ON 12th of September 2025, history was made in Trinidad and Tobago as the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2025 was passed in Parliament. This landmark reform extends citizenship by descent to the grandchildren of our citizens, finally correcting a long-standing gap in our laws.

This initiative, led with vision by Minister of Sports Phillip Watts stands as a testament to what can be achieved when leadership and foresight meet national necessity.

Minister Watts recognised what generations of coaches, athletes, and administrators had known for years: that our outdated restrictions were costing us some of the best sporting talent from our diaspora. His advocacy ensured that this bill was brought forward with urgency, relevance, and purpose.

Equally important was the spirited defence of the bill by Devesh Maharaj, whose contributions in Parliament sharpened the case for reform.

He made it clear that this was not just a sporting measure but a national development tool, one that would strengthen our competitiveness internationally while reconnecting our families abroad to the homeland. His interventions ensured that this legislation withstood scrutiny and emerged stronger from the parliamentary debates.

I must also highlight the role of our Prime Minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who praised this bill as a long-overdue and important initiative. Her support reflects her broader vision of inclusivity, a Trinidad and Tobago that not only embraces those within its borders but also reaches out to its sons and daughters, and now its grandchildren, across the globe. The prime minister rightly recognised this amendment as part of the larger project of modernising our nation’s laws to keep pace with global standards.

This achievement is not just about legislation. It is about opportunities for our people. It means that talented footballers, cricketers, athletes, and professionals who trace their lineage to Trinidad and Tobago will now be able to wear our colours, contribute to our society, and carry our story across the world. It means that no grandchild of our diaspora will be turned away because of legal technicalities that no longer reflect the realities of migration and family life.

The passage of this bill represents progress on multiple fronts: sports, trade, tourism, and above all, national pride. It is a clear message to the world –  Trinidad and Tobago is open to its diaspora, open to talent, and open to building a stronger, more united nation.

As Parliamentary Secretary in Trade, Investment and Tourism, I can say with confidence that this reform will unlock benefits far beyond the sporting arena. Every success on the field brings visibility to our country, strengthens our economic opportunities, and reinforces the image of Trinidad and Tobago as a resilient, dynamic, and inclusive nation.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2025 will be remembered as one of the defining initiatives of this Parliament. For this, we owe gratitude to Minister Watts for his foresight, to Devesh Maharaj for his defence of the bill, and to our Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar for recognising its importance as part of her broader vision for an inclusive and progressive Trinidad and Tobago.

This is truly a proud day for our country.