Rowley: Hope coming despite covid19 despair

THE Prime Minister appealed to the population not to despair in the darkness caused by the covid19 pandemic because hope is on the horizon. Dr Rowley, who will be among those vaccinated on Tuesday when the Government rolls out phase one of its covid19 vaccination programme, underscored this point in his Easter message to the nation.

He observed that many people have doubts that "Trinidad and Tobago will ever overcome the challenges before us." Rowley attributed this in part to global uncertainty about the pandemic. "But I assure you that despite what you may see or hear, in some quarters, the Government you elected in 2020 is working toward the benefit of all the people of this country. "

He promised, "The Government will not give up on the mission which the citizens of this country assigned us. With your input and patience, we are going to achieve better levels of health, security and prosperity for this country together."

Rowley said a reflection on TT's history, shows this country has overcome many hurdles in the past. "Remember, too, that our country is not the only one in the world facing socio-economic, and now the psychological challenges, being created by the pandemic. These are in every corner of the global village."

As TT continues to battle with covid19, the acquisition of vaccines and challenging economic circumstances, Rowley said the lessons of Easter are instructive. "The Bible tells us that because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ the world now has hope, through Him, of everlasting life."

Easter Sunday, he continues, is a time for renewed hope in the world and it "is particularly required at this time."

Rowley said, "It also gives us the reminder that no matter how dark a situation, as the present may seem, there is always hope for a brighter tomorrow."

He added, "We need to understand that the outcome will depend on how we view our current position. Let us search for the opportunities, which are all around us, to ensure that we overcome this trying period together."

Rowley said Easter is also instructive to TT's young men on the issues of crime and gender-based violence. He urged them to reflect on their lives." Learn to love and respect our women, and our society."

While crime may hurt the victim first, Rowley warned, "But be assured that the perpetrator will get his reckoning, some day." He said, "Acts of crime really show the need to go into yourselves and cultivate the compassion, which Christ preached."

Rowley added, " At Easter we recall that women were the ones who found the risen Christ over 2000 years ago." He said men must recognise women as their counterparts, playing an equal role in our society and that women "are the backbone of our nation."

Rowley urged young men to see their mother, grandmother and other women who shaped their lives growing up, in their partner. "Extend to your partner the love and care she deserves as the mother of your children and your possible life partner."

He said men must do what they were born to do "be protectors and not predators of women and children."

Rowley appealed to TT's young people to find paths of tolerance and compassion in their relationships." "Overall, gender-based violence and other violent crime ought not to be among the most identifiable features of this country’s social landscape."

He also appealed to citizens to spend Easter Sunday with their families, reflect on the life of Jesus Christ, then turn to their inner strengths.

"Let us look deep within ourselves, with questions of how can we use the strengths that reside within us all to propel us forward during this period."