing contribution to nation building and development. 

As a mother, I know how challenging this role can be especially in today’s fast-paced environment where mothers are a vital part of the workplace and must combine family life with the demands of their jobs. This is no easy task. 

As a government, we continue to look at progressive ways to support women in the workplace so that family life is not threatened. Such is the consideration in the Miscellaneous Provisions (Maternity Protection and the Masters and Servants Ordinance) Bill, 2012 which proposes to increase the mandatory maternity leave entitlement of thirteen (13) weeks to fourteen (14) weeks. 

It is ironic that, moved by the 1905 death of her mother, that Anna Jarvis, who never had children of her own and who herself, died penniless in a sanitarium, was the driving force behind the first Mother’s Day observances in 1908. 

Before the brunches, before the gifts and greeting cards, before the quick, short visits to old folks’ homes and text messages across the miles, Mother’s Day was a time for mourning women to remember fallen soldier’s, and work for Peace.

This Mother’s Day, let us embrace the opportunity to show our genuine appreciation and gratitude to our mother and other female exemplars, with a kind gesture of love and recognition for their selfless devotion to our personal development. 

One does not need a lot of money to do this. Let us be creative in our efforts to show them how much we care and honour their contribution to our success as conscious human beings and good citizens. Let us bless them with praises and good deeds, for they are very special women. Most of all, we should cherish the times we experience with our mothers.

On behalf of my Government and all the citizens of our twin-island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, I salute the mothers of the world and thank them all sincerely for being their best selves, for being there for us and for giving their life contributions and energy to the holistic development of our nation. 

Happy Mother’s Day – 2013