- No State funding needed: Justice Frank Seepersad praised the organisers of the Green Park, Palmiste Ramleela celebrations for staging their multi-night production entirely through community contributions rather than government aid.
- Power in unity: Drawing lessons from the Ramayan, the High Court Judge urged citizens to stop underestimating what they can achieve when united by a shared vision.
- A national blueprint: He called on neighbourhoods across Trinidad and Tobago to follow Palmiste’s example by combining self-reliance with collective responsibility to improve their communities.
Caption: Justice Frank Seepersad at Ramleela at Green Park in Palmiste
By Prior Beharry
High Court Judge Justice Frank Seepersad has called on citizens to recognise their collective power and embrace community self-reliance, rather than waiting solely on State intervention to achieve great things.
Delivering the feature address at the Ramleela celebrations at Green Park in Palmiste on Saturday night, Justice Seepersad commended the event’s organisers and volunteers for successfully staging the multi-night theatrical production entirely without government funding.
His comments come as the government has pulled state funding from the Divali Nagar as its celebrates its 40th year.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar insisted that taxpayer money needs to be directed toward core state responsibilities, such as paying workers’ wages, purchasing medical supplies, and funding pensions.
She also said that the withdrawal of support from state enterprises—such as bmobile, First Citizens Bank, and National Flour Mills—ensures that public dollars are allocated fairly across various cultural and religious events.
Drawing parallels between the themes of the Ramayan and modern civic duty, Justice Seepersad noted that the ancient epic is a “timeless exploration of the human condition” that highlights how good triumphs over evil not merely through strength, but through unity, sacrifice and conviction.
“What makes this achievement particularly inspiring is that it is accomplished without State funding,” Justice Seepersad said.
He said, “Instead, you draw upon the generosity, ingenuity and talents of your members and supporters. Some contribute financially; others offer technical, managerial, organisational, culinary or theatrical expertise. Together, these individual contributions produce something extraordinary.”
The judge said that the Palmiste community had proven that a society’s greatest asset is not its financial wealth, but “the people who believe in its purpose.”
Justice Seepersad suggested that citizens often underestimate what they can accomplish when united by a shared vision.
He urged the public to tap into the “immense reservoir of talent, creativity, generosity and goodwill” that already exists within local neighbourhoods.
Clarifying the concept of independence at a community level, the judge emphasised that self-reliance does not mean isolation.
“Self-reliance does not mean standing alone. It means recognising that, collectively, we possess the capacity to shape our circumstances and strengthen our communities,” he said.
He reminded the audience that Lord Rama’s victory was not achieved in isolation, but depended heavily on the loyalty, courage and diverse contributions of others, such as Sita’s steadfastness and Hanuman’s selfless devotion.
Praising the organisers for preserving traditions, nurturing young talent and bridging generational gaps, Justice Seepersad noted that cultural heritage is “not merely an inheritance to be cherished, but a responsibility to be fulfilled.”
He said he hoped that the Palmiste production would serve as a national blueprint.
“May your example inspire communities throughout Trinidad and Tobago to recognise their own capacity for greatness,” Justice Seepersad said.
He said, “For when people share their talents, unite their efforts and remain steadfast in a common purpose, even the most ambitious aspirations can become reality.”
