Fellow citizens,

For many of us, Republicanism is a difficult concept to grasp. Many of us grapple with the question of why it was necessary, and how is it different from Independence. Our history books and political texts tell us that Republicanism was an important step in our ongoing journey of self-determination, and that by replacing the British monarch and her representative with a Head of State chosen from among our own citizens, we shed the last vestiges of colonial rule and assumed full ownership of our destiny. Yet even with these explanations, the real meaning of Republicanism continues to elude many of us. Apart from the symbolic change in our Head of State, many struggle to understand what difference it makes to who we are as a country.

Perhaps some light can be shed on this question if we were to regard Independence as the foundation of our country’s freedom, and Republicanism as the edifice which we choose to build upon that foundation. Looked at in this way, we might view Republicanism as the answer to the question “What are we doing with our freedom?”. For the 49 years that have passed since 1976, ours has been the responsibility to answer that question.

This past week, we have had wonderful and inspirational answers to that question in the area of sport. We have delighted in the accomplishments of Keshorn Walcott and Jereem Richards. And we have all been gripped by the elation of a fifth CPL victory by our Trinbago Knight Riders. Today, beyond the boundaries of sport, we will also gather, as we do each year, in solemn recognition of citizens who have gone above and beyond the call of duty and upon whom we will bestow national awards.

This Republic Day, Trinidad and Tobago has much to be proud of as we answer the question posed by our Republicanism – “What are we doing with our freedom?”. We can answer truthfully that since 1976, we have stared down countless challenges and, much like David standing before Goliath, we have risen to meet them with courage and determination. We can say, with justifiable pride, that though small in size and population, we have shown ourselves to be a nation abounding in vision, spirit, resilience and faith.

One of the consequences of Republicanism is that there is no escape from having always to answer the question “What are we doing with our freedom?”. There can be no ‘final answer’ to that question. It will arise for answering, constantly. My hope and my prayer are that we will continue to place ourselves, by our words and by our actions, in a position always to answer that question with pride.

Whenever Republic Day comes around, may we always be in the position of proud Trinbagonians – proud, not just of our accomplishments, but of the strength of our spirit, the breadth of our vision for our society, and the audacity of our hope for our future. Let us always be able to say that we are proud of the way we come together in times of crisis. Let us always be proud of the way we reach out to help our neighbours when they are in need. Let us always be proud of how we both celebrate our diversity and set aside our differences when it matters most. And let the edifice that we choose to build upon the foundation of our Independence, be a structure in which there is room for all, regardless of class, colour, creed or race.

As we approach the milestone of 50 years of being a Republic, may we do, with our freedom, all that we envisaged at our Independence, and more.

I wish the citizens of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago a blessed, happy and productive Republic Day.