My dear fellow citizens.
Today we celebrate yet another democratic milestone in our beautiful country - the day when Trinidad and Tobago first became a Republic in 1976, thus cutting ties with colonialism once and for all.
Our history shows that we celebrate Republic Day on September 24 since this was the day our Parliament first met under the Republican Constitution.
For us, attaining republicanism from the British Crown 34 years ago meant that we as a nation finally achieved that supreme power where all the citizens of our beloved country gained the entitlement and right to vote and therefore, truly govern our country through the representative system of Parliament.
The significance of Republic Day as a testimony to Trinidad and Tobago's true commitment to the principles of democracy and independence must never be allowed to be forgotten in our country especially in 2010, when, on May 24, 2010, the electorate exercised its sacred, powerful right to choose a Government which reflected its hopes of a better country and chances of a more progressive nation.
Truly, as a fledgling nation, we have a lot to be proud of. Our achievements in every sphere, our productivity, creativity, our diversity, our multiculturalism and our living together as one people united in our differences has taught the world that here, in this tiny twin island republic of just of 1.3 million citizens, there exists a nation which can truly be a paradise on earth.
This year, more than ever, citizens of our beautiful country showed a renewed commitment to ensuring that we remain that exemplar of true democracy to the world.
This year, citizens of our dear Trinidad and Tobago endorsed the principles of integrity, accountability and transparency in public life, freedom of choice, equal treatment and progress and development for all people when they elected by an overwhelming majority the People's Partnership Government into office.
That renewed commitment was made at a time when country was in the throes of an economic crisis, a reign of unprecedented corrupt Government officials and an administration that lost touch with the people and in so doing, lost their trust and support.
In just four months in office, the People's Partnership Government has been able to successfully implement policies that reflect the people's need to recommit their country to a path of progress, prosperity peace, equality and principled governance.
However, on this day when we celebrate the fundamental democratic right of the people to choose how their country is governed, I wish to stress that it is not enough to say we have changed the reins of power and now, let us sit back and let the Government do its job.
More than ever, there is a need for all of us as citizens of Trinidad and Tobago to recommit to the true values and principles of republicanism? Where we realize that our country is not the only thing to which we owe our allegiance but that we also owe our allegiance to its fulfillment to justice and humanity to all citizens.
It is time to remember our roles as true patriots is to strive towards a country that is strong in its social, economical and political framework and to recognize that the governance of a country is not just the work of the political party in charge but the combined efforts of every citizen.
Together we can make our country a great place. More than ever there is a need for us as citizens of this country to strive together to overcome our various problems of poverty, crime and other social shortcomings.
Remember, a person's country is not a certain area of land, of mountains, rivers, and woods, but it is a principle; and patriotism is loyalty to that principle.
So let us beloved citizens, on this day, recommit to the principles of compassion, generosity, tolerance, collective responsibility and productivity that will ensure that our beautiful Trinidad and Tobago is once more, in short order, restored to that path of development and progress for all its citizens.
There are many ways to do this: uphold the law, think of your fellow man, give to others, be productive and diligent, rededicate yourself to strong family values and above all, love your country.
Remember, this is the land where your forefathers toiled for you to have freedom and a better life; it is the home that God has given you that by striving to perfect yourselves therein you may prepare to ascend to him.
The person who loves his/her country best is the person who strives to make it best. Love your country to the point where you are not only proud of the land in which you live, but your land will be proud of you.
Let us thus remember, on this great day, the golden heritage of our beautiful country and feel proud and honoured to be citizens of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
May God bless you and may God Bless our nation.
Today we celebrate yet another democratic milestone in our beautiful country - the day when Trinidad and Tobago first became a Republic in 1976, thus cutting ties with colonialism once and for all.
Our history shows that we celebrate Republic Day on September 24 since this was the day our Parliament first met under the Republican Constitution.
For us, attaining republicanism from the British Crown 34 years ago meant that we as a nation finally achieved that supreme power where all the citizens of our beloved country gained the entitlement and right to vote and therefore, truly govern our country through the representative system of Parliament.
The significance of Republic Day as a testimony to Trinidad and Tobago's true commitment to the principles of democracy and independence must never be allowed to be forgotten in our country especially in 2010, when, on May 24, 2010, the electorate exercised its sacred, powerful right to choose a Government which reflected its hopes of a better country and chances of a more progressive nation.
Truly, as a fledgling nation, we have a lot to be proud of. Our achievements in every sphere, our productivity, creativity, our diversity, our multiculturalism and our living together as one people united in our differences has taught the world that here, in this tiny twin island republic of just of 1.3 million citizens, there exists a nation which can truly be a paradise on earth.
This year, more than ever, citizens of our beautiful country showed a renewed commitment to ensuring that we remain that exemplar of true democracy to the world.
This year, citizens of our dear Trinidad and Tobago endorsed the principles of integrity, accountability and transparency in public life, freedom of choice, equal treatment and progress and development for all people when they elected by an overwhelming majority the People's Partnership Government into office.
That renewed commitment was made at a time when country was in the throes of an economic crisis, a reign of unprecedented corrupt Government officials and an administration that lost touch with the people and in so doing, lost their trust and support.
In just four months in office, the People's Partnership Government has been able to successfully implement policies that reflect the people's need to recommit their country to a path of progress, prosperity peace, equality and principled governance.
However, on this day when we celebrate the fundamental democratic right of the people to choose how their country is governed, I wish to stress that it is not enough to say we have changed the reins of power and now, let us sit back and let the Government do its job.
More than ever, there is a need for all of us as citizens of Trinidad and Tobago to recommit to the true values and principles of republicanism? Where we realize that our country is not the only thing to which we owe our allegiance but that we also owe our allegiance to its fulfillment to justice and humanity to all citizens.
It is time to remember our roles as true patriots is to strive towards a country that is strong in its social, economical and political framework and to recognize that the governance of a country is not just the work of the political party in charge but the combined efforts of every citizen.
Together we can make our country a great place. More than ever there is a need for us as citizens of this country to strive together to overcome our various problems of poverty, crime and other social shortcomings.
Remember, a person's country is not a certain area of land, of mountains, rivers, and woods, but it is a principle; and patriotism is loyalty to that principle.
So let us beloved citizens, on this day, recommit to the principles of compassion, generosity, tolerance, collective responsibility and productivity that will ensure that our beautiful Trinidad and Tobago is once more, in short order, restored to that path of development and progress for all its citizens.
There are many ways to do this: uphold the law, think of your fellow man, give to others, be productive and diligent, rededicate yourself to strong family values and above all, love your country.
Remember, this is the land where your forefathers toiled for you to have freedom and a better life; it is the home that God has given you that by striving to perfect yourselves therein you may prepare to ascend to him.
The person who loves his/her country best is the person who strives to make it best. Love your country to the point where you are not only proud of the land in which you live, but your land will be proud of you.
Let us thus remember, on this great day, the golden heritage of our beautiful country and feel proud and honoured to be citizens of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
May God bless you and may God Bless our nation.
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