We must commit to justice and social equity

As we celebrate the anniversary of the birth of our nation. I’m sure it was a proud and memorable day 50 years ago when we respectfully lowered the Union Jack and proudly hoisted the Red, White and Black as the symbol of our nationhood. Hoisting that flag also raised our hopes and expectations as a people.

As a small nation we have made tremendous strides that place us in the hearts of many people at home and abroad. We are a unique set of people. Our presence pervades every region of the globe. While we embrace who we are, let us use this moment to rethink how much better we can become, how much more we can achieve. Undoubtedly, we have only scratched the surface of our true potential.

As we contemplate the next phase of our journey, I urge all of us to recommit to those values which will keep our families strong, our children safe and protected, our youth motivated to aspire to excellence, our communities caring and supportive; values which will advance the peace and prosperity of our nation.

In celebrating our Jubilee, we remember that the essential concept includes the embrace of justice and social equity:responding to the needs of the poor, the marginalised, and the weak and being good neighbours toward everyone with whom we come in contact.

It is through our commitment to justice and social equity that we will deal with the challenges of corruption, greed and selfishness which have conspired to rob us of the progress we desire and deserve.Let us commit to a determined effort to right the wrongs of our past and to “Let justice run down like a river and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” Happy Independence, Trinidad and Tobago.

Anderson Salina-Cudjoe
Via e-mail