Message from Her Excellency on Divali 2024

Oct 31, 2024

Fellow citizens,

Today, we join our brothers and sisters in the Hindu community, across the country and around the world, in celebrating Divali, the festival of lights.

Divali is an occasion of great jubilation, especially for those who have devoted weeks to fasting, prayer and meticulous preparation. As families and communities gather today to break their fast, exchange gifts, and light deyas, they welcome Mother Lakshmi into their homes, which have been carefully cleaned and prepared in anticipation of Her arrival.

Divali invites us to embrace a beautiful duality: it is a period for both joyous celebration and sober reflection.

We celebrate joyously Lord Ram’s defeat of Ravan and the liberation of Mother Sita and in doing so, replicate the lighting of thousands of earthen lamps to welcome Lord Ram and Mother Sita home.

Even as we engage in joyful celebration, Divali also offers us an opportunity for sober introspection and for spiritual enlightenment. The principles embodied by Lord Ram and Mother Sita remind us, not only to persevere in our pursuit of self-improvement and enlightenment, but also of our duty to translate faith into action, and live righteously towards our loved ones, neighbours and fellow citizens. Lord Ram’s victory over Ravan is not only a powerful symbol of the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil, but is also a poignant demonstration of the power of love, courage, faith and devotion to overcome even the most formidable challenges.

As we celebrate and as we ponder in our hearts the festival of Divali this year, let us vow to embody and practice the principles of Divali, every day. As we prepare our homes for the blessings of Mother Lakshmi, let us also reflect on the contents of our hearts, that truth about our attitudes, and the impact of our actions. By doing so, and by making the necessary changes in each of these areas, we truly invite the spirit of Divali into our lives, and we truly aspire to the ultimate goal of choosing good over evil.

I extend to the Hindu community and all citizens of Trinidad and Tobago heartfelt wishes for an auspicious Divali celebration. May the joy and peace of Divali fill every home throughout the nation.

Facebook Feed

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

20,903

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

The official Facebook Page of The Office of the President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

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

2 days ago

Congratulations to @dhpersad —the winner of this week’s #OTPTriviaTuesday! 🏆🎉💡 Check out the answer to this week's trivia question!📅 Don’t miss out on your chance to win — join us every Tuesday at 9AM on Instagram!#OfficeOfThePresidentTT #OTPTriviaTuesday ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook

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

3 days ago

Message from Her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo ORTT, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago on Corpus Christi 2025Today, we join the Roman Catholic community across the country and around the world in observing the Feast of Corpus Christi. This sacred observance, also known as the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, commemorates the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist. For Catholics, it is not just that Jesus Christ is represented by the Holy Eucharist – it is that Jesus Christ is Himself physically present in the Eucharist. Corpus Christi therefore invites us to reflect upon the foundational truth - not just of the faith of Roman Catholics, but of the entire Christian faith - that God is not distant or removed from the human condition, but is real and physically present in the most intimate and tangible way. Building upon the Easter message of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the feast of Corpus Christi celebrates the fact that He is physically here among us for all time. The message of God’s physical presence among us for all time, is a message that resonates with every religion. It is the greatest assurance that human beings have of a God who will never desert us, and who will always be with us no matter how difficult the circumstances. As St. Thomas Aquinas put it, “The Eucharist is the consummation of the whole spiritual life.”The Feast of Corpus Christi is therefore significant not only for Catholics and Christians, but for all of humanity. It reminds us that we are never alone and that God is always available to us. It also challenges all of us to live a Eucharistic life – a life grounded in communion, compassion and community. Just as the Eucharist nourishes the spirit, so too are we called to be sources of nourishment for others, offering mercy, compassion and peace through our words and actions. And just as God chooses to be near to us, blessing us with love, forgiveness and grace, so too are we called to show love, forgiveness and grace to one another. As we celebrate this sacred Feast, may we renew our commitment to the values it embodies. Let us consciously and deliberately apply the characteristics of Christ to every area of our lives. In so doing, we will help forge a society that upholds and embodies those self-same values; values which are foundational to a strong and resilient nation. I wish our entire national community a blessed, joyful, and reflective Corpus Christi celebration. ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook

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

3 days ago

Message from Her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo ORTT, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago on Labour Day 202588 years ago, the 1937 Butler Oilfield Riots galvanised the labour movement, upended the prevailing social order, and claimed labour’s rightful place as a vital force in the progress and development of our nation. On Labour Day, we commemorate that pivotal moment in our history and pay tribute to those whose relentless pursuit of fairness and justice for workers helped shape the course of labour relations in Trinidad and Tobago and across the region.The names Uriah ‘Buzz’ Butler, Adrian Cola Rienzi, Andrew Arthur Cipriani and Albert Maria Gomes continue to resonate in the national memory as the heroes who challenged the status quo of unfair and unjust labour practices and helped usher in a new era of workers' rights in Trinidad and Tobago. Their struggle was not only for better wages and safer working conditions, but also for justice, dignity and a better future for all. Many of the rights and protections enjoyed today are the hard-won fruits of their efforts and sacrifices. Although much progress has been made over the last 88 years, many of the challenges that these brave pioneers confronted still persist, albeit in new and complex forms. The road from 1937 to today has been far from straightforward, marked by both successes and setbacks. Our nation has weathered economic recessions, overcome the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and now, must confront the rapid changes brought by technological advances. One such technological advancement is Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI, a powerful and complex tool, appears to be ushering in what is being widely regarded as a veritable new industrial revolution. AI is already reshaping industries, transforming how businesses operate, and redefining the skills needed to succeed in the workplace. Like so many things, AI offers both heady possibilities and worrying challenges. On the one hand, AI has the potential to boost productivity, improve workplace safety, reduce human error and create entirely new sectors of employment. Properly managed, it can become a powerful driver of economic growth and development. But on the other hand, the real and valid concerns that AI presents, including fears of job displacement and growing concerns around ethics and data privacy, have also to be acknowledged and proactively addressed. As Trinidad and Tobago steps into this new world, it is essential that skills development and investment in digital literacy and technical education are prioritised in order to ensure that no one is left behind in the transition to an AI-driven future. The reality is that cooperation and collaboration are no longer optional but are mandatory. I am heartened to see such progress taking place at the national level, with certain stakeholders engaging in constructive dialogue with the State. However, this spirit of partnership must permeate all sectors of the nation. A whole-of-society approach which brings together workers, employers, government and civil society alike is required if our nation is to harness the benefits of AI while protecting and empowering our workers to keep pace with the evolving realities of the world of work. On Labour Day 2025, let us choose to build upon the foundation laid by the architects of our labour movement and steer Trinidad and Tobago toward the future that they envisioned. Let us place the national interest first and always, and commit to building a society in which we can all prosper and thrive. We must become our own heroes in this struggle. From among our ranks must rise up today’s Butlers, and Rienzis, and Ciprianis and Gomes. We must produce women and men who are able to blend their valour with the foresight and the imagination required to navigate today’s challenges. I have no doubt that in this bold, new endeavour, we will not be found wanting.I wish the entire national community a safe, blessed and productive Labour Day. ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook

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

3 days ago

#ICYMI Their Excellencies Visit Schools in the St. George East Education DistrictOn Thursday 29 May 2025, Their Excellencies Christine Carla Kangaloo ORTT, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and Kerwyn Garcia SC, First Gentleman, visited the Talparo RC, Mundo Nuevo RC, Brazil RC and San Rafael RC Primary Schools as part of their School Tour Programme.At each school, Their Excellencies met with Standard Four and Five students for interactive and engaging discussions about the history of the Presidency and the role and responsibilities of the President. Her Excellency also addressed the full student body at each stop, sharing words of encouragement and inspiration.The visits were filled with culture and creativity with students proudly showcasing their talents in vibrant cultural performances, including a patois medley and a powerful spoken word piece by Samiya Ashby of Brazil RC. Their energy and enthusiasm made each visit truly memorable.These visits bring the total number of schools visited by Their Excellencies since January 2024 to 40 schools visited. Full albums available at links below:Talparo RC/Mundo Nuevo RC School: flic.kr/s/aHBqjCh2fNBrazil RC School: flic.kr/s/aHBqjCgTH5San Rafael RC School: flic.kr/s/aHBqjCh2sw ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook

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

3 days ago

#AsItHappensHer Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo, ORTT, President of the Republic of Trinindad and Tobago delivers the feature address at the graduation ceremony of STD 5 students of Manzanilla/Nariva Government Primary School. Her Excellency advised the students to always speak to their parents, family members, teachers and those they trust when they are feeling overwhelmed or conflicted. This will help you make wise decisions. #FocusOnLearning #talktothosyoutrust #opportunities #manzanilla/Nariva #schoolgraduation #newheights #officeofthepresidentt ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook

Message from Her Excellency on Divali 2024

Related Posts

Appointment to the Public Procurement Review Board

Her Excellency Addresses the Ceremonial Opening of the Fourth Session of the Twelfth Parliament of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

Message on Spiritual Baptist Liberation Shouter Day 2023

Message to the Nation from Her Excellency Paula-Mae Weekes President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago on the Occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr 2018

Facebook Feed

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

Categories