Fellow citizens,

Every Independence Day, all of us have the opportunity, if not the obligation, to reflect on the significance of our Independence experiment, and to evaluate its success. This requires our taking a fair, but critical look at ourselves. It requires us to consider whether we, as a society and as individuals, have embraced all that comes with being truly independent. It requires us to ask ourselves whether we are willing to make the changes and to take the steps, which, as daunting as they may seem, are required to be taken in order for us fully to realise independence.

To be independent is to be responsible for ourselves and to take charge of the evolution of our national identity, ethos and spirit. It means taking responsibility for shaping Trinidad and Tobago according to our unique values, principles and ideals. It means that the buck stops with us facing the consequences, whether good or not, of our actions and choices.

As important and as vital as they are to our experience of independence, being independent involves more than outward acts annual of celebration. It means holding up a mirror to ourselves, daily and constantly, and assessing of our progress in creating the kind of country about which we sing in our national anthem – a country in which every creed and race finds an equal place. It requires to face the truth about our shortcomings, even as we celebrate our gifts and our strengths.

To become independent required us not just to separate from Great Britain, but to come together as a society. Realizing the fullness of our independence, requires the input and active participation of every citizen. Sixty-two years on, the question whether we are willing to make the changes and take the steps which are required to be taken in order for us fully to realise independence, is a question that our country poses to each and every one of us. I believe in our citizens’ ability to make those changes and to take those steps.

As we celebrate our country’s independence this year, let us resolve to support our communities, our institutions, and one other as we all strive to make our society a better, stronger and safer place for all. Let us recommit, each of us, to playing our part, so that all of us can fully to realise our independence. Let us celebrate in the confidence that we are possessed of unique abilities and advantages that enable us, not just to aspire towards, but to achieve, true independence. Let us celebrate with boundless faith in our destiny.

I wish every citizen of Trinidad and Tobago a safe, reflective and joyous Independence celebration.