It is a common everyday topic to put down our country and the new Government in power and say how it is going to the dogs.

There may be corruption from the highest to the lowest, and this will be dealt with accordingly by the institutions charged with this responsibility. But where does all this negative talk and negativism lead us? What is 50 years in the life of a nation? Those born free are still in their 20s and 30s, and the older ones are gradually shedding their slave mentality.

Faith brooks no fear, and the God-given creative power within the individual is the outcome of triple faith: in God, in self and humanity.

Let us move forward and look towards the next 30-50 years; where do we see ourselves as a young, fledgling, democratic nation among countries like USA, which is now 235 years old, and the countries of Europe, which are over 500 years old.

Look at the progress, we have made over the last 50 years; the Almighty has blessed our nation with natural wealth and natural talent in the creativity of our people. Let us not look back and continue to criticise and condemn one another but forge ahead with the guiding principles and watchwords of our founding father, Dr Eric Williams, viz "Discipline, Tolerance and Production".

If we have no faith in one another, we will always be surrounded by hostility and fear, and there will be a tendency to withdraw from society and cling to our families and friends for protection. But we are a fun-loving people, hospitable, generous and kind. Let us be respectful to the authorities, our parents, our elders and our teachers, for they are the ones who have moulded this nation to date.

This is basic fear (fear personified) in the society today. The cause of this unnecessary fear and anxiety is well known to be crime and poverty. However, we are a free people, and we can only overcome this fear by faith and love of our fellow human beings, not selfish love but universal love that brings with it "heavenly bliss".

Love is its own record and hatred is its own punishment. Hatred is like weeds, it grows with astounding profusion, unless smothered by love. For all this "talk", talk is getting us nowhere, we all have our likes and dislikes, and we will not agree on everything that is taking place in our society today, but let us agree to disagree.

Let us raise our levels of consciousness and move away from the politics of the "gutter". As we move forward, let us extend warmth, friendship and "One Love".

Let us put aside our fears and hatred and build a nation that our children and grandchildren will be proud of. If we love our country, Trinidad and Tobago, sacrifices must be made. So let's reach out and help one another; we are a fantastic people with tremendous potential and native intelligence.

May the Almighty continue to bless us on this specific occasion and continue to bless us in abundance.

We should be proud today for what we have achieved and thank those in the past who have contributed to our many achievements in every sphere and endeavour.

Peace, love and blessings on our 50th birthday as a nation.

Curtis Williams

St James