In an address to mark the occasion, she praised her predecessors as she noted that Trinidad and Tobago can now stand on its own as a significant player on the regional and world stages.
She said getting there was not an easy task and suggested that each prime minister likely faced his own challenges, and share of defeats and victories.
"What is undoubtedly of note is that their sterling contributions to the economic, cultural, social, and political development of our country are all deserving of wide acknowledgement and acclaim," she said.
Persad-Bissessar added that she has inherited from her predecessors a proud tradition of liberty and freedom and a long-standing covenant to uphold the principles of democracy.
"It was therefore with great pride and also with a sense of responsibility that I accepted this inheritance. To lead our nation that is no stranger to adversity but one that also possesses an unbridled hunger to achieve excellence in every sphere of life."
She stated, "Our nation's best days are still to come and together we will usher those days in."
Monday's program featured cultural performances by some of the country's best known artistes, representing the cultural diversity of the people and the country. (click here to see pictures from Monday's cultural performances and celebration)
Cabinet has approved a range of activities for the months of April, May, June and July through the Independence anniversary on August 31 and into December 2012. The events will be spread across the country.
Among the scheduled events will be free concerns at NAPA beginning on April 4 with a 90-minute concert by the Lydian singers.
Other concerts will feature Ray Holman and Band, Mungal Patasar and Pantar, David Rudder, a night of Indian Classical Singing and the Trinidad and Tobago Youth Philharmonic.
Planning Minister Dr. Bhoendradatt Tewarie is leading the 50th Anniversary effort in partnership with a number of other Ministries and with private sector organizations.
NOTE: T&T PRIME MINISTERS:
- Dr Eric Williams: 1962-1981
- George Chambers: 1981-1986
- A.N.R. Robinson: 1986-1991
- Patrick Manning: 1991-1995 and 2001-2010
- Basdeo Panday: 1995-2001
- Kamla Persad-Bissessar: 2010
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