Freelance Correspondent
Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath has defended the staging of the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission’s Divali celebrations.
He said it was the first Divali celebration held by the commission in a decade. It took place at the Couva South carpark on Sunday.
Padarath, during his address, issued a challenge to all opponents of the T&TEC’s Divali festivities to go ahead and seek information on why the event was held.
Addressing the large audience, Padarath said, “They can file how much Freedom of Information (referring to the Freedom of Information Act) as they want, I can justify this Divali Celebration, our gift to the nation as the only electricity company responsible for light, illuminating the pathway.”
Padarath noted that the celebrations came after a great deal of “push back, a lot of unwillingness on the part of a very few.”
He expressed solidarity with T&TEC workers who continue to serve the nation daily, saying, “For far too long you were the bastard child, for far too long no one appreciated your efforts. You may not get everything today, you may not get everything tomorrow being Budget Day (yesterday), but tonight I tell you what you will get from us is political will and commitment to deliver to the people of T&T and you those within T&TEC.”
The minister also spoke about the importance of respecting women and recognising the divinity in all women, who play multiple roles in holding both families and the nation together.
He paid tribute to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, whom he likened to the “Mother Lakshmi of T&T.” Padarath said the Prime Minister had been disrespected in the Lower House when “disgusting and degrading” comments were made against her by a People’s National Movement member of parliament during her tenure as opposition leader.
The celebration attracted thousands to the venue, where several bamboo displays showcased scenes from early East Indian life in Trinidad and Tobago.