Trinidad and Tobago

Today, Trinidad and Tobago celebrates its 26th anniversary as a republic. It was in 1976, 14 years after it became independent, that the country finally cut the final umbilical cord with its monarchical past. The Queen of England was no longer our titular sovereign. In every possible sense, we were well and truly on our own. Over these 26 years, Trinidad and Tobago has not held together but it has cohered, both in the geographical and political senses. …

…The canvas on which we have been painting, these 26 years, remains incomplete. Perhaps because, understandably enough, we have lacked the confidence even as we tried to imitate the world, to show our true and shimmering colours. Having already done so much, though, who dares tell us we are not ready? Who, among you, will not now want to raise the flag, the dream of a just and prosperous republic finding resonance in your collective hearts?