By Joey Bartlett
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar is urging citizens to reflect on faith, courage and national unity as Christians mark Palm Sunday and the start of Holy Week.
In a media release issued on March 28, Persad-Bissessar said the observance offers an opportunity for renewal and recommitment to values that strengthen both individuals and society.
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, the most sacred period in the Christian calendar, commemorating the entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem. Persad-Bissessar said while Christ was welcomed with celebration, his mission was rooted in humility, peace and sacrifice rather than power.
She said the contrast between the praise Christ received and the rejection that followed days later serves as a reminder of how quickly support can change, especially in difficult times.
“Palm Sunday challenges us to hold firm to what is right, not only in times of joy but especially when it requires courage and conviction,” she said.
Persad-Bissessar said the message of Palm Sunday remains relevant to Trinidad and Tobago, describing the country as one grounded in faith, enriched by diversity and sustained by mutual respect. She acknowledged the longstanding role of the Christian community in shaping national life through service, education and moral leadership.
“The values reflected in this sacred season, humility, forgiveness, discipline and care for others, continue to strengthen our society and anchor our shared sense of purpose,” she said.
Persad-Bissessar encouraged those observing Holy Week to take time for reflection, urging them to recommit to principles that guide their actions and interactions with others. She said the period should not only be a remembrance of Christ’s suffering but also a call to live out those teachings in everyday life.
“Let us not only proclaim Him in word but also reflect Him in action, in how we treat one another, how we serve, and how we uphold what is right,” she said.
Persad-Bissessar also extended greetings to the Christian community and the wider national population, wishing for a peaceful and spiritually enriching Holy Week.
“May this sacred season bring renewed faith, strength of character and abiding grace to all,” she said.
She hopes the period will inspire unity and a shared commitment to national development, grounded in compassion and mutual respect.
