President Paula-Mae Weekes has issued an appeal to citizens to strengthen ties that bind them together as a people and as a nation.
In her Indian Arrival Day message, President Weekes said this country owes an eternal debt of gratitude to the brave East Indian indentured immigrants who endured many challenges and hardships to leave their home in India and begin a new life in Trinidad and Tobago.
She added that their accounts of sacrifice, perseverance and triumph are an inspiration to all of us, particularly as we seek to put the COVID-19 crisis well and truly behind us.
The statement further added that citizens must adopt their persevering spirit to vanquish the virus that has wrought immeasurable loss, misery and chaos, and overcome the many other tribulations such as rising crime, soaring food prices and unemployment which affect our national development.”
She also urged citizens to build on the foundation left by the East Indian indentured immigrants by “rejecting completely the religious, political and racial strife that so often threaten the very fabric of our nation.