PM praises charity work of Bombay Dreams

PM Kamla at Bobay Dreams show at the Trinidad Hilton

Once again, against this magnificent backdrop of beauty and elegance, we have an opportunity to witness the talent of four of our internationally recognized, top local fashion designers.

Each year, I continue to be awed and inspired by the imaginative prowess and creativity that define the people of Trinidad and Tobago, Fifty years strong and proud, with so much more to offer the world.

I congratulate the team who has put together this evening’s show and based on what we have experienced in the past, I know that we are about to witness a wonderful evening of sophisticated fashion and exhilarating live performances.

But perhaps more importantly, each of you here by your contribution to Bombay Dreams 3, is bringing light and hope into the lives of young women, who otherwise would have found themselves desperate and alone.

For three years, Bombay Dreams has not only become a much anticipated showcase of the artistic talent of Trinidad and Tobago; but more so a philanthropic avenue, for those of you who understand that we must open our hearts in love, to assist in creating a better life for the less fortunate in our communities.

As you know, in 2010 the proceeds of the inaugural Bombay Dreams, benefitted the Children’s Life Fund, which to date, has saved the lives of over 40 children, at a cost of some 12 million dollars, through the provision of specialized medical care.

Last year, the designated beneficiaries of Bombay Dreams 2 were the Samaan Shelter, a safe house for Victims of Domestic Violence and their children and Vitas House, a free hospice for terminally ill cancer patients.

This year, the tradition of care continues.

Your generous donations will enable the work of the Angels on Earth Foundation, which offers support, guidance and solace to young women and girls, who are abandoned or abused and the Mary Care Centre, which is often a welcome sanctuary for young girls who are pregnant and are tragically without the support of their families.

It is always heart rending for me, as a mother and a grandmother, to learn of the physical and emotional pain that so many of our girls and women endure daily here at home.

Yet through the darkness of desperation and anguish, the silver lining of encouragement and hope, shines brightly through the positive actions of concerned and selfless citizens and organizations, as represented here this evening.

As Head of Government, I assure you that we will continue to work tirelessly with the many Non-governmental, Community and Faith based organizations which operate in this country, to reach our vulnerable citizens.

We recognize and appreciate your invaluable interventions and invite your feedback, on how we may assist you in strengthening the voice and influence of our NGOs.

As I have indicated in the past, it is only through rigorous, collaborative efforts, that we might bring comfort to the many who are without options and with no one to share their burdens.

In particular, as we prepare to celebrate Divali, the Festival of Lights, next week and Christmas, next month, I urge you to let love show the way.
All of our annual religious observances remind us that we must, in our own behaviours rise to a higher level, one that supports the expression of the highest human values.

It is these human values which eventually shape the society which we bequeath to the future. 

Those of you here this evening are already playing your part in nurturing a more caring Trinidad and Tobago, and for this, I sincerely thank you.

There is a popular hymn which states, “By your actions they will know your love”.

I encourage you to continue to open your hearts in love, rather than close them in fear, so we may confidently go out into our communities, to actively serve humanity and help to rebuild broken lives, as the Mary Care Centre and the Angels on Earth Foundation do on a regular basis.

Namaste, Shubh Divali. May God continue to Bless you and May God Bless our great Nation.