President: Trinidad and Tobago can rise above any challenge

THE city of Port of Spain was transformed into a sea of red, white and black as hundreds flocked to the capital for the country’s 62nd Independence Day celebrations.

President Christine Kangaloo, dressed in red, gave the annual presidential toast on the stairs of the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA), Port of Spain, to a packed house including security personnel, the Prime Minister and his wife, members of the government and opposition.

Absent from the festivities on August 31 was opposition leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar.

In her toast, Kangaloo briefly reflected on Trinidad and Tobago's journey to independence, saying 62 years ago, at midnight on August 30, the Union Jack was lowered and the TT flag was first raised.

“Through storm and sunshine, it has remained raised ever since. Red, white and black flying high, a symbol of our people united as we move toward a brighter future.”

She said over the past 62 years, there have been doubts about the nation's ability to stay afloat, but TT has demonstrated its capability to navigate challenges and rise above them.

“Today we celebrate our country's resilience, including the challenges of recent years. These challenges are not unique to us, but what makes us unique is our ability to overcome them, finding strength when self-doubt begins to threaten. We possess a unique ability to find something deeper.”

Kangaloo celebrated athlete Jereem Richards' third-place finish in the men’s 400m race at the Wanda Diamond League on August 30, which earned the country a bronze medal.

She also celebrated the steelpan as the national instrument.

“Less than a year after the UN General Assembly declared World Steelpan Day, it is now our national instrument.”

On July 24, 2023, the UN declared August 11 World Steelpan Day.

In TT, Parliament passed a bill making the steelpan the national instrument after debates on July 3 and July 5, this year.

She said TT was a people and country that cannot be kept down. With a raised glass, Kangaloo called on those attending to join her in a toast.

“Today we celebrate all that is good and right about TT with hope and prayer, today we celebrate our triumph. Ladies and gentlemen, Happy 62nd anniversary to our independent state.”

About half an hour after the President’s speech and mingling with guests, Rowley and members of his government made their way to the police headquarters, then to the inaugural Prisons Commissioner's toast at the Lions Cultural Centre on Fitzblackman Drive, Wrightson Road. Before his arrival, prisoners were observed carrying chairs and finalising last-minute decor under the watchful eye of officers.

Acting Prisons Commissioner Carlos Corraspe addressed those present, highlighting the critical role of prison officers throughout the nation’s history, especially during times of turmoil.

He explained that the legal system is made up of various categories of individuals, some charged with offences but considered innocent until proven guilty, and others who, once convicted, are placed under the jurisdiction of prison service officers.

He said officers manage these individuals deemed violent and dangerous, making their role particularly challenging compared to other security personnel.

Corraspe spoke about the rising issue of gang activities disrupting the country, noting that while the police perform their duties effectively, the management of prisoners within the facilities must be flawless to maintain justice.

“We cannot afford to make mistakes,” he said. “The nation demands nothing less than a full effort.”

He said today’s prisoners are more aggressive and disrespectful compared to the past, reflecting broader societal changes, saying prisoners from the 1962 era and earlier had different attitudes compared to today’s offenders, which add to the "increasing complex role of prison officers."

He said officers are tasked not only with managing but also with rehabilitating individuals deeply entrenched in criminal behaviour.

Addressing officers, Corraspe said, “Actions have consequences. Choices have consequences. Stand for what is right. The nation needs us to stand for what is right and correct. If you can't stand for that, then just do your job. If you face a moral or ethical dilemma, just do your job.”

He concluded his address with a brief account of his own journey into the prison service.

After the ceremony, the PM was presented with two paintings, one showing him, Mrs Rowley, and their daughters done by a current prisoner, and the other a portrait of him with his wife painted by a former inmate.

Rowley began his toast by praising the commissioner’s speech, calling it one of the day’s best, saying Corraspe took responsibility for shortcoming and was willing to do the work.

Despite dozing off during some parts of Corraspe’s address, he thanked him for the invitation and said he shared a personal connection to the venue, as his wedding reception was held there.

Rowley said the event was his first opportunity to be among prison officers and recognised and described their role as a cornerstone of the security services.

He acknowledged challenges faced by both police and prison officers in dealing with what he described as major issues confronting the country: crime, violence and murder.

Rowley spoke about the different categories of people in the justice system. Law-abiding citizens, people charged with offences who are innocent until proven guilty and people who have been convicted and sentenced, who are then managed by prison officers.

He stressed prison officers face a particularly difficult job dealing with violent and dangerous inmates, and he said the behaviour of inmates is becoming more challenging once they are imprisoned, which reflects on changing attitudes toward security services.

Rowley told officers their difficult job is recognised by the government, which is "committed to providing the necessary support to ensure their safety and effectiveness."

He stressed that any breach in prison security poses a threat not only to the public but also to the officers themselves.

In conclusion, Rowley highlighted the importance of integrity and professional conduct among prison officers and reiterated the government’s "commitment to supporting their efforts."

He said the prison's inaugural celebration is a well-deserved recognition of their hard work and dedication.