The National Pledge of Trinidad and Tobago

The Pledge & National Song

THE NATIONAL SONG

God bless our nation,

Of many varied races,

May we possess that common love,

That binds and makes us One.

Let it be known around the world,

That we can boast of Unity,

And take a pride in Our Liberty.

God bless our isles of tropic beauty rare

Of flaming Poinciana

And shady immortelle

The warm and sparkling waters

That beat upon our shores

Beat out a tune that seem to tell

We take a pride in Our Liberty.

God bless our leaders

Give them grace to guide

Bestow on them thy judgement wise

To rule our land aright

To keep the flag of freedom high,

that we may sing most lustily

We take a pride in Our Liberty.

By Marjorie Padmore

Marjorie Padmore

The Independence Pledge was written by Marjorie Padmore, it was composed for school children and is usually recited in the mornings in school assembly and on special occasions like Independence Day and Republic Day, in Trinidad and Tobago.

Marjorie Padmore created countless musical rhymes and jingles for the Ministry of Education School Broadcasting Unit and is also known for composing the national song "God Bless Our Nation" and for writing the music for "Our Lands of Sun and Seas."

As one of the pioneering team of educational broadcasters in this country in 1960, she left the Government Teachers' College to pursue a career that would blend music and broadcasting. She was the first woman to head the Broadcasting Unit, a position she held until her departure for the post of Director of the School of Music established by the National Cultural Council in 1976. Marjorie gave over thirty years service to the Anglican church. She was awarded the Humming Bird Medal for her contribution to the Nation.

The Pledge

I solemnly pledge to dedicate my life
To the service of God
And to my country.

I will honour my parents,
My teachers, my leaders and my elders,
And those in authority

I will be clean and honest in all my thoughts,
My words and my deeds.

I will strive, in everything I do
To work together with my fellowmen
Of every creed and race
For the greater happiness of all
And the honour and glory
Of my country.