The leaders of the People's Republic of China have sent Independence anniversary greetings to the people and leaders of Trinidad and Tobago. In the message from Chinese President Hu Jintao, addressed to President George Maxwell Richards, he said: "On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Independence of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, I wish to extend on behalf of the Chinese people and in my own name, warm congratulations and best wishes to you, and through you, to the people of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. "May the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago enjoy prosperity and the people live in happiness. "May the mutually beneficial and friendly co-operation between the two countries be further deepened, and may the friendship between the peoples of China and Trinidad and Tobago last forever." Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao also sent a congratulatory message to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. Premier Wen said that the Chinese side highly values its relations with the Trinidad and Tobago side. He wished to work together with the Prime Minister to continue to develop and consolidate the mutually beneficial and friendly co-operation between the two countries. Chinese Foreign Affairs Minister Yang Jiechi, in his message to his T&T counterpart, Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Dookeran, expressed his wish to continue to work with Dookeran to further strengthen the existing fine co-operation between the two foreign affairs ministers and to promote the friendly and co-operative relationship of mutual benefit between the two countries constantly to a new level.
Obama sends congratulations
US President Barack Obama, in a message to President George Maxwell Richards said: "Dear Mr President, on behalf of the people of the United States, I congratulate you on the 50th anniversary of Trinidad and Tobago's Independence on August 31. "The United States and Trinidad and Tobago share a dedication to democracy and the rule of law that defines both our countries. We are committed to working closely together to improve the safety and security of all our citizens. I extend my best wishes to you and to the people of Trinidad and Tobago as you celebrate this special Independence Day."
Canada GG recalls recent visit
Governor-General of Canada David Johnston recalled his recent visit to T&T in extending best wishes yesterday on the nation's 50th anniversary of Independence. "Excellency, on behalf of all Canadians, it gives me great pleasure to extend congratulations to you and to the people of Trinidad and Tobago as you celebrate the 50th anniversary of your nation's independence. "I am also proud to commemorate 50 years of positive diplomatic relations between our countries. During my recent State visit, I had the opportunity to experience first-hand the warm relationship that exists between Canada and Trinidad and Tobago. "This connection is founded on long-standing economic and political ties, and is nurtured by the close, personal bonds that have connected our peoples for decades. I have every confidence that this friendship will only be strengthened in the coming year.
"I wish you and your fellow citizens the very best on this special day of celebration."
UN head welcomes T&T's leadership
Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-Moon, in a message to President George Maxwell Richards mentioned T&T's proud culture and history. "Excellency, it is my great pleasure to extend to you and to the Government and people of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago my warmest congratulations on the occasion of the national holiday. "This is an opportunity to celebrate the proud culture and history of your country. It is also a chance to reflect on the role Trinidad and Tobago is playing in our interconnected world. I appreciate your engagement at the United Nations, which is helping to forge shared solutions to our common challenges. "Our global agenda includes five generational opportunities to create the future we want: promoting sustainable development, building a safer and more secure world, preventing crises, helping countries in transition, and doing more for the world's women and young people. "In order to rise to these challenges, I am conscious that we must strengthen our organisation. A more mobile, efficient and effective United Nations is essential to delivering for the world's people. "In this effort, I welcome the contribution, commitment and leadership of Trinidad and Tobago in our quest to usher in a more just, peaceful and prosperous future for all people. "Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration."
Trade union wants united nation
President General of the All Trinidad General Workers' Trade Union Nirvan Maharaj in his anniversary of Independence message has pointed to the task ahead for the nation. "I wish to extend my sincerest congratulations and best wishes to the people of Trinidad and Tobago, as we celebrate fifty years of Independence. "Fifty years of Independence have seen us, as a nation achieve much in terms of infrastructural, political, economic, social and cultural development. Our people have accomplished so many great achievements in the realm of sports, science, law, education, music, social sciences and the humanities, that Trinidad and Tobago is now a household name in many parts of the world. "It is however quite easy to fall into a delusionary state of celebratory rhetoric and by so doing become taken up with the superficial symbolic trappings of Independence celebrations, while forgetting the monumental task that was required to begin the process and continuing today, of forging a nation out of the diversity that is ours. "Fifty years after Independence let us continue to work together to construct a nation built on the principle of unity in diversity."