For the first time in the history of Trinidad and Tobago, Divali lights have been illuminated outside the Parliament, marking a historic moment in the celebration of the Festival of Lights.
Addressing the gathering at the first-ever Divali lighting ceremony at Parliament on Friday evening, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC described the occasion as a significant moment, with the sacred Hindu festival being celebrated at the home of the nation’s democracy.
“For the first time in our nation’s history, we are lighting deyas outside Parliament to honour the sacred Hindu festival of Divali. It’s a proud and moving moment to see a tradition cherished through generations now being celebrated at the home of our democracy, where every citizen’s voice must be heard and every community must feel it belongs. Here at the Red House, where the eternal flame reminds us to safeguard our democracy, these deyas bring Divali’s enduring message, light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.”
She said the celebration at the Red House carried a message beyond the religious observance, highlighting the importance of ensuring every citizen feels a sense of belonging.
“Today Parliament honours a tradition. More important, it honours the people who have carried it through generations, and their equal places in our nation.”
Reflecting on her childhood in rural Siparia, Mrs Persad-Bissessar recalled that Divali became a public holiday in 1966. She said her community was often overlooked, but parents worked hard to preserve their traditions and create opportunities for their children.
“Over the decades, I have watched Divali bring more and more people together. Families welcomed neighbours, children celebrate together at schools, and a tradition treasured in our homes became a source of unity and national pride. For this little poor country girl, which I was, today is deeply moving. For me as Prime Minister, it reminds me that no child, no community should ever be or feel forgotten.”
The Prime Minister also called on elected representatives to uphold the principles associated with Divali in their conduct within Parliament.
“Parliament must hear every voice: the parents struggling to provide, the elderly persons seeking care, the community waiting for help, and the children whose futures depend on our decisions here. Divali affirms a truth shared across faiths. Good must prevail over evil, knowledge must prevail over ignorance, and light must prevail over darkness. For those entrusted with the public office as we are, that message must always guide how we exercise power, how we confront injustice, how we expose wrongdoing, and choose what is right, even when it is sometimes difficult. It means listening, examining the facts, and understanding how our laws affect the lives of people. The people have a right to expect that the principles we celebrate outside Parliament will govern our conduct inside the Parliament.”
The Prime Minister also had a message for children, reminding them that their backgrounds and financial circumstances should never determine their worth or opportunities.
“To our children here and everywhere, I say this Parliament belongs to you. You don’t need rich parents or elite connections to matter here. You matter here today simply because you are a child of our beloved nation… Every one of you has a chance and an opportunity. One of you may one day stand here as Prime Minister, or Leader of the Opposition, or Speaker of the House, or President of the Senate.”
Mrs Persad-Bissessar expressed hope that the lighting would become a lasting tradition, with future generations inheriting a nation where “every child belongs, every voice is heard, and every dream has room to grow.”