I have learned from my own experience that if you work hard you will succeed.

If you need to pursue your interests, do not expect anyone else to do it for you.

I am happy and proud that during one year of presidency, my initiatives have been strongly supported by the people and society and we have launched the process of vitally important state reforms.

From day one, my mantra has been - and will continue to be - that as a government we were there to serve the people, not the other way around.

Female leaders are more oriented toward real and long-lasting results of their policies.

For a small open economy that trades mostly with the euro zone it makes absolute sense to be part of the currency union. Our currency has already pegged to the euro since 2002. We don't have an independent monetary policy. We are regulated by the European Central Bank in Frankfurt, but we are not able to reap all the profits. Our businesses want to save the transaction costs.

I want to use my position of influence to change the laws of the land to the benefit of the women of Trinidad and Tobago, divide the economic pie more evenly and appoint more women to positions within the government.