SIPARIA, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO – The timeless message of Diwali – the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair – resonated with particular significance as Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar hosted her 29th Annual Diwali celebrations at her constituency office in Penal Junction, Siparia. Kamla, as she is popularly called, has represented the constituency since 1995, marking 31 years as Parliamentary Representative. As usual, the PM performed puja presided over by a Pandit. After the puja, lighting of deyas, a parade, and distribution of prasad and bhojan, there was a cultural variety concert. Thousands were in attendance.
The celebration, held in collaboration with the Siparia Women’s Association, brought together devotees, community leaders, government ministers, Councillors, Aldermen, members of the diplomatic corps, religious personalities, constituents, overseas guests, and people from all parts of Trinidad, for an evening of prayer, cultural expression and fellowship. It was not merely an observance of one of Hinduism’s most sacred festivals, but also a celebration of community bonds, cultural heritage and the enduring relationship between the Prime Minister and the people of Siparia.
Marking 29 years of an annual tradition, the gathering represented an extraordinary record of continuity and community involvement. What began as a local religious and cultural celebration has developed into an important annual event, bringing together generations of families and extending a message of religious harmony and national unity.
The proceedings included sacred Hindu prayers, Lakshmi Puja and a procession, followed by cultural presentations and festivities. The lighting of deyas provided a powerful visual expression of Diwali’s central message: even the smallest flame can illuminate darkness, while faith, compassion and goodwill can inspire positive change in society.
Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar reflected on her personal journey and the profound influence of the community in shaping her life. Her address was particularly meaningful as she marked 31 consecutive years representing Siparia in Parliament, a political journey closely intertwined with the history, experiences and aspirations of the constituency.
The Prime Minister’s reflections on her childhood were among the most touching moments of the evening. She recalled standing beside her grandmother, affectionately known as Aji, selling bodi, baigan and other vegetables at the Penal Market, directly across the road from the constituency office.
She spoke of the sacrifices made by ordinary families, vendors, farmers and community elders who worked tirelessly to provide better opportunities for their children. Recalling those humble beginnings, she reflected on how extraordinary it was that she could return to that very community decades later as Prime Minister and Member of Parliament, celebrating Diwali with the children and grandchildren of the people who had helped raise her.
Her story was a reminder that leadership is often rooted in the values learned during childhood: sacrifice, hard work, humility, perseverance, gratitude and a commitment to helping others. It also demonstrated the importance of maintaining a close connection with one’s community, regardless of the positions and responsibilities that public life may bring.
Moving beyond the religious significance of the occasion, Persad-Bissessar used the platform to reaffirm her government’s commitment to improving the everyday lives of citizens. She identified reliable potable water, accessible healthcare, properly maintained roads, quality education and meaningful employment opportunities as essential priorities.
She stressed that the national budget and the work of government ministries must translate into tangible improvements in people’s lives, particularly in communities that have experienced years of inadequate development and investment.
The Prime Minister also spoke forcefully about the need to confront crime, corruption and neglect. She emphasized that these problems have consequences far beyond statistics and political debates. Crime destroys families, threatens livelihoods and undermines the security and confidence of entire communities. Corruption, meanwhile, erodes public trust and deprives citizens of resources that should be used for national development.
Her message was that the struggle against these social problems requires courage, integrity, justice and a willingness to stand up for ordinary citizens. The symbolism of the Diwali flame, she suggested, should inspire people to speak out against injustice and defend the rights and dignity of others.
In a country as diverse as Trinidad and Tobago, with several ethnic and religious groups, these messages have particular importance. The nation’s strength rests on its ability to embrace different religious, ethnic and cultural traditions while maintaining a common national identity.
Diwali is a Hindu religious festival, but its message has universal relevance. Its celebration by people of different backgrounds reflects the country’s longstanding tradition of religious tolerance and cultural coexistence.
An important feature of the evening was the recognition of outstanding individuals who have contributed to the development and well-being of the Siparia community.
The Prime Minister congratulated residents who had distinguished themselves in cricket, football, agriculture, sewing, public service and education. Among those recognized were local sports contributors Amrita Ramtahal and Darrel Garcia, community worker and sewing instructor Carmina Hosein, public servant and community contributor Vijai Bridglal, and agricultural contributor Denesh Tarsoo.
Students Aurea Mahabir, Devina Dodal, Kadir Chung and Kavir Newton were also recognized for their academic achievements, including outstanding performances in the Secondary Entrance Assessment examinations.
The recognition of these individuals underscored an important aspect of the celebration: the development of a nation depends not only on its political leaders but also on the dedication and contributions of ordinary citizens.
Sports mentors help young people develop discipline, teamwork and confidence. Teachers and community volunteers help children discover their potential. Farmers contribute to food security, while artisans and small entrepreneurs sustain local economies. Public servants and community organizers help build the institutions and relationships upon which communities depend.
By publicly acknowledging these contributions, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of encouraging excellence at every level of society. Her recognition of young students was particularly significant because education remains one of the most effective instruments for social mobility and national progress.
The evening also provided an opportunity to acknowledge the work of the Siparia Women’s Association, religious leaders, sponsors, donors, teachers, students and volunteers. Their efforts extend beyond the annual Diwali celebration to community outreach activities, including food hamper distributions, Christmas toy drives, free health clinics and pro bono legal assistance.
In a personal moment during her address, Persad-Bissessar paid an emotional tribute to her husband, Dr Gregory Bissessar, acknowledging his love, patience and unwavering support throughout her political career.
She spoke about his continuing recovery from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident during the 2025 general election campaign. She described him as her rock and a steady source of strength through the pressures and challenges of public life.
The tribute offered a glimpse into the personal sacrifices that often accompany a long career in public service and the importance of family support in navigating the demands of leadership.
The Prime Minister also expressed appreciation to the diplomatic representatives and other distinguished guests who travelled from Port of Spain to participate in the celebrations and related Diwali activities.
The 29th annual celebration was particularly significant because it represented nearly three decades of an enduring community tradition. It is a tradition that has grown across generations. Over those years, children who once attended the celebrations with their parents have grown up and returned with families of their own.
This continuity gives the event a special place in the cultural and social life of Siparia. It is a gathering where religious observance, family traditions, community recognition and national identity come together.
Persad-Bissessar also reflected on the political journey that brought her back to the office of Prime Minister in 2025, after spending a decade in opposition. She recalled the warmth with which residents of her constituency welcomed her return, including the lighting of deyas across the community.
Having represented Siparia for 31 years, she acknowledged the loyalty and support of constituents through political victories and defeats alike. Her relationship with the constituency, she emphasized, extends beyond electoral politics.
In renewing her commitment to the people, she pledged to devote her strength and service to the community and the wider nation. Her message was one of gratitude, responsibility and an enduring obligation to improve the lives of future generations.
As the deyas continued to illuminate the evening, the celebration offered a powerful reminder that Diwali is much more than a festival of lights. It is an affirmation of faith, hope, compassion, cultural identity and the triumph of good over evil.
For Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar, the occasion was also a homecoming – an opportunity to reconnect with the community that shaped her childhood, celebrate the people who contributed to her journey and renew her promise of service.
After 29 years, the Diwali celebration at her Siparia constituency office has become more than an annual religious observance. It is a living community tradition, connecting generations and bringing people together in the spirit of friendship, gratitude and shared belonging.
She wished everyone “Shubh Diwali!”
The event was covered live on TV. Coverage of the Oct 31 , 2026 celebrations was carried by TTT News and other outlets.
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