Whilst various sectors of society have sought to record and celebrate the nation's 50th anniversary of Independence, some entities have chosen the print media to immortalise this auspicious milestone in Trinidad and Tobago's evolution.

Trinidad and Tobago: 50 years of Independence is the third book launched by the Ministry of Planning and Sustainable Development to mark the nation's 50 years of Independence, said the Minister of Planning and Sustainable Development, Dr Bhoendradatt Tewarie.

A collaborative effort done by the ministry and award-winning publishing house FIRST, the book was revealed to a small gathering at the La Lune Room of the Eric Williams Finance Building in Port of Spain on September 6.

Tewarie said, "We did one about the landscape; the other one looked at people and places in Trinidad and Tobago and the evolution of the society in picture; and now this one which is a more thoughtful book."

Elaborating on the amount of work that was put into producing the book, Tewarie said it was done in tandem with input from personalities from all walks of life in Trinidad and Tobago.

"This publication is intended to be an information resource for citizens, researchers, students, tourists or anyone inquiring into the various aspects of life in Trinidad and Tobago. It elaborates a historical context of the nation while providing the reader with insight to chart the course over the next 50 years into the future of Trinidad and Tobago. The scope of topics discussed by some of Trinidad and Tobago's foremost thinkers range from culture, politics, economics, agriculture, the environment and the very notion of Independence under the broad heading of identity, stability, creativity, opportunity, sport and tourism," said deputy permanent secretary in the Ministry of Planning and Sustainable Development, Vidiah Ramkhelawan.

Tewarie said that his ministry had been responsible for hosting over 100 activities in communities across the country in the weeks leading up to August 31.

The intention, he said, was to try and touch as many people and tap into their dormant or latent nationalism so citizens could feel connected.

Speaking at the launch, Dr Hamid Ghany, who was guest editor on the book, referred to it as a historically significant document that is not confined to any political point of view or perspective.

He said, "This is a publication that truly captures the spirit of Trinidad and Tobago."

Describing the book as a keepsake that will pique the interest of researchers and investors of life in Trinidad and Tobago, Ghany said the book also provided valuable information about Trinidad and Tobago that may not be as common knowledge to the rest of the world.

Among those who already received copies prior to the launch were President George Maxwell Richards and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who were both presented with a copy of the book during the national awards ceremony on August 31.

Tewarie said, "The book would be made available to the public at no cost in a few weeks." See Page 45