REMARKS BY HON. WADE MARK, MP, SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE AT THE BOOK LAUNCH BY HIS PROFESSOR GEORGE MAXWELL RICHARDS TC, CMT, PH.D, ‘EVOLUTION OF A NATION: TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO AT FIFTY’

Your Excellency, President George Maxwell Richards, TC, CMT, PH.D Senator the Honourable Timothy Hamel-Smith, President of the Cabinet Ministers Members of the Diplomatic Corp Representatives of the Religious Organizations Hon. Dr. Keith Rowley, Leader of the Opposition Members of the Senate Members of the House of Representatives Former Members of Parliament Mayors and other municipal representatives Clerk of the Senate, Mrs. Nataki Atiba-Dilchan Representatives from the Business Sector Representatives from the Labour Fraternity

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Distinguished Lecturers Other Members of staff of the Parliament Members of the Media Ladies and Gentlemen

Good Morning

It is with pleasure that I extend a warm welcome to you on the occasion of this book launch ‘Evolution of a Nation: Trinidad and Tobago at Fifty.’ I would like to take the time to really express my sincere gratitude to all the distinguished lecturers for their sterling contribution in making this book a reality.

This publication is a compilation of the papers presented at the Lecture Series which took place during the period September to December, 2011. The Parliament thought it fitting that as our Nation prepares to celebrate our 50th Anniversary of Independence it is important to have on record the evolution of our system of governance. This book traces the progression of events and provides an extensive assessment of them. The first of the Lecture Series was held in Tobago. Attendees got an appreciation of the constitutional development of Tobago. It is significant to note that the first Bicameral legislature in this part of the world was held in Tobago on July 11, 1768, some 250 years ago.

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The Lecture Series concluded on December 18, 2011 with a very thought provoking presentation by Your Excellency entitled ‘The role of the Head of State in the Bicameral System of Governance: From Independence to the Present,’ a very crucial role that is not well understood by many of our citizens.

On that occasion Your Excellency also reminded us of our responsibility to keep public participation, opinion and expression alive.

1961 saw the introduction of the Senate as part of our Governance process. Although we did not have to shed blood, as occurred in other British territories seeking Independence during that era, our removal of colonial authority still had to be negotiated. It is therefore our duty to ensure that the younger generation understands the importance of Independence and the crucial role the Parliament plays in safeguarding our democracy.

During last year’s 50th Anniversary celebrations on the establishment of Bicameralism, we were encouraged to reflect on the benefits to be gained by having two chambers. Theoretically, bicameralism allows for formal representation of diverse interest groups, enhances oversight of the Executive Arm and can frustrate the passage of flawed legislation. In

3 a system such as ours, Bicameralism lends itself to an “improved quality of legislation” suggestive of a movement from the status quo closer to the preferred outcome of the citizens. Of course, there is the political dimension which recognizes that different interests or preferences may be expressed in both legislative bodies and so improve the quality of decisions under majority rule system.

This publication therefore epitomises a gathering of intellectuals and persons of vast and varied experiences who together can assist in creating solutions to the many issues that face small legislatures as ours.

It is the hope that the information contained in this publication will assist our youth and our students at all levels and to remember our history and to be proud of where we have come from, where we are today, and to provide a roadmap for the future.

Fifty years ago, the Parliament did not have the advantage of information, communication technologies. The advent of ICTs has allowed the Parliament to become even more accessible to the body politic through various social media, and it needs to be emphasised our Parliament is committed to becoming an e-Parliament in an attempt to make the governance process more efficient, effective, transparent and capable of reaching more citizens than ever before.

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I would like to inform you that although there are limited copies of this publication, it will be made available for download from the Parliament’s website. It is something that every household should have. A publication such as this, will enlighten, encourage and inspire citizens to take their rightful place in the governance process.

And as I conclude, I would like us to reflect on the meaning of Independence, and reflect on our history and pray that the Almighty continues to bless and watch over our twin island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

I thank you. And may God richly bless Our Nation.

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