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Message on Christmas Day 2024

Dec 25, 2024

Message on Christmas Day 2024

Christmas is generally a time of joy and merriment, as Christians the world over celebrate the birth of their Saviour, Jesus Christ. Communities join in festive activities and families come together to partake of food and song, and people generally unwind and do their best to put aside their worries and troubles during the season.

But Christmas can also be an extraordinarily difficult time for those who have suffered loss and tragedy. The festivities in which others engage and the bonds that are forged and strengthened at this time of year, can serve as cruel reminders of their loss and of their loneliness.

This Christmas, we would do well, amidst our joy and celebration, to pause and think of those who are in pain and who are suffering. The tragic loss of lives to crime, to road accidents, to fires, and to industrial accidents has made this year’s Christmas extremely difficult for many of our fellow-citizens. Then, there are those who exist on income which is not even near to that which is required to keep their heads above the proverbial water – to keep food on their tables and to enable them to send their children to school. This Christmas, as we partake of the food and the fare that is often more plentiful at this time of year, we would do well also to remember their suffering and their pain.

By virtue of developments in the wider national community which have immediately preceded it, Christmas this year affords all of us, regardless of our individual faiths, a unique opportunity to reach beyond our own individual circumstances and to extend support to those who are in greater need than we are – whether it be of material or of emotional support. By all means – let this Christmas be a time for continuing our delightful observances and of continuing to honour our cherished Christmas customs and traditions. But this year, let it also be a time to reflect on the circumstances of our brothers and sisters in need, and to reach out and lend a helping hand.

This Christmas, let us ponder how blessed we all are to have the chance to draw from the Christmas narrative of hope, comfort and joy as we seek to navigate the difficulties and challenges of life and to guide us into the year ahead.

For Christians, the essence of Christmas is encapsulated in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” If we could only apply these values in our own lives and in that of others; if only we, too, could so love the world that we would give unto others our most precious gifts, what a caring and compassionate and a kind country we would build.

This Christmas, let us allow the light of the Divine to shine brightly in our hearts and actions. Let us move even more deeply into the mystery of love and joyfully embrace the opportunity to serve others, give back and uplift those around us through acts of kindness, compassion and generosity, just as Jesus Christ did during His ministry here on the earth.

Let us, in so doing, help build a stronger, a more connected and a more compassionate nation, of which we could all be proud.

My husband and I extend our warmest wishes to each and every citizen of our beloved nation for a happy, safe and blessed Christmas 2024.

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The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T
#ICYMIOn Wednesday October 15, 2025, for the third consecutive year, Their Excellencies Christine Carla Kangaloo, ORTT, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and Kerwyn Garcia, S.C., First Gentleman, attended the annual Divali Nagar. Prior to the start of the night’s official proceedings, Their Excellencies were warmly welcomed by NCIC President, Mr. Surujdeo Mangaroo, and invited to view the Thematic Exhibition housed at the NCIC titled “Loka Sangraha — The Welfare of the World.”In her address, Her Excellency reflected on the meaning of this year’s theme, reminding the audience that:“When we act selflessly for the welfare of others, we become bearers of that light, ourselves participating in the eternal victory of knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, and light over darkness.”Shubh Divali to all! 🪔#DivaliNagar2025 #LokaSamgraha #OfficeOfThePresident #ShubhDivali #TrinidadAndTobago ... See MoreSee Less

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The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T
Mr. David Comissiong, High Commissioner-designate of the Republic of Barbados to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, today presented his Letters of Credence to Her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo ORTT, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, at The President’s House.Accompanying the High Commissioner was Mrs. Sandra Gittens, Senior Foreign Service Officer and Mr. Kodie Ramsay-Rollins, Foreign Service Officer.Her Excellency congratulated High Commissioner Comissiong and extended her best wishes for a successful and fulfilling tenure in Trinidad and Tobago. ... See MoreSee Less

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

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The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T
On Saturday 11th October, 2025, Their Excellencies Christine Carla Kangaloo ORTT, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and Kerwyn Garcia, S.C., First Gentleman attended the 75th anniversary celebrations of the Syrian Lebanese Women’s Association of Trinidad and Tobago. Their Excellencies were first taken on a guided tour of a ‘living museum’ which showcased the rich history, traditions and contributions of the SLWA and the wider Syrian-Lebanese community in Trinidad and Tobago. Their Excellencies later joined guests for dinner and in enjoying the evening’s musical performances.Proceeds from the event will go toward supporting the Association’s ongoing outreach and service initiatives across Trinidad and Tobago.Established in 1950, the Syrian Lebanese Women’s Association of Trinidad and Tobago is a local non-governmental organization that provides assistance to the poor, sick, and disadvantaged through a range of charitable and community-based initiatives. ... See MoreSee Less

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6 days ago

The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T
#HappeningNow Their Excellencies Christine Carla Kangaloo ORTT, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and Kerwyn Garcia SC, First Gentleman arrive for the fifth night of Divali celebrations at the 37th Annual Divali Nagar. ... See MoreSee Less

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

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The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T
On Tuesday 14th October, 2025, Mr. Ranko Vilović, Ambassador-designate of the Republic of Croatia to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago presented his credentials to Her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo ORTT, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago at The President’s House.The Ambassador was accompanied by Mr. Boris Bartulin, Minister Plenipotentiary. Her Excellency warmly welcomed the Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago and extended her best wishes for his tenure.The presentation of Letters of Credence is a key ceremonial and diplomatic act, through which incoming Ambassadors or High Commissioners are formally accredited to represent their home countries and act on behalf of their governments in the host nation. ... See MoreSee Less

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President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
Office of the President
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The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

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Email: otp.mail@otp.gov.tt

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