Acting Permanent Secretary
Ambassadors
Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary
Directors of Division
Heads of Section
Specially Invited Guests
Members of Staff
I am pleased to extend Divali Greetings to you and your families on this special occasion. Although I have met many of you in the execution of my duties as Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, this is my first opportunity to engage in a staff activity that has become a tradition.
In our national anthem we sing the words “every creed and race find an equal place”. Government is encouraging citizens to promote initiatives that will foster an environment of unity. This event today provides us with an opportunity to engage our Hindu brothers and sisters, thereby allowing us to fill any gaps we may have with knowledge of the Hindu religion with a view to replacing ignorance with tolerance.
On Tuesday 10th November, 2015 we will join with the Hindu community in Trinidad and Tobago and across the world to celebrate Divali - also known as Deepavali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, which signifies the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and hope over despair. The 2015 theme selected by the National Council of Indian Culture is “Devi Naa – The Divine Mother”.
In Hinduism, Divine Mother is the first manifestation of Divine Energy. It signifies omnipotence, omnipresence, love, intelligence and wisdom. Just as a child believes its mother to be all-powerful, and capable of doing anything for the child, a devotee believes the Divine Mother to be all merciful, all-powerful and eternally guiding and protecting him/her with her invisible arms.
Here at the Headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, we are called upon to play a somewhat maternal role as we provide a vision, advisory support and guidance on operations and policy matters for the twenty (20) Overseas Missions that look after the needs and interests of the Government and People of Trinidad and Tobago, including our Diaspora throughout the world.
Over the last few weeks, I have observed that just like a mother, you have demonstrated your commitment to our beloved country. Through your efforts we were able to host successfully, in September, a delegation from Venezuela which included that country’s Foreign Minister, Energy Minister and Finance Minister. Those discussions laid the foundation for Trinidad and Tobago’s participation in the bilateral High Level Consultative Mechanism held in Venezuela just over a week ago. The contributions of the staff of the Ministry resulted in Trinidad and Tobago being able to participate meaningfully in the 70th Regular Session of the United Nations General Assembly during the period 24th September, 2015 to 4th October, 2015. Here at home, staff provided significant support to the National Day of Prayer; the Opening of the Law Term; and the Opening of the 11th Session of the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago. Through these actions of support, we were able to shine our individual lights as we came together as a team to achieve collective goals and to overcome situations that would have been daunting for one individual.
Currently, the world is facing a great challenge as the existence of the Divine Mother, Mother Nature or Mother Earth as she is also known, is being debilitated by mankind. Our land, our water and our air are being filled with toxins that have a deleterious effect on our health. Climate Change is not a problem for tomorrow, next week or next year. But rather, Climate Change is a problem that we must address now.
At the 70th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, I had the opportunity to participate in the High Level “Interactive Dialogue: Protecting our Planet and Combating Climate Change.” During my intervention, I noted that the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda is a clarion call for ambitious and immediate action on Climate Change. I also reaffirmed Trinidad and Tobago’s commitment to doing its part to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Later this month, leaders will come together in Malta for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting where they will address global issues such as Climate Change. Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Keith Rowley is scheduled to participate in a Special Executive Session on Climate Action and will work with leaders to build high level political momentum on the issue prior to the 21st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Paris at the end of November into December.
I call upon you the members of the staff of the Ministry of Foreign and CARIOCM Affairs to start your own Climate Action to remove the darkness that has engulfed our planet. For this festival of lights, let us resolve to be the light ourselves. Instead of asking the Divine Mother to enrich our lives with wealth, let us instead ask how we may restore, and rejuvenate the earth, our country, our society, our community, our Ministry.
In planting a tree, we are planting the grace of the Divine Mother. In cleansing our drains and rivers we are cleaning her glorious form. Before you act think about the earth; think about the climate. It begins with one tree, or even the picking up of litter from the corridor or near your desk, or the switching off of one light to conserve energy. Through these acts we can demonstrate our love for this world just as the Divine Mother demonstrates her love for us. Let us put ourselves in a position to receive the real wealth the world has to offer. The real wealth of the Divine Mother is not to be found in material things. True wealth is God’s presence in our lives. That spark of faith can begin a chain of light. That light is in your hands on this Divali Day.
Shubh Divali.
