MESSAGE TO THE NATION FROM THE HONOURABLE PATRICK MANNING PRIME MINISTER OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO ON THE  CELEBRATION OF DIVALI 2008

On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, I am pleased to extend greetings to all of our citizens as the nation celebrates another Divali. This festival provides another opportunity for us to acknowledge the presence of God and spiritual light in our lives. We are reminded that through perseverance, responsible conduct, determination and  faith , the human being  has the capacity to ensure that  good always triumphs over evil and that  enlightenment ultimately prevails over the darkness and dangers of ignorance.

The national observance of Divali helps to illuminate one of its core principles that the light of God resides in all things - human beings, plants, animals, the forces of nature and the inanimate world. This cosmopolitan concept can  serve to nurture our innate divinity so that we become one with the Almighty and his entire creation. In the plural society of Trinidad and Tobago, we often have excellent opportunities to experience our oneness with regard to the many external differences, this is another such occasion.

Our society has been greatly successful in this regard, as evidenced by the harmonious diversity of national life.  Ours is indeed a deeply religious country, where all faiths flourish and fortify the national spirit for the challenges that inevitably surface in day to day life. We have recently celebrated  Eid-ul-Fitr, we now celebrate Divali, we then move on to Christmas, observances that emanate from the religious heritage  of humanity; and which underscore the great blessing that is our diversity.

We take this opportunity to pay tribute to the Hindu Community. This group arrived in this country one hundred and sixty three years ago and helped to lay the foundation of the productive society that has  been built. This group has continued to contribute greatly in all fields of national life and has helped to ensure that the light of development continues to shine in Trinidad and Tobago.


Shubh Divali.

Patrick Manning

Prime Minister