Politics
Trinidad and Tobago: 36 years as a republic
“This assurance should give us all a measure of comfort, that our democracy is stable and strong; that right will always rise above wrong, that there is in place, a leadership that will hold justice, the constitution, and the law dear and sacred.”
But Opposition Leader Dr. Keith Rowley in his message said that the 36th anniversary of Republic Day, finds the country going through a “demoralizing and testing period.
“To add to the imposition, our leaders, rather than humble themselves and magnanimously honor their sacred oath to promote and defend the public interest, hasten uncaringly to exercise the preference of championing the evils of misbehavior in and out of public office to a degree which defies wisdom, decorum, decency and understanding,” he said.
Rowley said it was incumbent upon citizens to take stock of the developments which were “engulfing and embattling us”.
“As a matter of urgent priority, such soul-searching becomes imperative when those in whose care we put our trust and those of our children make light of celebrating and rewarding graft and corruption,” he said, adding that the nation owes a deep debt of gratitude to those vigilant professionals who work in the mass media.
“These are the men and women who legitimize the doctrine that ‘the price of freedom is eternal vigilance’. The role of the mass media in protecting us citizens from the excesses and indiscretions of unworthy leaders cannot be undervalued. In these contemporary times, the role and responsibility of the mass media must never be over emphasized.
“We express deep appreciation to our journalists for their stick-to-itiveness and dedication to duty,” he said.
