PM Kamla welcomes visitors, urges national community to show maturity and discipline

File: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar - "I urge you all to display mature, disciplined and sensible behaviour, tempering your celebrations with a true appreciation of all that is beautiful and positive." 

Dear Citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, 

The beautiful festival of Arts, Masquerade, Calypso, Music and Creativity, Carnival, is here again and in the run-up to Carnival Monday 11th and Tuesday 12th February 2013, there will be much activity with returning nationals arriving with foreign visitors and festivities featuring major competitions and finals comprising the celebration.

All around the country, citizens will celebrate life and the opportunity it brings for creative and cultural expression. It is an incredible phenomenon, which allows for a real appreciation of the true talent, diversity, beauty and goodwill that characterise the collective psyche of the citizens of this vibrant Republic.

On behalf of the Government and myself, I extend a warm welcome to all visitors and invite you to experience one of the greatest spectacles of our cultural calendar. It is a time of revelry, merriment and release, which is a healthy and welcome respite in this stressful world.

While I appreciate the indomitable spirit of freedom which engenders Trinidad and Tobago Carnival, I make a heartfelt appeal to all citizens to exercise due caution and to respect each other, ensuring safety and responsibility in all Carnival activities during this short, emotional season.

I especially appeal to all adults and parents to ensure the safety of their young children who are looking to them for positive direction and good examples.

Please be assured that my Government and the protective services are on alert and will take appropriate measures to safeguard citizens and visitors during the Carnival celebrations.

Carnival is not an excuse for lawlessness and reckless behaviours. As Prime Minister, I urge you all to display mature, disciplined and sensible behaviour, tempering your celebrations with a true appreciation of all that is beautiful and positive.

Let us make our country proud and be our best selves in the process. Please accept my sincere best wishes for a safe and enjoyable Carnival 2013.

The Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, S.C., M.P. | Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago