Let there be joy and peace
PRIME Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar extended wishes of joy and peace to all citizens as the country celebrates Easter. In her Easter Message to the nation, Persad-Bissessar identified joy and peace as the common thread which linked the celebrations of Easter, Phagwa and Shouter Spiritual Baptist Liberation Day which take place over the long holiday weekend.
The Prime Minister said through individual and collective examination of the true meaning of these gifts, “we are obliged to examine our consciences and in so doing, seek truth and beauty in all things; and affirming simply, and with humility, to no longer allow negatives from the past and present, to influence our thoughts and our lives, and reduce or compromise our inner sense of peace and well-being.” Noting Easter is the sacred celebration of Christ’s resurrection from the dead and the oldest and holiest Christian festival, Persad-Bissessar said, “Let us commemorate it with tremendous gratitude and thanksgiving.
Let us love our neighbour as ourselves.” Saying “of all the earthly music which reaches farthest into heaven, is the beating of a truly loving heart,” the Prime Minister quoted the words of the Blessed Pope John Paul II, when departing TT February 5, 1985 following a short visit. “Do not be afraid, do not abandon yourselves to despair. We are the Easter people, and hallelujah is our song.” Also bringing greetings was Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley who in his Easter Message, said: “In these most challenging times here in Trinidad and Tobago, we will be well served to hold fast to our faith.
That faith which is inextricably linked to hope cannot be allowed to wane at this juncture.” Noting that Easter represents for many Christians, the crux of their faith, Rowley said, “ As TT prepares to join the rest of the world in celebrating resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ after he was put to death on Good Friday we must be reminded why this is such an important time for Christians the world over.”
“The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ died so that the sins of all mankind may be forgiven; all our sins and for all time,” he added.