As if making an appeal to members of the coalition to unite and put aside their differences for the greater good of the country, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has urged that comprise in all matters was necessary. She made the statement last night at the launch at Queen's Hall, Port-of-Spain, of T&T's Golden Jubilee of independence celebrations. Despite round two of talks earlier at the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann's, coalition members failed to reach any concrete agreement. Saying that "in the end" compromise must be achieved for the "greater good of the country," Persad-Bissessar added:
"And so I emphasise compromise here today because I want to state that compromise is not a dirty word. Compromise is not defeat nor is it surrender. "No one person or Government can claim to have all the answers all the time." She said the compromise in the process of consultation, which held firm to established fundamental principles, would always remain a noble exercise. "But what is also important in compromise is that those who are empowered to make the final decision must possess the will to take that decision and carry it courageously." She added that previous paths have demonstrated that growth, development and progress could entirely arise out of conflict and challenges.
She added: "There will always be differences and as long as there is hope and progress there will be differences. "Even in differences decisions were finally made, decisions which have helped to shape our nation's character and which have shown one of unity and one of determination." Saying that T&T was blessed with rich resources, Persad-Bissessar also honoured those who made great achievements in various fields - culture, sport and beauty - and praised them for their resounding efforts. She added: "We are known for our invention of the steelpan, our cultural festivals and indeed Carnival and indeed many of citizens have etched their names in the annals of world history."
