It is T&T’s cultural strength, tolerance, and mutual respect that will allow citizens to go forward with confidence as a country.
These were the words Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley shared with members of the Hindu community and other patrons in his address at the closing night of the Divali Nagar on Friday.
Rowley, who walked into the Nagar serenaded by vibrant tassa players around 8.40 pm, spent most of his speech praising the cultural strength of the country, touching briefly on the state of the economy. Despite a lukewarm response from the crowd, Rowley said the night was a special one for him, being his fifth visit to the Nagar as a public official, but first as the Prime Minister.
Rowley received less applause than several performers and when guests were invited to stand to welcome the Prime Minister, a woman could be seen tugging her young relative and telling her to sit. While some patrons seemed hesitant to appear supportive, several people applauded exuberantly throughout Rowley’s speech.
Earlier in the night, National Council of Indian Culture (NCIC) president Deokinanan Sharma thanked the Government for supporting the Nagar even in harsh economic times. Rowley said hearing the “thank you” was pleasing.