"We hope this is the start of what can only be peace, love and harmony in Trinidad and Tobago. Let's just enjoy the day and as my brothers on the team say, 'Let's vibes it up!'."
Trinidad and Tobago defender Dennis Lawrence, the man who scored the crucial goal to ensure T&T's qualification for Germany 2006, was visibly tired yet exuberant.
Lawrence, whose 49th minute strike meant a 1-0 victory against Bahrain last Wednesday, was speaking at a ceremony for the successful Warriors team at Piarco International Airport yesterday afternoon about two hours after they returned from Bahrain.
Before a crowd of thousands in the airport car park, Lawrence demonstrated that the state of the country is on his mind.
Minister of Sport Roger Boynes stated: "I want to acknowledge the fans who always knew in our hearts we would always qualify. Do you know what you have done for this country? Look at this sea of red throughout the length and breadth of this country. We are united as one nation, one country and may God bless us!"
In his turn at the podium, Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation special advisor Jack Warner was equally ebullient.
He said this was still just the beginning of the journey to Germany as he thanked and hoped for more financial and fan support leading up to the 2006 World Cup.
"Don't look at the (qualification) phase as an end. Look at it as another phase in the road and therefore for us to bring pride to our country. We need your support and prayers."
Warner explained that World Cup qualifying events will "come and go" but no other competition "will be as this one we completed today".
"It will remain in our memories and consciousness, this love and appreciation," he added.
He lauded President Max Richards and Mayaro MP Franklyn Khan for their unstinting support to date.
Warner then disclosed that in the next three to six months, Trinidad and Tobago will host three major games, with the "biggest game of all", for which the opponents remain unknown, scheduled to take place on March 29.