MESSAGE TO THE NATION FROM DR THE HONOURABLE KEITH ROWLEY PRIME MINISTER OF THE REPUBLIC OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO ON THE OCCASION OF GOOD FRIDAY 2018  

Fellow citizens of Trinidad and Tobago,

On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and my family, I wish to convey sincere greetings to the Christian community on the occasion of Good Friday. This holy day, which commemorates the death of Jesus Christ on the cross at Calvary, is one of the most significant events in the Christian calendar.

On this day, we remember the suffering of Christ as he sacrificed his life and subjected himself to the punishment of crucifixion. We continue to be inspired by Christ’s love and humility in yielding himself to the will of the Father.

Although tradition dictates that the church bells should cease to ring and the altars be left bare, today is also recognised as a triumphant day. Without the shedding of blood, the book of Hebrews tells us, there would be no remission of sin. While the cruelty of his death is cause for sober contemplation we can also rejoice in the fact that it was the beginning of Christ’s triumphant victory over death and the grave.

Today, many thousands of members of the Christian faith in our nation will spend time in prayerful devotion, performing the Stations of the Cross or in customary fasting.

Christ’s example allows us to be compassionate in our daily lives and to think of others before ourselves. We are encouraged to become our brothers’ keepers and to understand the value of placing the collective good above individual gain.

Now, more than ever, as the nation continues to experience many challenges, we are called to exhibit the characteristics of generosity and dedication to service. We acknowledge and pray for those who faithfully put themselves on the front lines and those who labour tirelessly for the benefit of the nation. This is also the season where we remember the sick and consider the deprived and the needy in our communities. Let us not withhold our hands from doing well when it is in our power to do so, especially for those who do not have the wherewithal to fend for themselves.

As we give ourselves to prayer and contemplation, I urge every citizen of Trinidad and Tobago to be resolute in their desire to contribute to the advancement of our society. Let us continue to be inspired by the passion of Jesus and the steadfastness of his beliefs. I wish every member of our national community a safe and meaningful Good Friday.