AS she called for unity in her Christmas greeting to the nation yesterday, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar again sent condolences to those families who lost four members during an arson attack in Trou Macaque, Laventille.
Persad-Bissessar, in a statement, said:
“Recently, our nation witnessed the tragic loss of life in the community of Laventille, and once again, I extend my sincere condolences to all the affected families.
“I am deeply saddened by this willful act of arson which cut short so many lives. In the face of this tragedy, I ask that, now more than ever, we seek to mediate and talk through our differences rather than resort to acts of violence which only leave in its wake pain and suffering. My prayers go out to the injured and the loved ones of those who died in the fire.”
She added: “As we celebrate the Christmas season, let us relinquish the need to focus on our differences during this blessed season and, instead, open our hearts and minds to the commonalities which bind us together. In the tradition of the season, let us remember the less fortunate among us and give selflessly of our time, talents and resources, recognising that we each have a duty to reduce the suffering of those around us.”
Persad-Bissessar also said Government’s 15-week State of Emergency (SoE) has yielded a safer country, and she thanked citizens and the State agencies who made it possible to sustain the SoE.
Persad-Bissessar said she understood the sacrifices made by citizens during that time but admitted there is still much work to be done.
“As a nation, 2011 may be regarded as a challenging year,” Persad-Bissessar said.
“A year filled with disappointments and triumphs, in which we were all asked to make heavy sacrifices as my Government sought to correct the ills which had plagued our communities for far too long.
“I recognise that the State of Emergency and curfew, imposed only after prolonged deliberation and in light of information at hand, was a neces- sary measure to offset an imminent threat to our beloved country’s stability, reputation and development.
“The results speak for themselves and have created a safer environment for our citizens although there is still much work to be done. I take this opportunity to again thank our combined forces, the Police Service and Defence Force, for their dedication and commitment. I take this opportunity, once again, to commend you, my fellow citizens, for your patience, understanding and overall co-operation which contributed in large part to the success of the State of Emergency.”
She said her Government will also continue with social and housing programmes to bring relief to those who struggle to provide for their families.
Trinidad and Tobago has also become known as a cham- pion of women’s and children’s rights, Persad-Bissessar said, adding, “I will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the rights of our women and children, especially our young girls, are not infringed.”
(Source http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Talk_out_your_differences-136194053.html)
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