00:00As discussions continue across the country on race, ethnic relations, and national identity,
00:08opposition leader Penelope Beckles is urging citizens to focus on unity rather than division.
00:15Because whilst the message of unity focuses on the council,
00:21it really is a message we need, the country needs to be.
00:30It is not, I'm sure it's not by accident that God inspired him to give that message.
00:37It's very timely.
00:40And there is no one of us sitting in this church today that is not concerned about unity in this
00:49blessed Trinidad and Tobago.
00:51The opposition leader notes the huge mantle which has been put on those who are called to lead.
00:57A mantle, she believes, comes with equal responsibility.
01:01Having accepted the responsibility to lead, it's to understand that God is really asking you to serve the people.
01:10And it's not always easy to serve.
01:13It is not always easy to understand.
01:16Now when you take that oath to serve, humility is required.
01:23Less arrogance and a greater understanding that whilst a lot of people don't think that politicians are honest,
01:34you really make the choice, ultimately, to serve in truth and with integrity.
01:40The opposition leader also appealed for prayers for elected officials,
01:45acknowledging the often difficult relationship between politicians and the public.
01:51Who are the people you all think they dislike the most?
01:56Politicians.
01:58And who you think are the next ones?
02:00Now I happen to be both.
02:02Think about the people who you need the most.
02:05And yes, we know God is number one.
02:08That's not in dispute.
02:10But you have to go to lawyers for a number of things.
02:14And you have to go to politicians.
02:16You may not always want to do it.
02:18But as I close, I therefore urge you
02:25to probably pray a little more harder for politicians and lawyers.
02:31And we have a lot of work to do.
02:32Beckels further pointed to what she described as the growing economic challenges facing many citizens,
02:39saying TNT is in very challenging times.
02:44My biggest challenge as I go to my office today,
02:48well, these days I should say,
02:51is persons requesting school books and uniforms
02:55and persons requesting hampers.
02:58In my three decades as a politician,
03:02I have never had so many requests for hampers and school books.
03:10It's a very painful time
03:13because you can't help everyone.
03:17Renasa Cutting, TV6 News.
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