President Weekes’ New Year’s Message

President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Paula-Mae Weekes, is pensive at the start of 2021 as she tries to discern how the people's wishes and dreams can be realised with achievable certainty. She notes the yearnings of citizens in the letters they send to her, with many asking for relief from the adversity in their lives, ranging from crime, racism and joblessness to name a few challenges. The President says she is generally unable to supply solutions to these problems, given the Constitutional limitations and conventional restrictions of her office, but she is able to use her one power and duty as President, that is to keep citizen's problems front and centre of the national agenda. The President tells leaders that transparency and truth must prevail in the formulating and execution of national plans. She also tells public officials to stop being so secretive on issues such as procurement, border security, and the exemption policy in respect of Nationals abroad. She encourages all citizens, including those who find themselves in challenging circumstances, to be optimistic and to have a safe, healthy and happy New Year.