It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to the opening of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting People’s Space. The CHOGM is a meeting of the leaders of one third of the population of the world. It is a meeting about people and the focus of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago is also all about people.

Government's commitment to the people of the Trinidad and Tobago has never wavered, and our alliance with civil society, which is a clear demonstration of this commitment, has never been stronger. As we recognise that co-operation between civil society and Government means a more prosperous country for all of us, Government is extremely proud of its investment of $4.4 million in the People’s Space, and to cover the registration fees of all our local delegates at the Commonwealth People’s Forum.

When the Heads of Government of over 40 Commonwealth and other countries come to Trinidad and Tobago to treat with pressing international issues such as climate change, global warming, and partnering for a more equitable and sustainable future, that’s something we should take great pride in as a people. I want everyone here this evening, to think about that, because, as a citizen of this dynamic small island developing state that is Trinidad and Tobago, you have every right to be beaming with that pride right now.

The Ministry of Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs is pleased to create this People’s Space within the framework of CHOGM 2009, because it is totally for the people and of the people. As Minister, I feel a deep sense of pride in the efforts of my Ministry which have resulted in the provision of this unique space in service of the people. 

Many of our Commonwealth brothers and sisters spend their lifetimes waiting to see progress in their countries. In Trinidad and Tobago, you only have to look around to see that we are sculpting a developed country, a healthy democracy, and an example of progress that the world will admire over the next few days, thanks to CHOGM 2009. 

Trinidad and Tobago is one of the Commonwealth's most dynamic economies, bringing prosperity and opportunity to peoples who have come from various parts of the globe. That's the legacy of Trinidad and Tobago ladies and gentlemen. Every creed and race finds an equal place here.

Our local population reflects the composition of the Commonwealth very well. Indian, African, European, Chinese, Syrian/Lebanese and others, live harmoniously in this space that we call home.

By hosting in 2009 the Fifth Summit of the Americas last April, and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting this month, Trinidad and Tobago has taken on a leadership role: promoting environmental, sustainable development on the world stage; helping the world to deal with the real and global challenges that also face us.

When the week ahead is etched in history, we will see that all the countries of the Commonwealth would have benefitted from CHOGM 2009, starting with Trinidad and Tobago. So I extend the invitation: let us make that part of our legacy too.

In only a few days, when the world meets for CHOGM 2009, the story will go well beyond the walls of the National Academy for the Performing Arts, and the Port of Spain Waterfront. Visitor after visitor, delegate after delegate, will all remember the local country experience at the People’s Space. They will benefit from an opportunity to truly understand our culture. They will see a people who aspire together. They will see a people who achieve together. They will see a people moving forward with one Vision, leading to developed country status by the year 2020. They will see thousands of faces – of all races and ethnicities, working together in peace and harmony, amidst great political stability.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I expect that this People’s Space will be the premier spot for nationals and visitors alike to share in CHOGM activity through participating in discourse, literacy, performing, visual and culinary arts. From the Masala pavilion to The Panyard, from The Liming Spot to The People’s Food and the other four pavilions, thousands of decision-makers from international government as well as civil society and media organisations,will enjoy a true Trinidad and Tobago experience at the People’s Space. The space will showcase the richness of the cultures of Trinidad and Tobago and the Commonwealth of Nations.

This is why, this evening, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, I take great pleasure in formally opening the People’s Space, and in dedicating it to the people of Trinidad and Tobago and the people of the Commonwealth.

I thank you.

Text and photo courtesy the Ministry of Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs www.cdcga.gov.tt