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Address from Her Excellency at the 39th Baal Vikas

Mar 2, 2024

Address from Her Excellency at the 39th Baal Vikas

Sita Ram and Good Morning.

My husband and I wish to thank the Sanatan Dharma Maha Saba for its kind invitation to attend the 39th Baal Vikaas Festival this morning, and for its extremely warm welcome to us. I would also like to say thank you for allowing me the opportunity to address you, very briefly, this morning.

As you know, one of my main areas of interest as President, is our country’s young people. This is one of the reasons that I am so thrilled to be here this morning – because the Bal Vikaas programme focuses heavily on our primary school children. Another reason that I am so interested in the programme is because, as I understand it, the true meaning of “Bal Vikaas” is “the Blossoming of the Child”. What a beautiful idea to bring alive by means of this programme.

The beauty of the programme is not just in the majesty of its conceptual framework, however; it is also in the power of its actualised objectives.

I have been told that its objectives include the creation of an environment of respect, tolerance and harmony for students of all cultural and religious beliefs; complementing the school’s curriculum and assisting in the holistic development of the child; and providing an opportunity for the community and school to work together – to name just a few.

You will understand, therefore, why it is I stand in wholehearted support of this programme. I do so because the preservation of our peoples’ history and culture is an indispensable and critical component of nation-building. I do so because I believe that it is the duty of all agents of socialisation – the principal ones being the family, schools and religious institutions – to ensure that our history and rich culture are not only learned, but are actively observed and respected by our children. I do so because it is only when a people know and respect their history and their culture, that a society is able to share a common memory of where it has been, of what its core values are, and what is the direction in which it wishes to go. And I do so because, by immersing our youth in our nation’s history and culture, the Bal Vikaas programme plays a vital role in equipping our nation’s children to undertake the task of asking probing questions about our society, and also, of answering them.

I therefore commend and congratulate the Sanatan Dharma Maha Saba for establishing and for continuing the Bal Vikaas programme for the past 39 years. I commend and congratulate you for providing for our primary school children, a safe space and a platform for them to build their self-confidence; for them to foster teamwork and engender team spirit; and for them to foster healthy inter-school competition – all of which help to create well-rounded and empowered citizens.

I commend, as well, the parents who, by encouraging and permitting their children to participate in the Bal Vikaas program, have demonstrated their understanding of the importance of an holistic approach to education – particularly in these times when our children can easily fall prey to negative influences.

I also applaud the teachers who have given selflessly of their time – beyond normal school hours – to coach, work with, and train the students.

Above all, I congratulate and extend my and my husband’s best wishes to all of the students who will be participating in today’s CHOWTAL competition, and in the other competitions in the coming months. I encourage each of you to enjoy your school life; to participate in programmes such as Bal Vikaas; to read and discover more about your culture, and, in so doing, to cultivate a deep understanding of what our nation’s core values are; and, in time to come, to make wise and informed decisions about the direction in which you wish our nation to go. I encourage each of you to make your country proud.

As I close, please permit me to take this opportunity to also congratulate Pundit Dr. Rampersad Parasram, the sixth Dharmacharya of the Sanatan Dharma Maha Saba, to whom this year’s Bal Vikaas is dedicated, in celebration of his 80th birthday.

And so, I thank you for affording me this opportunity to have spoken with you and I wish the Sanatan Dharma Maha Saba and all participating schools a safe and successful Bal Vikaas 2024.

Thank you.

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The Office of the President was delighted to welcome students of the Barrackpore West Secondary School and members of Bethel World Outreach Ministries to The President’s House this week.The visitors enjoyed guided tours of the historic grounds—home to a rich variety of flora and fauna—and explored some of the public rooms of the Great House. 📸 See more highlights from their visit:👉 Barrackpore West Secondary School: flic.kr/s/aHBqjCyp4X👉 Bethel World Outreach Ministries: flic.kr/s/aHBqjCyfa5 ... See MoreSee Less

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Media Release His Excellency Wade Mark Acting President appoints Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh as the new Chief Justice The Office of the President wishes to advise that in accordance with Section 102 of the Constitution, His Excellency Wade Mark, Acting President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago appointed Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh as the Chief Justice of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, today, October 22, 2025 at a ceremony at the President’s House. This follows the announced retirement of The Honourable the Chief Justice Mr. Justice Ivor Archie ORTT from the position of Chief Justice effective, October 22, 2025. Present to witness the swearing in ceremony was Mrs. Aberleen Boodoosingh, and Ms. Amiya Boodoosingh , wife and daughter of the new Chief Justice, Mr. Justice Ivor Archie, ORTT, former Chief Justice, Senator the Honourable John Jeremie SC, Attorney General, the Hon. Roger Alexander, MP Minister of Homeland Security, Chief of Defence Staff, Captain Don Polo and Ag. Commissioner of Police Junior Benjamin.The Honourable, the Chief Justice, Mr. Justice Roonie Boodoosingh, formerly Justice of Appeal, was admitted to practise as an attorney-at-law in Trinidad and Tobago on 30 October, 1992, and appointed a Judge in Supreme Court of Judicature of Trinidad and Tobago in September 2007. Justice Boodoosingh served as a High Court Judge in both the Criminal and Civil jurisdictions. In 2020, Justice Boodoosingh was elevated to Judge of the Court of Appeal of Trinidad and Tobago.Prior to be being appointed as a Judge, Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh was employed as a Lecturer at the Hugh Wooding Law School in 2001 and in 2007 was appointed as the Course Director of the Trial Advocacy Programme. He also serves as Coach and Adviser to school’s Mooting Teams including the CCJ Moot Team.Justice Boodoosingh is the holder of a Bachelor of Laws degree, a Legal Education Certificate, as well as a Master of Laws in International Dispute Resolution.Justice Boodoosingh has notably published The Complete Advocate, a textbook on Advocacy in the Commonwealth Caribbean, and in 2020, Advocacy in Point Form and Advocacy in Verse, as well as a Practical Guide to Evidence in Civil Cases.The Honourable, the Chief Justice, Mr. Justice Roonie Boodoosingh, in a brief statemen, shared his humility in accepting the new position and thanked the former Chief Justice for his service. Her thanked his family and committed to continuing the work that is required to move the judiciary forward. His Excellency, Wade Mark, Acting President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, raised a toast and congratulated the Chief Justice on his appointment, “Your elevation to this distinguished office is a reflection of your integrity, your unwavering dedication to justice, and your steadfast service to the people of Trinidad and Tobago. I wish you continued wisdom, courage, and strength as you undertake this vital responsibility.” His Excellency also thanked the former Chief Justice for his service, “seventeen years of leadership at the helm of the Judiciary is no ordinary achievement. You have served with distinction, leaving an indelible mark on the administration of justice and on the nation as a whole. On behalf of the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, I express sincere gratitude for your commitment and your enduring contribution to the rule of law. “ ... See MoreSee Less

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The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T

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#WatchliveHis Excellency Wade Mark, Acting President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago appoints the new Chief Justice of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. ... See MoreSee Less

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The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T updated their cover photo.

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The President’s House was the destination of choice for Standard Four students of the La Horquetta South Government Primary School last week! 🇹🇹✨Groups of students had the wonderful opportunity to:🏛️ Visit the official residence of the Head of State🎖️ Reenact official ceremonies📘 Learn about the role and functions of the President of the Republic of Trinidad and TobagoIt was a memorable and educational experience for all!📸 See highlights from their tours:🔗 La Horquetta South Government Primary SchoolOctober 14, 2025👉 flic.kr/s/aHBqjCycx👉 flic.kr/s/aHBqjCycyGOctober 16, 2025👉 flic.kr/s/aHBqjCy79M👉 flic.kr/s/aHBqjCy7e1 ... See MoreSee Less

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