Summary
- Holy Week Begins: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar issued a national message to mark Palm Sunday, the beginning of the most sacred week in the Christian calendar.
- A Call for Courage: Reflecting on how quickly the biblical crowds turned against Jesus, the Prime Minister challenged citizens to stand firm for what is right, especially when it requires courage and conviction.
- Faith in Action: Praising the Christian community for its generational contributions to Trinidad and Tobago, she urged the nation to move beyond words and reflect Christ’s teachings through compassion, discipline, and service to others.
By Prior Beharry
PRIME Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar is calling on citizens to hold firm to what is right with courage and conviction, as Christians across Trinidad and Tobago and the world observe Palm Sunday today.
In a message marking the start of Holy Week—the most sacred period in the Christian calendar—the Prime Minister reflected deeply on the biblical story of Jesus Christ’s triumphant but humble entry into Jerusalem.
She noted that Christ arrived not as a conqueror seeking worldly power, but as a humble King whose mission was rooted in peace, sacrifice, and redemption.
Drawing a parallel to modern human behavior, Persad-Bissessar highlighted the fickle nature of the crowds who initially welcomed Jesus with palm branches and shouts of “Hosanna,” only to demand His crucifixion days later.
“The same city that welcomed Him would soon call for His crucifixion, a stark reminder of how quickly support can turn to silence when the moment becomes difficult,” the Prime Minister stated. “Palm Sunday, therefore, challenges us to hold firm to what is right, not only in times of joy but especially when it requires courage and conviction.”
Grounding her message in the local context, Persad-Bissessar praised the Christian community for its generational contributions to Trinidad and Tobago, noting that they have helped shape the nation’s life through service, education, compassion, and moral leadership.
She said that the core values of the sacred season—humility, forgiveness, discipline, and care for others—are essential to strengthening society and anchoring the country’s shared sense of purpose.
As the nation enters Holy Week, the Prime Minister urged all observing Christians to pause, reflect, and renew their commitment to these guiding principles.
“Let this not be only a remembrance of what Christ endured, but a recommitment to how we live,” Persad-Bissessar urged. “Let us not only proclaim Him in word, but reflect Him in action, in how we treat one another, how we serve, and how we uphold what is right.”
She extended sincere wishes on behalf of the Government and the people of Trinidad and Tobago for a peaceful, blessed, and spiritually enriching Holy Week, praying that the season brings renewed faith, strength of character, and national unity.
