Trinidad and Tobago is celebrating 64 years of Independence, with President Christine Kangaloo calling on citizens to reflect on the country’s achievements, while acknowledging the challenges still facing the nation.
The remarks came during the Independence Toast to the Nation, attended by members of Government, including Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.
The Independence Toast to the Nation brought together members of Government and other invited guests as the country marked its 64th anniversary of Independence.
Speaking at the National Academy for the Performing Arts, President Christine Kangaloo reflected on the significance of the occasion and the many cultural influences that have shaped Trinidad and Tobago.
“Today, as we proudly celebrate this momentous day in our nation’s history, let us remember that independence is not merely an achievement to commemorate, but is a responsibility to discharge. Let us remember that national greatness is not something that Trinidad and Tobago simply possesses. It is something that we must continue deliberately to choose and to build.”
Earlier, the President acknowledged that while there is much to celebrate, many citizens remain concerned about safety, opportunity and the quality of life.
She also pointed to the nation’s diverse cultural traditions from African drumming and tassa, to steelpan, calypso, soca, chutney and parang as expressions of a shared national identity.
The President says these influences have been absorbed and transformed into a national character that is uniquely Trinidad and Tobago.
The Independence Toast was one of the events marking Trinidad and Tobago’s 64th anniversary of Independence.