Powell to US citizens: Reach out to Trini roots

Persons in the US with Caribbean roots have an obligation to reach back home and touch fellow citizens, according to former US Secretary of State Colin Powell. He made the point during a reception hosted by Government in his honour at the Diplomatic Centre, Port-of-Spain, yesterday. This followed the launch of a mentoring programme in which he would be involved. Saying he was “glad to be back in the homeland” and  nicknaming himself the “Caribbean”, Powell kissed the Mighty Sparrow who was among entertainers who provided music for the reception.

Powell said he was impressed by what the Government was doing with the mentoring programme.

He said: “You’re doing something we also are trying to do in the US. Everyone has an obligation to reach back and across and touch your fellow citizens.” Powell said each and every one had a role to play in the mentoring programme. National Security Minister John Sandy, who said Government intended to spread the programme throughout the Caribbean, urged nationals who came from challenged areas to come forward and return there and help. He added: “We want them to go back there and say ‘hey, I’m from this area and I made it. You can also’. This is all we need to push ourselves forward.” (GA)