MESSAGE OF PRIME MINISTER THE HONOURABLE MRS KAMLA PERSAD-BISSESSAR, SC, MPON THE OCCASION OF CHINESE NEW YEAR 2026 – YEAR OF THE HORSE
UNITED VOICE
MESSAGE OF PRIME MINISTER THE HONOURABLE MRS KAMLA PERSAD-BISSESSAR, SC, MPON THE OCCASION OF CHINESE NEW YEAR 2026 – YEAR OF THE HORSE
As families across Trinidad and Tobago and throughout the world welcome the Lunar New Year, I extend warmest greetings to the Chinese community and to all citizens joining in this joyful celebration.
The Lunar New Year 2026 welcomes the Year of the Fire Horse, a rare zodiac alignment occurring once every sixty years. In Chinese tradition, the Horse symbolizes courage, perseverance, and progress, while the Fire element represents energy, renewal, and bold ambition. Together, they herald a year of movement, transformation, and new opportunity.
This occasion also invites reflection on a remarkable journey that forms an important chapter of our national story. Chinese history in Trinidad and Tobago began in 1806 with the arrival of the ship Fortitude, followed by subsequent waves of migrants whose resilience and enterprise laid the foundations of a vibrant and enduring community.
From humble beginnings, Chinese Trinidadians became pioneers in commerce, retail, cuisine, and entrepreneurship, enriching our cultural landscape and strengthening our economy. Their descendants have contributed with distinction in public life, business, education, and national leadership, exemplified by Sir Solomon Hochoy, our first Governor-General.
The Lunar New Year also provides an opportunity to recognise the strong and longstanding friendship between Trinidad and Tobago and the People’s Republic of China. Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1974, our two nations have built a partnership grounded in mutual respect, cooperation, and shared development.
Over the decades, these ties have expanded across trade, infrastructure, education, culture, and people-to-people exchange, contributing meaningfully to national development and economic opportunity.
Today, our diplomatic and commercial relations remain strong, reflecting a relationship grounded not only in trade but in trust, dialogue, and a shared commitment to peaceful cooperation and progress. Trinidad and Tobago looks forward to deepening this partnership as we continue to pursue sustainable growth and mutual prosperity.
The spirit of the Horse reminds us to move forward with confidence, unity, and determination. As we enter this Lunar New Year, may its energy inspire renewed hope, stronger communities, and continued success for all.
May the Year of the Horse bring health, happiness, and prosperity to every home, and may our nation continue to advance together toward a bright and promising future.
Gong Xi Fa Cai (Wishing you prosperity and wealth). Xin Nian Kuai Le (Happy New Year).
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