Her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo ORTT, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago delivered the feature address at the graduation ceremony of Standard 5 students of the Tacarigua Presbyterian School on Friday June 12, 2026.

Under the school’s graduation theme, Built on Excellence Destined for Greatness, Her Excellency reminded the students to never allow other people’s opinions to determine their self-worth. The students were reminded that what matters most as they move to the next stage of their education is the foundation they received at their primary school. The President told the graduating class to “ …never allow other people’s opinions to determine your self-worth. Never allow a careless comment, a cruel joke, or a social media post to make you feel less than adequate. Never allow the number of likes, views, shares, or comments to tell you whether you matter… Always remember the difference between right and wrong. Do not let pressure, popularity, fear, or convenience blur that difference.. Choose honesty. Choose respect. Choose kindness. Choose courage. Choose faith.”

See text of full speech delivered by Her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo, O.R.T.T., President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago below: