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Main Points
Prime Minister and UNC political leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar has delivered a forceful Republic Day message to her party’s membership, urging supporters to be strong, ambitious and prepared to defend the party and its beliefs. In the message marking Trinidad and Tobago’s 50th anniversary as a republic, Persad-Bissessar declared that the UNC was no longer “a party in retreat” and said it was now helping to lead the country into what she described as a new order. Reflecting on the party’s history, she said its predecessor organisations and the UNC had at times been underestimated, vilified and disrespected. Persad-Bissessar said those days were over, declaring that the UNC would “ruthlessly and ferociously defend” its beliefs, policies, party and membership. She also delivered a message about personal development and the use of power, telling supporters that knowledge and discipline were necessary to improve their lives and the country. “You must be dangerous, ruthless, aggressive and intelligent,” Persad-Bissessar told members, while encouraging them to continue pursuing self-improvement and success. The Prime Minister also reflected on Trinidad and Tobago’s 50 years as a republic, arguing that the country had experienced societal decay, economic inequality and missed opportunities during that period. She urged citizens not to define their history solely through slavery and indentured labour, pointing to ancestral connections with civilisations in Africa, India, China, the Middle East and Europe. Persad-Bissessar concluded by expressing pride in the UNC and calling on members to believe in themselves and continue working towards success.
