Messages and Speeches

Fellow citizens, on 31st August 1962, Trinidad and Tobago shook off the reins of colonialism and dared to go it alone. To the tolling of bells, the Union Jack was lowered for the final time and the Red, White and Black hoisted to signal the birth of our nation.

In his Independence address, Dr Eric Williams, our nation’s first Prime Minister, charged the citizens of this land always to place first the national interest and cause. He further proclaimed amidst great ...

Message to the Nation from
Her Excellency Paula-Mae Weekes,
President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
on the Occasion of Labour Day 2018

On July 19, 1937, pastor, labourer and firebrand revolutionary Uriah ‘Buzz’ Butler led local oilfield workers in a nationwide strike which culminated in the deaths of fourteen people and the arrest and detention of dozens more. This event, the anniversary on which we commemorate Labour Day, proved to be a watershed for ...

Message to the Nation from
Her Excellency Paula-Mae Weekes
President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
on the Occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr 2018

Eid-ul-Fitr celebrates the end of the period of Ramadan, a month-long commitment to fasting, prayer and contemplation by Muslims worldwide. It commemorates the season in which the Prophet Muhammad received divine revelation and in which one night is described by the Holy Qur’an as being better than one thousand months.

The Islamic community of ...

Congratulations Jereem Richards. The country is once again bathed in golden light thanks to your magnificent victory in the Commonwealth Games 200m Men’s Final.

This is the first time since 1966 that Trinidad and Tobago athletes have won multiple Gold Medals at the Commonwealth Games – Michelle-Lee Ahyee’s historic Women’s 100m Final Gold Medal and now Jereem’s.

As Patron of the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee, I also take this opportunity to recognise our other historic medal-winner Dylan Carter who won this ...

I congratulate sprinter Michelle Lee Ahye on her historic Commonwealth Gold Medal in the Women’s 100 meter final. Ms. Ahye’s world class performance is a shining example of what I meant when I encouraged citizens to be the light. Michelle fanned her personal flicker of self-belief with hard work and commitment and now her light shines golden.

I am delighted for her and for our country. Ms. Ahye’s mother generously declared that this medal belongs not only to Michelle but also ...

Message From
Her Excellency Paula-Mae Weekes
President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
On the Occasion of Easter 2018

Easter is the principal and oldest festival of the Christian Church.  The resurrection of Jesus Christ Our Lord, which Easter celebrates, is a foundation of Christian faith and celebration is fitting because Easter, with its guarantee of acceptance, hope and an eternity of joy, follows a period of anguish, rejection and despondency.

While Christmas with all its hype might appear ...

Message From Her Excellency Paula-Mae Weekes

President Of The Republic Of Trinidad And Tobago

On The Occasion Of Spiritual Shouter Baptist Liberation Day – March 30, 2018

Between November 1917 and the 30^th of March 1951 our fellow citizens of the Spiritual Shouter Baptist faith were prohibited from openly practising their religion.  That prohibition was lifted by the repeal of the Shouters’ Prohibition Ordinance of 1917.  Today three members of that tenacious, resilient, steadfast community hold important ...

Her Excellency Paula-Mae Weekes President Of The Republic Of Trinidad And Tobago Inaugural Address – March 19, 2018 The Queen’s Park Savannah, Port Of Spain

Fellow citizens from the least among you to the greatest and other distinguished guests.

Well before the date of assumption of any new position the candidate had better be clear about the job description.  With that in mind I first looked at the Constitution and while it outlined certain duties and functions of president, the office holder’s role was not ...