In Brief
- Event Attendance: The Parliamentary Secretary attended the Miss India Worldwide Trinidad and Tobago Pageant at Queen’s Hall and was honoured with an award for supporting the event.
- Cultural Economics: The pageant served as a powerful reminder of the vital link between culture, tourism, and economic opportunities for local creatives and entrepreneurs.
- Government Commitment: Under the leadership of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism remains dedicated to diversifying the economy by investing in the creative and tourism sectors.
By Dr Neil Gosine
It was truly a pleasure to attend the Miss India Worldwide Trinidad and Tobago Pageant 2026 at Queen’s Hall. I was also deeply honoured to receive an award in recognition of my support for this outstanding event.
I sincerely thank Founder and National Director Neha Karina Meena and her dedicated team for this meaningful recognition. Their vision, commitment and hard work brought together an impressive celebration of beauty, intelligence, confidence, culture and national pride.
The young women who participated in the Teen, Miss and Mrs categories demonstrated that pageantry extends far beyond physical appearance. It creates a platform through which women can develop their confidence, express their ideas, celebrate their heritage and become ambassadors for their communities and country. Each contestant deserves congratulations for having the courage to step forward and represent herself, her family and her culture with dignity.
Events such as this also remind us of the powerful relationship between culture, tourism, trade and investment. Trinidad and Tobago possesses a rich and diverse cultural identity that distinguishes us internationally. When our traditions, fashion, music, cuisine and creative talent are professionally presented, they attract visitors, generate economic activity and provide opportunities for designers, artistes, photographers, makeup professionals, event planners, small businesses and many others.
This is why the Government, under the strong and experienced leadership of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, continues to recognise tourism and the creative industries as important contributors to national development. Our Prime Minister understands that economic progress must involve creating opportunities for people in every sector, particularly our young people, women and entrepreneurs.
As Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism, I remain committed to supporting initiatives that promote Trinidad and Tobago as a destination for culture, creativity, business and investment. The Ministry’s work is focused on expanding opportunities, attracting investment, strengthening local enterprise and ensuring that tourism plays a greater role in building a diversified and resilient economy.
Under Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, trade, investment and tourism are being given the attention required to flourish. Her leadership is grounded in delivery, inclusion and the belief that Trinidad and Tobago has the talent and potential to compete successfully on the regional and international stage. Through partnerships with cultural organisations, entrepreneurs and the private sector, we can transform creative ideas into sustainable industries and meaningful employment.
The Miss India Worldwide Trinidad and Tobago Pageant is an excellent example of what can be achieved through vision, collaboration and determination. It showcased our diversity while connecting Trinidad and Tobago to a respected international platform.
I congratulate the organisers, contestants, families, sponsors and supporters who contributed to the success of this memorable occasion. I was proud to be present, grateful for the award and pleased to reaffirm my support for initiatives that empower our people and promote our beautiful country.
Together, under the leadership of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, we will continue building a Trinidad and Tobago where culture is celebrated, tourism expands, investment grows and every citizen has an opportunity to succeed.
Neil Gosine is the Member of Parliament for Chaguanas West and the Parliamentary Secretary at the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism
