31/08/2026
My dear brothers and sisters, both at home and abroad, of this blessed nation of Trinidad and Tobago, I extend warm greetings and deep gratitude to you on this, the 64th anniversary of our Independence.
August 31, 1962, marked a defining moment in our history, when Trinidad and Tobago emerged as a free and sovereign nation and took its rightful place on the world stage. Sixty-four years later, we must continue to reflect on what Independence means and, more importantly, on the responsibility that comes with being masters of our own destiny.
Our first Prime Minister, the late Dr. Eric Williams, reminded us in his first Independence Day address: “Whatever the challenge that faces you, from whatever quarter, place always first that national interest and the national cause. The strength of the Nation depends on the strength of its citizens.” Those words are as important today as they were in 1962. At a time when our citizens are facing hardship, uncertainty and the loss of jobs, we must remember the strength that resides in our people and the national qualities upon which our country was built: Discipline, Production and Tolerance.
Discipline must be reflected in the governance of our nation. The reported 24 departures from State boards this year, including the resignation of the chairman of Heritage Petroleum, raise serious questions about the appointments made by this Government, the competence of those entrusted with our national institutions and whether these boards were equipped from the beginning to do the jobs they were appointed to perform. The people deserve accountability and clarity about the management of institutions that belong to them.
Tolerance is one of the defining strengths of our society, but it must never become an acceptance of circumstances that diminish the quality of life of our people. The shortages affecting some medicines under CDAP, including certain cancer drugs, remind us that behind every shortage is a citizen waiting for something essential to their wellbeing.
Production must be seen in the results delivered to our people. Thousands of parents have been waiting on book grants as the new school term approaches, with families having to meet expenses themselves while they await assistance. Government must have the capacity to plan, execute and deliver on time.
And as the world around us changes, we must ask where Trinidad and Tobago stands. The United States and Venezuela have announced a major oil agreement involving Venezuela’s vast energy reserves. As our neighbour enters a new energy reality, what deal is Trinidad and Tobago getting? What opportunities are being secured for our energy sector, our businesses and our workers? What is our strategy for investment, growth and jobs at a time when concerns about economic slowdown are emerging?
Yet, despite the hardships we face, I remain immensely proud of the people of Trinidad and Tobago. We have lost jobs, endured uncertainty and faced difficult times, but we remain the land of steelpan, calypso and chutney; a remarkable melting pot of cultures, traditions, faiths and peoples. As calypsonian Denyse Plummer so beautifully reminds us, “Nah Leaving” — for this is the land of our birth, the land that has shaped us and the land we continue to love.
At 64, let us therefore renew our commitment to the national interest and the national cause. Let us demand discipline in governance and in ourselves, production that creates opportunity and equity, and tolerance that strengthens the fabric of our society.
On behalf of the Opposition of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, I wish every citizen at home and abroad a blessed and reflective Independence Day 2026. May this day inspire us to stand together as one people under one flag, proud of who we are and confident in where we are going.
May God bless you all, and may God bless our beloved nation of Trinidad and Tobago.
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Hon. Pennelope A. Beckles, MP
Leader of the Opposition
