KAMLA PERSAD-BISSESSAR URGES UNC MEMBERS TO STAND BY ONE ANOTHER, INVOKING “RIGHTEOUS WAR” IN DIVALI MESSAGE
In her Divali message to United National Congress (UNC) members, political leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar urged them to support one another through hardship. She pointed to the bond between Lord Rama and his brothers as an example of the loyalty she asked members to show.
Persad-Bissessar invoked Dharma Yuddha, or “righteous war,” saying that defending loved ones and standing up to injustice require courage and discipline. She urged members to use their inner fire peacefully and honourably, but said they should be prepared to use it to “burn everything before you to ashes” in defence of their family when faced with darkness. She said overcoming darkness takes the willingness to “go to war for your loved ones.”
She recalled what she described as mistreatment of UNC members during the party’s decade in opposition and urged members to stand by colleagues who need help. She also called on them to pass on the values of family love and loyalty to their children and grandchildren.
Persad-Bissessar thanked members for their support during her years as leader and wished them peace and prosperity for Divali.