To be of republican status therefore indicates the embracing and respect for the tenets of the republic form of government: respect for the political power of the individual person, respect for the popular voice, the fact that the government is the servant of the people and that ascension to government office is based on the choice of the people and not any other arbitrary factor.
When we look about we see the signs that affirm our status as a republic. Our nation holds general elections within the constitutionally prescribed five year periods. Our elections are free and fair. The process and the results can be subjected to the highest levels of scrutiny and the results would surpass what obtains in many other parts of the world.
The history of our land shows that we respect the electoral process, even when our individual preferred parties and candidates do not succeed. There has always been a smooth transition between government administrations even in the period of constitutional deadlock in 2001 when the appointment of the Prime Minister was left to the sole discretion of the President – one of the most challenging times on our political landscape. In the subsequent one year period when elections were called to resolve the deadlock, there was peace and stability.
The People’s Partnership is exactly what its name implies, a compact between the various social and political interests who have agreed among themselves to work together. One of our founding principles, and indeed it is the mantra of the Prime Minister, is that the voice of the people is the voice of God. The validity of this principle was most aptly demonstrated in the May 2010 general elections and the subsequent local government polls where a government that had grown arrogant toward the people was trounced from government.
Even in the current State of Emergency there is respect for the legitimacy of the government and the respect for the rights of citizens. The government cannot be accused of abusing power or extending itself beyond what is permissible under the Constitution. The trust between the government and the people is maintained.
And finally, that lineage is not a right to inheritance of government office, is proved not just by the successful holding of elections, but by the fact that the daughter of humble cane farmers could ascend to the high office of Prime Minister and a poor barefoot boy from Rio Claro can sit as a member of the legislature and a minister of government.
Fellow citizens, knowledge is power. We must know our history. It is only by learning about such things that we can appreciate their importance and not take them for granted.
On this the 35th anniversary of our achievement of republican status, I urge all citizens to educate themselves on what it means to be a republic and how this change in status has altered the path of our nation. Look at the ways it has improved our society, because when you do that, you will appreciate what a wonderful place Trinidad and Tobago is to call your home. You will be less inclined to take many things for granted.
It is my hope that by reflecting on our history patriotism may be inspired, especially among our youth. If we teach them to appreciate their country perhaps they will be inspired to stay on the path of productivity.
Find a minute this Republic Day weekend to read the national pledge with your children, discuss with them the national emblems and the anthem, and their significance. Make an effort to get some of the patriotic literature and songs and as you read and listen to them recommit yourself to national development and restoring our beloved nation to its pristine glory.
Happy Republic Day Trinidad and Tobago.
JACK WARNER | UNC CHAIRMAN
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