00:00For the first time, Diwali Diaz illuminated the grounds outside Parliament, bringing the message of light over darkness to the
00:07Red House.
00:08Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Kamala Passat-Bissessa described the occasion as a proud and moving moment in the country's
00:15history.
00:16For the first time in our nation's history, we are lighting Diaz outside Parliament to honor the sacred Hindu festival
00:25of Diwali.
00:25It is a proud and moving moment to see a tradition shared through generations now being celebrated the home of
00:34our democracy.
00:34But beyond the historic significance, the Prime Minister also used the occasion to speak directly to the nation's children.
00:43Reflecting on her own childhood in rural Separia, she reminded them that their background, faith or family's financial circumstances should
00:51never determine how far they can go or whether their voices are heard.
00:55She told them that the Parliament belongs to them too.
00:58To our children here and everywhere, I say this Parliament belongs to you.
01:04You don't need rich parents or Eli connections to matter here.
01:08You matter here today simply because you are a child of our beloved nation.
01:14Your name, your faith, your family's income or where you live can never make you less deserving of its scale.
01:21You are never too small to be heard and your village or community is never too far away to matter.
01:28Grow up knowing that you belong and honor that same right in every child beside you.
01:34Meanwhile, opposition leader Penelope Beckles also used the occasion to appeal for greater unity,
01:40saying the country's diversity should be embraced as a strength rather than a source of division.
01:45Our diversity is not our weakness, it is our greatest strengths.
01:51As leader of the opposition, I wish to make a special appeal to our nation on this sacred occasion.
01:58Let us choose unity over division.
02:02Let us choose understanding over tolerance.
02:06And let us choose hope over despair.
02:09And whatever difference is, we are ultimately one people, sharing one beloved nation and one common destiny.
02:17It's a celebration of light marking a new chapter in the history of Trinidad and Tobago's Parliament.
02:24Charlotte Kisto, TV6 News.
