Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar congratulates winners of Nobel Peace Prize
On this auspicious day, I wish to congratulate Malala Yousafzai of Pakistan on being the youngest person in history to win a Nobel Peace Prize. She is truly deserving of this recognition.
She embodies passion and dedication in every project she undertakes as she ceaselessly advocates for children’s rights, not only in her country but across the globe.
The world was first introduced to Malala as a result of her courage and strength of spirit. We all followed the story of her recovery from an attempted assassination by a Taliban gunman two years ago.
Today, at age 17, she continues her activism even more fiercely. When there are talks of equal education opportunities for all children her voice can always be heard.
During her visit to Trinidad and Tobago in July, I had the distinct pleasure of meeting with Malala and I witnessed the effect that the young activist had on several of our citizens, particularly children.
More than her encouraging words, it was her disposition that remained with many of us. She always offered a kind smile and radiated positivity, all the while remaining quite humble.
I am pleased that our country of Trinidad and Tobago was able to show Malala that the rights for which she advocates are indeed possible.
She was able to see the many ways in which our children and young people benefit from free education up to the tertiary level. Additionally, she witnessed the inherent unity of all our people and our ability to live in peace despite our differences – something we all hope will one day be a worldwide phenomenon.
I trust that this award will forever serve as a reminder to all that young people are the strength of tomorrow. We could not have hoped for a better example.
I also wish to extend congratulations to Kailash Satyarthi, Indian children’s rights activist, who is also recognised with a Nobel Peace Prize this year.
Mr. Satyarti has devoted decades of diligence and determination towards the eradication of child slavery and exploitative child labour worldwide. He too survived several assassination attempts by those he opposed.
As a result, tens of thousands of children have been rescued. Moreover, he also developed successful modes of rehabilitation as well as education for those rescued.
May God continue to bless them both and all their endeavours as they fearlessly forge on to make this world a better place.