Lucky emphasises integrity and morality

On her first public appearance since the highly-publicised falling out with the hierarchy of the United National Congress, (UNC), Pointe-a-Pierre MP, Gillian Lucky, has again emphasised the virtues of integrity and morality in both public and private life as a means of reclaiming Trinidad and Tobago from the twin evils of crime and poverty. The outspoken Opposition parliamentary, who recently broke ranks with her party over the so-called “Teacup affair” and subsequently declared her status as an independent member of the UNC, was addressing the 80th Anniversary celebrations of the Gasparillo East Indian Friendly Society, Ragoobar Lands, Gasparillo, yesterday.

And, with Comm-unity Development Minister, Joan Yuille-Williams, in the audience, Lucky urged members to view themselves as part of an integrated society in spite of its many divides. “We have many divides in society and the fact is at the end of the day, we have to see ourselves as Trinbagonians. We have to see ourselves as citizens of Trinidad and Tobago with a common mandate to do that which is best for our god and our country,” she said. Lucky said the spiralling crime rate had become worse with criminals “attacking” both the very old and the very young.

“And what we have to do as parents, as educators, as teachers, as persons in the workplace, we have to lead by example, we have to send the message that those virtues of spirituality, of morality, of integrity, of fidelity have to reign supreme in this country,” she said. “It is the only way we have to get rid of criminal elements,” Lucky added. Afterwards, Yuille-Williams advised the community organisation to “stay strong” in spite of a dwindling membership and increasing competition from other organisations. She praised the society for its involvement in the community and advised the organisation to make use of the ministry’s funding to carry on its work. Society president, Asgar Ali, said the organisation was committed to bringing a halt to the runaway crime rate by deeper involvement in the community.