00:00For 29 years, these lights have shone upon generations of our families.
00:05Children who once watched their parents prepare the deers,
00:09they now have grown up and they bring their own deers and they bring their own children.
00:13So as we remember, we love those whose hands helped us,
00:19the hands that helped us begin this tradition here in my constituency.
00:24A tradition that stood the test of time, bringing generations together
00:28to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness.
00:31For Prime Minister Kamala Passat-Bissessa, the celebration was personal
00:36as she reflected on her upbringing in Separia
00:38and the sacrifices of the community that helped raise her.
00:41She recalled standing alongside her grandmother at the penal market selling vegetables,
00:47never imagining that one day she would return to the very same community as Prime Minister.
00:53I stood there as a child beside my grandmother,
00:58my RG, selling bode and bigham and other vegetables right there across the road in that penal market.
01:05And I made that hustle and bustle of that market.
01:08I could never have imagined that one day I would stand across this very road
01:12as Prime Minister and Member of Parliament,
01:16celebrating Diwali with children and grandchildren of the people who helped raise me.
01:21The Prime Minister said those early experiences continue to shape her sense of responsibility,
01:27stressing that Diwali's message must extend beyond the lighting of the years
01:31and inspire compassion, service and unity among all citizens.
01:36The people of TNT have come from many grandmother lands.
01:40We have many grandmother lands.
01:43But we all came together to build one mother, Trindad and Tobago.
01:47We are very blessed in that regard.
01:50Tonight, people of different beliefs share in this sacred Hindu celebration.
01:55We call upon God by different names.
01:58Yet when we serve his children with compassion,
02:01we honor the same great God.
02:03The event also recognized individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the community,
02:09including achievements in sports, agriculture, public service and education.
02:15And as she renewed her commitment to the people of Separia,
02:19the Prime Minister said the love and sacrifices of previous generations
02:23must become the foundation for greater opportunities for those to come.
02:27From the office you have entrusted to me,
02:30I must work also very hard to make sure that your children
02:34and your children's children can go further.
02:37Let that be my promise we carry away from this celebration,
02:43that the love which raised us will become the service which lifts others,
02:47and that the light we inherited will shine brighter in our children's lives.
02:51Together, we will bring stronger communities and a stronger nation.
02:56Sharla Kisto, TV6 News.
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