The Downtown Owners and Merchants Association (DOMA) has joined in congratulating the people of Trinidad and Tobago as the country celebrates its 50th anniversa- ry today.

"We take great joy in writing to express our profound congratulations and best wishes to each and every citizen of our beloved country," the organisation said in a statement yesterday.

The Port of Spain-based business association urged citizens to maintain the same type of devotion (to nationalism) all year long that has been shown this last week.

"The sense of jubilation and excitement at this 50th anniversary of our Independence is hard to miss, and the obvious love of country that is being expressed everywhere is an encouraging sign for the future of our nation," DOMA said.

The association urged that more emphasis be placed on enlightening all citizens on the responsibility that comes with citizenship.

"We worry that citizens are becoming too reliant on Government and, in this scenario, we may lose the independence that can only be forged from our love of liberty and country...we ask that all citizens consider that it is impossible to truly love one's country without loving all of its people...we are confident that our love for each other is still strong and our determination to live in harmony remains unshakeable," DOMA said.

DOMA said it renewed its commitment to the national community this Independence to work together with all citizens and interested parties in trying to make a better place.

"...Trinidad and Tobago can easily be one of the greatest countries in the world if we work together in the interest of each other and our country," it said.