By Sue-Ann Wayow
HEAD of the National Transformation Alliance (NTA), Gary Griffith, hopes this Divali will be a time for citizens to remember the core values of compassion, unity, and respect.
“May we each do our part to build a country where light shines brightly, casting out darkness, and where our differences become our strength rather than a source of division,” he said in a Divali message on Wednesday.
Griffith noted that moments during Divali celebrations remind him of the need to foster understanding and sensitivity across all backgrounds.
He stated, “We are human, and mistakes are natural, but as we’ve seen recently, some missteps can highlight broader issues within our society. Divali teaches us about the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Yet, today, many of us feel that darkness, division, and negativity threaten to overshadow our nation’s potential.”
Griffith said that leaders entrusted with the unity of the people should not focus on dividing to conquer, as this tears society apart.
“As leaders, including myself, we must set a better example. We cannot remain silent when we see wrongdoing; we must speak up, even when it is inconvenient,” he said.
He wished everyone a prosperous, joyous, and incident-free Divali.
“Let us carry the light of Divali forward, ensuring it touches every aspect of our nation and inspires us all to make Trinidad and Tobago a better place for generations to come,” Griffith encouraged.
