<p>Earlier it was Basdeo Pandey in 1995 to 2001. Their ancestors, who entered that country as plantation labourers 165 years ago, perhaps did not dream of such success among their progeny. <br /><br />But, their sacrifice and untiring labour amidst hostile situation in the unknown land to create a better tomorrow has yielded results now. Their children learnt the hard lessons of survival and moved forward to lead a successful life. Today, Indo-Trinidadians make up the country’s largest ethnic group of 45 per cent which comes to the figure of six lakh.<br />The ordeal of forced labour in Trinidad and Tobago ended when the country got freedom in 1962. The Island nation has emerged economically strong with its oil resources today along with progress in every field. People of Indian origin have excelled in the field of education and business. They have also brought back the fervour of celebrating festivals like Ramanavami and Shivaratri. <br /><br />Christianity with 43.6 per cent following stands first among many different religions that are present in Trinidad and Tobago today and Hinduism stands second at 22.5 per cent despite the pressures exerted by missionaries for conversion. However, early settlers of Hindu origin were forced to take Christian names in order to get admission for their children in schools. But, they held their faith and continued their religious customs and practices. <br /><br />Kamala Prasad Bissessar<br />Kamala Prasad, born on April 22, 1952, is married to Dr Gregory Bissessar and has one son. She studied in Trinidad until graduation and went to England to obtain her law degree. She started her career as teacher in Lakshmi Girls Hindu College and later took to legal profession. Her experience of six years in different educational institutions helped her to improve primary and secondary schools as well as technical and vocational education and training, special education and teacher education in her country. She is widely recognised for her work in educational broadcasting, educational counselling and guidance, moral, ethical and spiritual values and physical education in schools. Kamala Prasad Bissessar, has achieved many distinctions like, first woman to serve as attorney general, acting prime minister, leader of opposition of Trinidad and Tobago.<br /><br />Kamala Prasad Bissessar, sworn in as prime minister on May 26, 2010, entered politics in 1987 and elected as member of parliament in 1995. She became the education minister when her party, United National Congress formed the government. She was elected as political leader of UNC on Jan 24, 2010, when the party lost the power. She was appointed opposition leader on Feb 25, 2010, having gained the support of a majority of UNC MPs. Opportunity knocked on her doors when the midterm poll was announced. Quick succession of events from January till May 2010 led Kamala Prasad Bissessar to the most distinction of being the first woman prime minister of her country. People of Trinidad-Tobago have reposed great trust in her to bring positive changes to the country.<br />She reiterated her promise to the nation in her inaugural speech after assuming the office, “This morning we leave the labels behind and we move forward as one nation — all committed to the same goal — a safer, more prosperous and just Trinidad and Tobago where we all have opportunity and equality. No more labels. No more prefixes of Afro and Indo nor North and South nor East West corridors.”<br /><br />Kamala Prasad Bissessar has travelled long with commitment and sincerity to achieve the success of today. Every Indian should feel proud about her and her achievement.<br /></p>
<p>Earlier it was Basdeo Pandey in 1995 to 2001. Their ancestors, who entered that country as plantation labourers 165 years ago, perhaps did not dream of such success among their progeny. <br /><br />But, their sacrifice and untiring labour amidst hostile situation in the unknown land to create a better tomorrow has yielded results now. Their children learnt the hard lessons of survival and moved forward to lead a successful life. Today, Indo-Trinidadians make up the country’s largest ethnic group of 45 per cent which comes to the figure of six lakh.<br />The ordeal of forced labour in Trinidad and Tobago ended when the country got freedom in 1962. The Island nation has emerged economically strong with its oil resources today along with progress in every field. People of Indian origin have excelled in the field of education and business. They have also brought back the fervour of celebrating festivals like Ramanavami and Shivaratri. <br /><br />Christianity with 43.6 per cent following stands first among many different religions that are present in Trinidad and Tobago today and Hinduism stands second at 22.5 per cent despite the pressures exerted by missionaries for conversion. However, early settlers of Hindu origin were forced to take Christian names in order to get admission for their children in schools. But, they held their faith and continued their religious customs and practices. <br /><br />Kamala Prasad Bissessar<br />Kamala Prasad, born on April 22, 1952, is married to Dr Gregory Bissessar and has one son. She studied in Trinidad until graduation and went to England to obtain her law degree. She started her career as teacher in Lakshmi Girls Hindu College and later took to legal profession. Her experience of six years in different educational institutions helped her to improve primary and secondary schools as well as technical and vocational education and training, special education and teacher education in her country. She is widely recognised for her work in educational broadcasting, educational counselling and guidance, moral, ethical and spiritual values and physical education in schools. Kamala Prasad Bissessar, has achieved many distinctions like, first woman to serve as attorney general, acting prime minister, leader of opposition of Trinidad and Tobago.<br /><br />Kamala Prasad Bissessar, sworn in as prime minister on May 26, 2010, entered politics in 1987 and elected as member of parliament in 1995. She became the education minister when her party, United National Congress formed the government. She was elected as political leader of UNC on Jan 24, 2010, when the party lost the power. She was appointed opposition leader on Feb 25, 2010, having gained the support of a majority of UNC MPs. Opportunity knocked on her doors when the midterm poll was announced. Quick succession of events from January till May 2010 led Kamala Prasad Bissessar to the most distinction of being the first woman prime minister of her country. People of Trinidad-Tobago have reposed great trust in her to bring positive changes to the country.<br />She reiterated her promise to the nation in her inaugural speech after assuming the office, “This morning we leave the labels behind and we move forward as one nation — all committed to the same goal — a safer, more prosperous and just Trinidad and Tobago where we all have opportunity and equality. No more labels. No more prefixes of Afro and Indo nor North and South nor East West corridors.”<br /><br />Kamala Prasad Bissessar has travelled long with commitment and sincerity to achieve the success of today. Every Indian should feel proud about her and her achievement.<br /></p>
