ANSA McAL Group Chairman and Chief Executive – A. Norman Sabga (left), Port of Spain Mayor – His Worship Louis Lee Sing (centre) and Minister of Planning and the Economy – Senator the Honourable Dr. Bhoe Tewarie seal the ANSA McAL Time Capsule with a plaque after placing it in the ground. The Time Capsule was sealed at a ceremony which celebrates Trinidad and Tobago’s 50th Anniversary of Independence at TATIL Building, Maraval Road (Port of Spain) on August 18, 2012.
Group Chairman and Chief Executive of the ANSA McAL Group of Companies A. Norman Sabga on August 18, 2012 urged citizens to use the 50th anniversary of independence to recommit to Trinidad and Tobago. He made the call during the ceremonial sealing of an ANSA McAL Time Capsule at TATIL Building, Maraval Road, Port-of-Spain on August 18, 2012. The time capsule is expected to be opened in August 2062, when T&T celebrates 100 years of independence.
He said: “This independence, we must use the occasion to recommit to T&T, while recognising that perhaps all of us have not done enough and we can do better in the development of the people and the country.” “Democracy finally rests on a higher power than Parliament. It rests on an informed, cultivated and alert public opinion. The members of Parliament are only representatives of the citizens.
Participating in the sealing of the capsule were Sabga, Port-of-Spain mayor Louis Lee Sing, Planning and Sustainable Development Minister Dr Bhoe Tewarie and former prime minister Basdeo Panday. Panday inserted a copy of the Guardian newspaper into the capsule.
Witnessing the event were president of the Inter-Religious Organisation Harrypersad Maharaj, who delivered the invocation and ANSA McAL chief operating officer Gerry Brooks, who made brief remarks. Although he was not present, Toco-born Keshorn Walcott came in for kudos from Sabga for his gold-medal performance at the recent London Olympics.
The time capsule contained letters from chairman emeritus Dr Anthony N Sabga, Lee Sing and Tewarie (on behalf of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar). President George Maxwell Richards also conveyed his sentiments. “We felt this was one of the best ways to communicate from the present to the future and to preserve the past. It is time we recognise the blessings of freedom we enjoy are not free, as they come from a legacy of sacrifice, courage and leadership,“ Sabga said.
“Looking ahead, as T&T becomes increasingly globalised and diverse and as our aspirations rise together with the standards of living and education, we must encourage our people to think and talk about what makes us Trinidadians and Tobagonians.”
Sabga felt patriotism should be a beacon of light. “Whatever the challenges that face us, let us always place our national interest first. The strength of the nation depends on the strength of its citizens.” He hoped great friendship, prosperity and blessings would manifest itself for the next 50 years. Mayor Lee Sing said he felt humbled and honoured to be part of the event and thanked Sabga for sharing his vision.
“The group chairman put it aptly when he said the ceremony is a link between the past, present and future. This particular idea of the time capsule speaks to the visionary kind of leadership that has been provided by the founder who knew a long time ago where he wanted to take his business. He has skilfully and with much decision brought the ANSA McAL group to be one of the regional giants. The concept of the time capsule mirrors long-term planning and organisation,” Lee Sing said.
Tewarie said, “It was an honour to put in a letter from the Prime Minister. We have to wait until 2062 to see how her thoughts resonate. It was an excellent idea so the past could be connected to the future. We thank the ANSA McAL conglomerate for their initiative in the national interest of the country. We invite other organisations to come on board. Without the private sector, the society cannot prosper.”
Trinidad Guardian
August 19, 2012
