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Message on Independence Day 2025

Aug 31, 2025

Message on Independence Day 2025

Today we celebrate our country’s 63rd year of independence.

We do so while under a state of emergency, the effects of which have included modifications to the ways in which we traditionally celebrate the occasion. These modifications speak to the challenging times in which we find ourselves. But these modifications have also pressed us into finding new and innovative ways to mark the occasion. They have called us to engage our innate capacity to create and to be resourceful. And, when it comes to creativity and resourcefulness, there is no nation on earth quite like Trinidad and Tobago.

We are the nation that created the steelpan out of discarded oil drums. We are the nation that created the greatest Carnival on earth, from out of street gatherings organized to jeer at our colonial masters. We are the nation that took two pieces of metal – the rod used to connect the yokes of bullocks on the sugar cane estates, and the metal horse shoe on the estate horses – to create the dhantal. We are the nation of religions that have evolved and adapted to survive and to thrive in the face of colonial laws that were passed to wipe out our beliefs.

That is the nation whose independence we celebrate today. We might be celebrating our independence this year in circumstances different from those to which we have grown accustomed. But the characteristic about our people that has not changed – the immutable quality that makes us one of the greatest nations on earth – is our ability to rise above anything and everything that challenges us, and to thrive in all circumstances.

Challenges are nothing new to us. Our response to them is what matters. As a nation, we have every reason to be optimistic that, just as we have responded to the challenges of the past, we will also respond to the challenges of today and of tomorrow. As David Rudder puts it in the masterpiece “Dedication” – “Out of pain, this culture was born; In life’s shadowed places, the magic was spawned”.

This Independence Day, let us celebrate the magic that is Trinidad and Tobago. Let us celebrate the magic that lives inside of each of us. Let us commit to overcoming the challenges of today and to meeting the future with confidence.

I wish every citizen of Trinidad and Tobago a happy and blessed Independence Day celebration.

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6 days ago

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

6 days ago

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

7 days ago

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

1 week 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

1 week ago

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
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