By Sue-Ann Wayow

INDEPENDENCE is not just a historic moment. It is a living promise, a promise of freedom, equality, opportunity and progress.

These are the words of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar in her 2025 Independence Day message to the nation.

She said the celebration of the 63rd anniversary was to honour the courage, vision, and determination of those who fought to give citizens the right to govern themselves, shape destiny and to dream of a brighter future.

But while much has been achieved in the past six decades, more needed to be done for progress.

Persad-Bissessar said, “We must continue the work of empowering our citizens, creating safer communities, inspiring healthier lifestyles and opening the doors of opportunity through education and investment. We must work to make Trinidad and Tobago not only a place of rich culture and natural beauty but also a land of fairness, justice, prosperity and innovation.”

She said above all, children must be encouraged to foster values that will shape a stronger and kinder nation.

“We must teach them the importance of compassion for one another, of service to country, and of believing in their own abilities. Our children must know that they are capable of achieving all they dream of.

“To me, that is what independence is truly about, ensuring that the future of our nation is one where every child can grow up in a safer place, where education and opportunities empower them to turn their dreams into reality,” Persad-Bissessar said.

She assured her government was working to address challenges faced and promised to remain dedicated to fixing the problems that affect daily lives, to creating jobs and opportunities, supporting families, protecting the vulnerable and ensuring that every citizen has the chance to achieve their fullest potential.

Persad-Bissessar said government alone could not transform a nation but every citizen with a shared responsibility.

She asked that citizens not lose hope or challenges to divide the nation.

“Instead, let us move forward with courage, unity, and faith in ourselves and in each other,” Persad-Bissessar said.

And she thanked citizens for their love and support.

“Together we can and will achieve greatness and, as we raise our flags high today, let us remember that the red, white, and black are more than colours, they are a reflection of our strength, our unity, and our unshakable spirit as one people. Let us walk boldly into the future, knowing that the best of Trinidad and Tobago is still to come, this is my promise to you.”