Acting President: Trinidad and Tobago can conquer pandemic but urges caution

Acting President Christine Kangaloo says Trinidad and Tobago (TT) will defeat the covid19 pandemic as she expressed this optimism in her Easter message to the nation. President Paula-Mae Weekes is currently on vacation until April 24.

"That TT will conquer the covid19 pandemic is certain; the finish line is at last in view."

Signs of this are evident through a national resurrection of sorts during this year's Easter celebrations.

"For the first time in two years, Easter bonnet parades brighten common spaces, churches host their full complement of worshippers, and people relax with family and friends at restaurants, beaches, rivers, and other public venues."

She observed, "Children look forward to returning to school full time in the new term, businesses have resumed their usual operations and people conduct the business of life with greater optimism and confidence given the declining numbers of covid19 deaths and infections."

While the realisation of the promise of renewed activity in every sphere of national life is close, Kangaloo said, "Our realisation of this promise, however, depends on the active participation and responsible co-operation of each and every member of the national community."

She believed that the lessons at the core of the Easter narrative – selflessness, faith, compassion, obedience and hope­­ – are key to achieving this goal.

"To remain on our present trajectory, we must do more than merely venerate those salutary principles; we must embody and employ them in our day-to-day decisions and interactions."

As inconvenient as it is to some people, Kangaloo said, "We must continue to show consideration for our fellow citizens by wearing our masks, sanitising and washing our hands frequently, staying home when unwell and following all of the remaining guidelines."

Citizens, she continued, must continue to embody the attitudes and behaviours that Jesus Christ teaches through his death and resurrection.

"In a way not entirely different from that, we would do well to embrace those changes of attitudes and of behaviours occasioned by the pandemic that have proven beneficial and productive to everyday life."

She urged businesses and organisations to keep "innovating and transforming their service delivery to stay abreast of the ever-evolving demands of society."

Kangaloo advised citizens to "value the indescribable importance of spending more quality time with their loved ones."