Independence Day Celebrations 2013 Event Programme

A Thanksgiving Inter-Faith Service to Celebrate the 51st Anniversary of Independence of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

“Facing the Future with Strength and Determination”

Sunday 1st September, 2013 at 3:00 pm St. Peter’s Church, 119 Eaton Square, London, SW1W 9AL

H.E Anthony Thomas Aquinas Carmona, SC, President of The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

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Order of Service Congregation stands The Procession of the Celebrants, led by H.E Garvin Nicholas, High Commissioner for the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago The National Flag is placed in its stand at the altar

Congregation remains standing for

THE NATIONAL ANTHEM OF THE REPUBLIC OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO Led by Marvin Smith

Forged from the love of liberty In the fires of hope and prayer With boundless faith in our Destiny We solemnly declare; Side by side we stand, Islands of the blue Caribbean Sea This our Native Land, We pledge our lives to thee Here every creed and race find an equal place, And may God bless our Nation Here every creed and race find an equal place, And may God bless our Nation

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Congregation sits Welcome and Introduction of Theme: Facing the Future with Strength and Determination

by Fr. John Metivier

Congregation stands

‘THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE’ This Little Light of Mine, I’m gonna let it shine This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Won’t let Satan blow it out, I’m gonna let it shine (x 3) I’m gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Let it shine til Jesus comes, I’m gonna let it shine (x 3) I’m gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Hide it under a bushel - NO! I’m gonna let it shine (x3) I’m gonna let it shine, Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Let it shine over the whole wide world, I’m gonna let it shine (x3) I’m gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

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Congregation sits

Address to nationals on the Occasion of the 51st Anniversary of Independence of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago by

His Excellency Garvin Nicholas, High Commissioner for the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Congregation stands

TO GOD BE THE GLORY’ To God be the glory, great things he hath done.

So loved He the world that He gave us His Son. Who yielded His life in atonement for sin, And opened the lifegate that all may go in.

Refrain: Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord, Let the earth hear His voice!

Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord, Let the people rejoice!

O come to the Father thru Jesus the Son, and give him the glory, great things he hath done.

Great things He hath taught us, Great things He hath done, And great our rejoicing thru Jesus His Son; But purer, and higher, and greater will be Our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see.

Refrain

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Congregation sits

THE FIRST READING A contribution on behalf of the Muslim Community Excerpt from the Holy Qur’an read by Master Adem Zein Ghany Chapter 3, Verses 42 - 51 And remember when the angels said: O Mary! Verily, Allah has chosen you, purified you and chosen you above all the women of creation.

child when no mortal has touched me?

He said: So it will be. Allah creates what He will. If He decrees a thing, He says to it only Be! And it is.

O Mary! Submit yourself with obedience to your Lord, by worshipping none but Him and prostrate yourself and bow with those who bow in worship.

And Allah will teach him the Scripture and wisdom and the Torah and the Gospel,

And will make him a messenger to the children of Israel, and he will This is a part of the news of the say: I have come to you with a sign Unseen, the news of the past nations of from your Lord. I fashion for you which you have no knowledge which out of clay the likeness of a bird and We reveal to you O Muhammad. You I breathe into it and it is a bird, by were not present with them when they Allah’s permission. I heal him who cast lots with their pens to know which was born blind and the leper and I of them should be the guardian of raise the dead, by Allah’s permission.

Mary, nor were you present with them And I will announce to you what you when they disputed about it. eat and what you store up in your houses. In this verily is a sign for you, And remember when the angels said: if you are to be believers.

O Mary! Allah gives you glad tidings of a word from Him, whose name is the And I come confirming that which Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, illustrious was before me of the Torah, and to in this world and the Hereafter, and one make lawful some of that which was of those brought near to Allah. forbidden to you. I come to you with a sign from your Lord, so keep your He will speak to the people from his duty to Allah and obey me. cradle and in manhood and he will be one of the righteous.

Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him. That is a straight path.

She said: My Lord! How can I have a 6

Congregation remains seated

MUSICAL ITEM - ‘This is the Moment’ sung by Mr. Marvin Smith THE SECOND READING A contribution on behalf of the Hindu Community read by Pandita Arsha Gosine MBE 1.

OPENING PRAYER

Mrityor maa amrutan gamaya Lead us from falsehood unto truth; from darkness unto light; and from death to immortality.

Om shanno mitrah, shan varunah, shanno bhavataryyamaa; shanna indro brihaspatih, shanno vishnururukramah.

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Namo brahmane namaste vaayo twameva pratyaksham brahmaasi;

Om sarve bhavantu sukhinaah, sarve santu niraamayah; sarve bhadraani pashyantu,

twameva pratyaksham brahma vadisyaami, ritam vadishyaami, satyam vadishyaami,

Maa kaschit dukha bhaag bhavet.

May all be happy, may all be free from disease, May all realise goodness and may no one suffer sorrow or pain.

tanmaamavatu tadvaktaaramavatu; avatu maamavatu vaktaaram.

Om shaanti – shaanti – shaantih.

May you O Supreme Being friend of all, holiest of all and controller of the Universe be merciful unto us. May you O Almighty One, Lord of the Universe and support of all endow with knowledge and power. May you O Omnipresent and Omnipotent Being shower your blessings all around us.

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CLOSING PRAYER

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BHAJAN

Jaya radha madhava Jaya kunj bihari Jaya gopi jana vallabha Jaya giri vara dhari yaśodā-nandana braja-jana-rañjana yāmuna-tīra-vana-cārī

Om asato maa sad gamaya

Tamaso ma jyotir gamaya

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Congregation remains seated

MUSICAL ITEM

by London Community Gospel Choir

Congregation remains seated

THE THIRD READING Excerpt from the Holy Bible read by Ms. Nickesha Smith, Second Secretary Micah, Chapter 6, Verses 6 - 8 With what shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before God on high?

Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old?

Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of oil?

Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?

He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

MUSICAL ITEM - ‘Ave Maria’ sung by Marvin Smith

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THE HOMILY Fr. Kenneth Forrester Rector of St Andrews, Scarborough Congregation stands

‘BLESSED ASSURANCE’ Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine, Heir of salvation, purchase of God Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.

Refrain:

This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long.

Perfect submission, perfect delight, Visions of rapture now burst on my sight, Angels descending, bring from above Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

Refrain

Perfect submission, all is at rest, I in my Savior am happy and blest, watching and waiting, looking above, Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.

Refrain

Congregation sits A collection will be taken at this time for the Children’s Life Fund charity organisation in Trinidad and Tobago 9

‘BRING DOWN THE POWER’ Refrain: Bring down the power of love I say, bring down the power The power of love I say is the greatest power Stop hell and damnation, bring down the power Love to heal a nation, is the greatest power A wind of destruction is blowing over this land (over this land) And now the earth is a-trembling with man’s oppression of man (bring down the power) Now the time come to sit down and rediscover what’s life (what’s life) Show the world the true meaning of real love power not strife (bring down the power) Refrain Put our hands on the fire and cleanse the wicked right now (right now) All of them who does worship greed and vanity must bow (bring down the power Unity is the banner so come together I say (I say) And this love is for freedom it growing stronger each day (bring down the power) Refrain So rejoice in a rhythm of celebration, come on (come on) Lift your voice with a feeling of satisfaction as one (bring down the power) And leh we move with a purpose all freedom lovers hold tight (hold tight) Stepping out of the darkness with one direction in sight (bring down the power) Refrain

Congregation stands

Prayer - Fr. John Metivier Prayer for His Excellency Anthony Thomas Aquinas Carmona, SC, President of The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Prayer for The Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Prayer for the Members of Parliament, Prayer for the Judiciary, Prayer for the High Commissioner and Staff and Prayer for the People of Trinidad and Tobago.

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Congregation remains standing and recites

THE NATIONAL PLEDGE OF THE REPUBLIC OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO Led by Ms. Achi-Kemba Phillips, Tourism Attaché

I solemnly pledge to dedicate my life to the service of my God and my country.

I will honour my parents, my teachers, my leaders and my elders and those in authority.

I will be clean and honest in all my thoughts, my words and my deeds.

I will strive in everything I do to work together with my fellowmen of every creed and race for the greater happiness of all and honour and glory of my country

Congregation remains standing and recites

THE NATIONAL MOTTO OF THE REPUBLIC OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO Led by Ms. Achi-Kemba Phillips, Tourism Attaché

Together We Aspire, Together We Achieve

Congregation remains standing

‘BATTLE HYMN OF THE REPUBLIC’ Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord: He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored; He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword: His truth is marching on.

Refrain : Glory, glory, hallelujah!

Glory, glory, hallelujah!

Glory, glory, hallelujah!

His truth is marching on 11

I have read a fiery gospel writ in burnished rows of steel: “As ye deal with my condemners, so with you my grace shall deal; Let the Hero, born of woman, crush the serpent with His heel, Since God is marching on.”

Refrain He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat; He is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment-seat: Oh, be swift, my soul, to answer Him! be jubilant, my feet!

Our God is marching on.

Refrain He is coming like the glory of the morning on the wave, He is wisdom to the mighty, He is succour to the brave, So the world shall be His footstool, and the soul of Time His slave, Our God is marching on.

Refrain Flag Bearer leads the Procession of the Celebrants down the aisle.

The Congregation is asked to remain standing while the National Flag bearer proceeds down the aisle followed by the High Commissioner for the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and Celebrants.

END OF SERVICE A reception follows in the courtyard of

St. Peter’s Church, Eaton Square

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Message From The Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to the Nation on the Occasion of the 51st Anniversary of Independence of Trinidad and Tobago

MID-TERM EXPECTATIONS

among all that there is still so much more to do.

My Dear Citizens, Just over three years ago, you took the bold step to elect me as this country’s sixth Prime Minister and I remain very humbled by your support to become the first woman elected as Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago.

I recognize that the juncture of midterm in office is never easy for any government as we are caught between what we have been putting in place to effect lasting meaningful changes and the time for the results of those efforts to be seen.

Midterm administrations around the world are so challenged and we are no different.

When I took up the mantle to serve the people, there was great expectation that so many of our nation’s ills would be swept away almost immediately.

Three years later, the expectations remain and despite all that your government has done, there is a sense

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We need look only to our huge northern neighbor in the United States to witness the midterm frustration and the end of term renewal of the American people in the current administration.

There can be no denying that this isn’t May 2010.

There can be no expectation either that it could ever be.

But between now and then it is critical for us to see where we have traversed, what gains, what losses, which ways gone wrong, what paths taken right.

And to do this, we must Go Back To Start, the point at which it all began, this movement of change that you started.

This has always been Your Movement, Your Change, Your Revolution which all began on the cusp of our nation’s 50th anniversary just over three and half years ago.

Today as I reflect on the birth of our independent nation 51 years ago, it must be an occasion for pause and serious reflection on our achievements to date and our commitment to our future goals and aspirations.

We have so much to be proud of.

May we use the rekindling of these memories as a proud reminder on this nation’s ability to rise above any of the challenges such as those we currently face.

THE NATIONAL CONVERSATION

are awaiting further evidence of the faith you reposed in us just over three years ago.

There is a strong need to account for our stewardship and that process which has been taking place in some form over time, will now be expanded in specific, measurable ways.

I take this opportunity on our nation’s 51st Anniversary to introduce The National Conversation that will include a Forum for the populace at large through which views can be exchanged; it will include a website, even a hotline that allows callers to register their opinions.

I will invite the heads of religious organisations, NGOs, youths, Opposition groups and other stakeholder groups to join in the National Conversation.

Even as our nation commemorates its 51st Anniversary I have the privilege, bestowed by you, to lead the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago into a new era filled with progress and sustainable development.

As I have consistently advocated in the past, the responsibility of leadership is having the demonstrated capacity to listen.

And so this National Conversation will occur between me and all stakeholders.

I am keenly aware that many of you

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I will listen to every community leader, each business group and labour representative, but I will humbly ask also that my own message and vision be heard so that together we can arrive at the best solutions and find common purpose for the greater good of all.

possibility for an accommodation with all interest groups that sincerely work for the benefit of everyone.

We have witnessed sweeping changes in the governance of this country, specifically through our commitment to govern by consultation.

Of all that might be said about me from It is for us to listen and respond the toughest critic, I assure you, my appropriately. heart is and has always been, in the right place.

And that is precisely what I will continue to do.

And it is through that center, your words and the voice of God will guide I will ensure every opinion is me. garnered, each voice heard, and that There is an old Japanese proverb that says: “If the heart is right, the deed will be right” We will not falter, nor lose sight of what we started out to create together.

We will rise to the occasion.

The job of leading this nation as Prime Minister requires that I also follow your views, your ideas, your sense of what needs to be done.

Our National Conversation begins this process now.

Together, we are the nation’s best and only hope for a future that realises our noblest aspirations.

Together, we are the best and only

the government you elected acts in accordance with the will of the people.

When we speak to each other across the length and breadth of Trinidad and Tobago a better understanding will emerge among all groups.

Rest assured that I am mindful of many of the sentiments expressed already, but I am equally aware that your government’s plans and vision are not adequately reaching you.

That too must change.

You must know that there has never been any significant, historic change that has not had to face similar challenges, obstacles and resistance.

But we stand strong and stay true to your dream and intention for a better

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standard of living for yourself and for your children.

without fear or favour.

I can assure you that the political will to address all concerns is there.

It cannot and will never matter to me what side of the political field you belong to.

There are no sacred cows in your government, every single member of your government is equally responsible for the delivery of services and provision of good governance.

As we commemorate our 51st independence anniversary we must demonstrate that divisiveness is a thing of the past and that national interests are beyond petty political aspirations.

I feel re-energised by the challenges.

My legacy must be that of a woman who cared enough to do everything possible for everyone regardless of the political consequences, for it is my belief that through genuine service, people will ultimately know the good in your heart and judge you accordingly.

There is nothing that inspires me more than when I am among you all.

It is where I get my inspiration and energy.

So the process of the National Conversation brings me back to you.

As you well know, my entire life has The sidewalks, the market, the business been a struggle to overcome all manner places, the fishing villages, these will of hurdles. become my meeting places once again.

I see opportunity in every challenge As Prime Minister over the past three and I perform best when I am tested years the demands of office did not most. always permit me to spend as much CRIME time among you, but my desire to connect with you is there.

My recent visits to communities reeling In the past, it is from you that I got my from the effects of crime brought me best understanding of what needs to be face to face with the challenges and ordeals encountered by so many. done.

The recent tragic events in these communities grieve me more than I can adequately express.

It is from you that I will once again gain the best insights.

And I will conduct this exercise

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Naturally, as a mother and grandmother I share your pain, but as Prime Minister, I also shoulder the responsibility of ensuring that we find a lasting solution to the unbridled crime ravaging these vulnerable communities.

Further, I am heartened that the Honourable Leader of the Opposition, Dr. Keith Rowley, has agreed to meet and discuss ways and means to deal with the crime problem in Trinidad and Tobago.

It is encouraging to see our Parliamentary colleagues joining with us, putting aside partisan politics in the interests of Trinidad and Tobago, as we too had done when we were in Opposition.

No stone will be left unturned, no effort spared and no resource uncommitted toward the objective of reclaiming these neighbourhoods.

And in this effort I will continue to utilize my policy of consultation with affected citizens, our security forces and other stakeholders.

We will confront this challenge together; and we will overcome it together.

Every resource at our disposal will be used to win this war.

And even as I accept that the problems did not occur overnight but were spawned from years of neglect, I am not prepared to accept any excuses for lack of immediate positive results.

I now that you want solutions rather than excuses and explanations.

I guarantee you that I will wage a war unlike any seen before and at the end of the day, all of us, you and me, Trinidad and Tobago, will win.

THE ECONOMY The global economic recession has had an impact on the way we do business in Trinidad and Tobago.

But I am pleased to say that despite the economic problems facing even first world countries, Trinidad and Tobago has held its own and has been universally acknowledged for these achievements.

Through prudent economic planning and the sagacity of Ministers of Finance, Winston Dookeran followed

by Larry Howai, Trinidad and Tobago has withstood much of the effects of the global economic recession.

Trinidad and Tobago remains robust and stable.

DEVELOPMENT At home, we met the challenges

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head on maintaining critical social programmes, keeping food prices down through prudent management and policies, intensifying infrastructural work in the most remote rural areas that were hithero overlooked.

For the first time ever water flowed from taps, bridges connected communities, impassable dirt tracks gave way to newly paved roads.

Indeed, authentic and lasting national independence can only be achieved when all citizens do what is right and just.

Then, and only then can true freedom and independence exist in our land today.

Together we must take this country to that place we all want to be. Mahatma Gandhi once said: “We must be the change we wish to see”.

Of course some wanted everything to happen in their area overnight especially since they had been neglected for so long prior to our taking office.

I am certain that each of us has a vision and a dream for our country – a country where there is no discrimination of any kind; where there is equity and justice; a country where there is enough for every one; a place where human dignity and human life is sacrosanct; a place without violence; a place where there is prosperity for all.

I understand the frustrations and the need for faster paced development.

We can do a lot more and in the coming year, I have asked my Ministers and Members of Parliament to intensify the delivery to all our citizens.

Fellow citizens, we can achieve all of this when we work together.

MOVING FORWARD AS A NATION As we celebrate our Independence, I am reminded of the words of David Ben-Gurion, Israel’s First Prime Minister, when he said:

I have full confidence in the people of Trinidad and Tobago.

I have faith that a partnership between all citizens will lead to the growth and expansion of the economy and bring about sustainable development, employment, and security for all.

“Without moral and intellectual independence, there is no anchor for national independence.”

As we celebrate this 51st Anniversary

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of Independence, I appeal to all citizens Let us seize this opportunity to make to come together and work towards the Trinidad and Tobago a much better goals of peace and prosperity. place by always doing the right thing, by actively nurturing our pluralism, by Citizenship is more than a legal celebrating our multiculturalism, and designation. building the harmony which we enjoy.

It is also a cultural ideal infused with a moral obligation.

This is our shared responsibility.

Today, more than ever, we know what it means to be an independent nation and a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago.

For fifty one years we have charted our course as an independent nation, proudly flying the Red White and Black.

Let us be steadfast to our democracy, to the rule of law, and the belief that all men and women are created equal and are endowed with inalienable rights.

Our families, our children, and our communities deserve no less.

On behalf of the government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, I extend sincere wishes for peace, love, and prosperity to all citizens of this blessed nation.

May Almighty God, shed His light on us and guide and protect our path, as we strive to fulfill our nation’s goals and aspirations.

Happy Anniversary!

Let us together stand side by side, united in our diversity, and demonstrate the commitment and the courage necessary to protect and safeguard our democracy.

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(Participants) H.E Garvin Nicholas, High Commissioner for the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Fr. John Metivier Fr. Kenneth Forrester Rector of St Andrews, Scarborough Flag bearer: Ms. Donna Phillip-Forde Master Adem Zein Ghany Pandita Arsha Gosine MBE Mr. Marvin Smith London Community Gospel Choir

HIGH COMMISSION FOR THE REPUBLIC OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO 42 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8NT Tel: 020 7245 9351 Fax: 020 7823 1065 20