Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar joined hundreds of residents in Siparia for a vibrant Divali celebration hosted by the Siparia Women’s Association (SWA) on October 11. The event, held at her constituency office in Penal, marked two significant milestones: the 28th anniversary of the SWA and Persad-Bissessar’s 30 years as Member of Parliament for Siparia. Streets were temporarily closed to accommodate the festivities, which drew members of the UNC government, the diplomatic corps, and local families. In her address, the Prime Minister reflected on her political journey, drawing parallels between her experiences and the story of Lord Rama from the Ramayan. She emphasized the resilience of the Siparia community, describing it as a family united by compassion and courage. The celebration’s theme, “A Journey of Light – From Village Deyas to a Nation’s Flame,” highlighted the contributions of ordinary citizens in shaping the nation. Persad-Bissessar also drew inspiration from the April 28 general election victory, likening it to a “Divali of return” and a triumph of unity and faith. She pledged to continue fighting for the people of Trinidad and Tobago, vowing to combat corruption, crime, and neglect. The event concluded with a promise of steadfast leadership as her government prepares to present its maiden budget on October 13.