Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, says Trinidad and Tobago has begun to steady itself over the last eight months.
In her Christmas 2025 message, the Prime Minister reflected on the nation’s recent progress, noting that while challenges remain, there is growing confidence in the country’s direction. She emphasised that this progress is strongest when the welfare of citizens is prioritised.
“As we reflect on the past year, we can acknowledge that over the last eight months, our nation has begun to steady itself. There is renewed seriousness in public life and a stronger focus on service, responsibility, and integrity. While challenges remain, there is confidence that when the welfare of the people is placed first, the future can be shaped with purpose.”
The Prime Minister reaffirmed her commitment to lead with honesty, empathy, and responsibility, saying the values of the Christmas season continue to guide the work of her government.
“As Prime Minister, I draw strength from the values of this holy season. They guide the work of this Government and renew my commitment to serve with honesty, empathy, strength, and responsibility.”
The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of the country’s democratic freedoms, describing Christmas as a national celebration that reflects Trinidad and Tobago’s diversity and shared values. She said citizens are able to worship, gather, and celebrate freely, and these liberties should never be taken for granted.
“In Trinidad and Tobago, Christmas is a beloved national festival that reflects our rich diversity and cherished democratic freedoms. Homes are filled with light and music. Families support one another and look forward with hope, made possible because we are free to worship, gather, and live without fear. At the same time, we remain mindful that many in our region do not share these freedoms. In neighbouring countries, populations are forced to live under repression, violence, and economic hardship. Tyranny and oppression have torn families apart, forcing many into refugee lives, driven from their homelands by fear and deprivation.”
The Prime Minister also urged citizens to celebrate the holiday season responsibly: “Be careful on our roads. Do not drink and drive. Ensure that children are supervised and protected at all times. Look out for your neighbours and care for your families and pets. These acts of responsibility are acts of love.”
* SEE MESSAGE OF THE PRIME MINISTER, THE HONOURABLE MRS KAMLA PERSAD-BISSESSAR, SC, MP, ON THE OCCASION OF CHRISTMAS 2025 BELOW:
“He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the captives and to set the oppressed free.” (Luke 4:18)
On behalf of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, I extend warm Christmas wishes to everyone in our beloved nation.
Christmas is a sacred and cherished season that invites reflection, gratitude, and renewed purpose as we honour the birth of Jesus Christ, the Saviour. Born in humility, His coming affirmed the dignity and shared humanity of all people.
The Gospel tells us that a bright star guided the Wise Men to Bethlehem, announcing the birth of Christ and the beginning of His mission as teacher, healer, servant, and Saviour (Matthew 2:1-2).
As we are reminded, Jesus came into the world as “the true light, which gives light to everyone” (John 1:9). From the very beginning, that light confronted oppression.
Christ’s earliest days were marked by flight from a tyrant ruler, King Herod, as His family escaped violence used to preserve power (Matthew 2:13-15). In this, His life began in solidarity with the persecuted, the displaced, and the powerless.
Christ’s life teaches us that true strength is found in service and that authority, without compassion, becomes oppression. Christmas, therefore, is not only a celebration of birth but a call to humility, integrity, justice, and care for others.
In Trinidad and Tobago, Christmas is a beloved national festival that reflects our rich diversity and cherished democratic freedoms. Homes are filled with light and music. Families support one another and look forward with hope, made possible because we are free to worship, gather, and live without fear.
At the same time, we remain mindful that many in our region do not share these freedoms. In neighbouring countries, populations are forced to live under repression, violence, and economic hardship. Tyranny and oppression have torn families apart, forcing many into refugee lives, driven from their homelands by fear and deprivation.
Christmas speaks directly to such suffering and assures us that injustice does not endure forever. As we are reminded: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5).
Indeed, the meaning of Christmas is revealed through action: caring for the sick, feeding the hungry, protecting children, and working for peace. In serving others, we honour the heart of this season.
As we reflect on the past year, we can acknowledge that over the last eight months, our nation has begun to steady itself.
There is renewed seriousness in public life and a stronger focus on service, responsibility, and integrity. While challenges remain, there is confidence that when the welfare of the people is placed first, the future can be shaped with purpose.
As Prime Minister, I draw strength from the values of this holy season. They guide the work of this Government and renew my commitment to serve with honesty, empathy, strength, and responsibility.
As we engage in national merriment, I urge everyone to place safety at the forefront of this holiday period.
Be careful on our roads. Do not drink and drive. Ensure that children are supervised and protected at all times. Look out for your neighbours and care for your families and pets. These acts of responsibility are acts of love.
May we all rejoice in the gifts of light Christmas brings: love that warms our hearts, faith that guides our journey, and hope that assures us oppression and injustice are never the final word.
May this Christmas bring peace to your hearts and comfort to your homes. May God bless you, your families, and our beloved nation.
I wish you a safe, holy, and joyful Christmas from my family to yours.