On this International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, we honour the memory of the sixty-nine peaceful anti-apartheid protestors who were mercilessly gunned down by police officers on 21st March, 1960 in Sharpeville, South Africa. Sixty-one years after this tragic incident, discrimination on the basis of racial or ethnic origin continues to perpetuate inequalities, hatred, misunderstanding and violence here in Trinidad and Tobago and around the world.
This year’s observance celebrates “youth standing up against racism” and aims to encourage greater participation of younger generations in challenging racial prejudice and intolerance. Despite the various Covid-19 restrictions, last year millions of young people around the world mobilised, in person and online, to engage in anti-racism and social justice campaigns; the Black Lives Matter movement is but one example.
We witnessed our own eruption of bigotry in the aftermath of the 2020 General Elections with hateful rhetoric inundating social media leaving many to question the validity of the popular refrain “all ah we is one”. Regrettably, the vitriol was not unprecedented or even unexpected as racism often rears its ugly head during everyday political debate and discussion.
Putting to bed the spectre of racism once and for all requires all hands on deck, but young people can play an important and critical role. Their passion, energy and activism, noticeable during local protests last year in support of the broader global anti-racism movement, as well as during the more recent demonstrations against gender-based violence, are evidence of their capacity and desire to effect the necessary changes. They can reject the prejudice and bias of older generations and set the tone for frank and constructive conversations about race and ethnicity in this country.
I encourage all young people to push back against racism, from the seemingly innocuous but offensive comments to blatant acts of discrimination. You can dismantle the structures of racism which still dog our nation 59 years after its Independence. Let every citizen stand up and #fightracism so that Trinidad and Tobago can one day become the land in which every creed and race truly enjoys an equal place.
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The Corps and Friends Can Cook International Food Fair has been cancelled.Underwhelming ticket sales has led the Office of the President to make this difficult decision. Her Excellency deeply regrets any disappointment or inconvenience caused.REFUNDSOnline ticket purchases will be refunded to the credit card holder within 3 to 5 business days. For those who purchased tickets at Queen’s Hall Box Office, refunds will be available from Monday, April 29th, between the hours of 10:00 am and 6:00 pm.
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Continuing their School Tour Programme, Their Excellencies Christine Carla Kangaloo ORTT, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and Kerwyn Garcia SC, First Gentleman, visited 4 schools in the St. Patrick Education District on Friday last.Santa Flora Anglican Primary, Palo Seco Open Bible Kindergarten, Palo Seco Secondary and Santa Flora Government Primary. Their Excellencies chatted one on one with many of the youngsters at each school, asking about their experiences and also informing the students about the roles and responsibilities of the President. At their first stop, Santa Flora Anglican Primary, also known as St. Cyprian's Anglican, Their Excellencies were even on time to witness the finish of a 3k road race in which students from area schools competed. Their Excellencies then presented the top three finishers with their trophies.This visit to schools is the third such undertaken by Their Excellencies. In January, Their Excellencies visited schools in Matelot and Grande Riviere while in March Their Excellencies visited schools in Preysal.
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Tickets available now at Queen’s Hall Box Office and online at queenshalltt.com Gastronomic delights from around the world!
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His Excellency Fabrizio Nicoletti, Ambassador of the Italian Republic presented his credentials to Her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo ORTT, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago this morning at President's House.
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His Excellency Cecil Toendepi Chinenere, Ambassador of the Republic of Zimbabwe presented his Letters of Credence to Her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo ORTT, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago last Friday at President’s House.
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