Embracing our crosses with faith, courage, and hope in the Resurrection

By Dr Marlene Attzs, Economist

Email: marlene.attzs@gmail.com

With general elections imminent, T&T finds itself facing several serious challenges including economic uncertainty and deepening social divides. In these trying times, scriptures offer profound guidance, reminding us of the strength found in unwavering faith, courageous endurance, and complete trust in God’s will.

Trusting God amidst trials and truth

The daily reading from April 9 was rich with reflections on enduring trials with steadfast belief. In the Book of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, when confronted with the fiery furnace, chose fidelity to God over compliance with unjust authority. They courageously said: “If our God, the one we serve, is able to save us, He will save us… but even if He does not, we shall not serve your god” (Dan 3:17–18).

These words show the courage to uphold righteousness and trust in God, even in the face of danger.

The Gospel from that day reinforced this message. Jesus says: “If you make my word your home you will indeed be my disciples; you will come to know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (Jn 8:31–32).

Freedom, Jesus tells us, comes from truth and embracing that truth often demands personal sacrifice.

Trinidad and Tobago’s path ahead may be fraught with difficulties that test our national resolve and values. But it is precisely in such moments that our faith must shine brightest. Carrying our collective crosses is part of our shared spiritual journey.

The crosses T&T now bears

Globally, we are caught in the middle of an escalating trade war between the United States and China. As I write this, the US has imposed sweeping tariffs—in excess of 100 per cent—on Chinese goods, prompting retaliatory action. The ripple effects are already straining global stock markets and could soon spark worldwide inflation.

This has very real consequences for consumers in the Caribbean. Many products we rely on: electronics, clothing, household items, are manufactured in China and sold through US-based online platforms and major retail stores.

As tariffs drive up import costs, these increases are often passed on to international buyers.

For citizens in Trinidad and Tobago, this could mean rising prices, longer delivery times, fewer options, and greater pressure on already tight household budgets. It also increases demand for already scarce foreign exchange (FOREX), deepening financial strain on the country.

Closer to home, we have suffered a major blow with the US revocation of the licence that allowed us to access Venezuelan gas through the Dragon Gas deal. This project was a cornerstone of our strategy to stabilise natural gas supply and revive industrial growth. Its cancellation now leaves a critical gap in our energy outlook and threatens government’s options for generating revenue.  Domestically, the election season has stirred troubling currents of racial division—rhetoric that threatens to disturb the social harmony that we lustily sing about in our national anthem.

In a society that has long prided itself on peaceful coexistence, this regression must be addressed with prayer, moral clarity, and honest dialogue.

The resurrection of our nation

And yet, amid these burdens lies our greatest opportunity—the chance to reimagine and rebuild. The global trade war and the loss of the Dragon deal are not simply setbacks; they are invitations to chart a bold new course. This is our moment to reengineer our economy, strengthen food security, foster regional cooperation, and prepare our society for a transformed global order.

According to the World Bank, more than one billion young people will enter the global labour force over the next decade. Where does Trinidad and Tobago fit in this new world? Are we equipping our people to survive, to succeed in it? The answer lies in a shared national resurrection: one that is economic, social, and spiritual.

God’s will be done

As Catholics, we are called to surrender to God’s will. He may not always spare us from hardship, but He always walks with us through the fire. Our crosses, painful though they may be, are not signs of abandonment–they are meant to be transformational.

Let us not fear these crosses, but face them with grace and determination, knowing that after the Passion, there is always the Resurrection. Let the season of Easter remind us that no matter how dark the tomb may seem, hope always rises.

Let us carry our crosses as Christ carried His—not in defeat, but defiantly hopeful. Let us move forward as a people of courage, conviction, and compassion.

Happy and Blessed Easter to all!