Prime Minister Dr the Honourable Keith Rowley has assured members of the Muslim community that the Government is committed to ensuring their right to protection and equal place in Trinidad and Tobago.
Dr Rowley was speaking during a meeting with Muslim leaders at the Diplomatic Centre today (Wednesday 20 March, 2019) when he made the statement.
“I want to give you the assurance as Prime Minister and as head of the National Security Council that your claim to an equal place in this country is undisputed and greatly defended,” the Prime Minister said.
He added, “Trinidad and Tobago is the best place for you, your families, your religious brothers and sisters to be at this turbulent time. I know of no other country where the level of freedom to practice your religion, to accept equality by gender and to accept protection without question by the State.
“No other country has all these components available to its citizens in great doses … let us not take it for granted.”
The Prime Minister hosted the meeting in response to security concerns raised following the recent terrorist attack in New Zealand.
He told Muslim leaders that they have a right to demand protection but they also have a duty to condemn criminality in all its forms especially within their organisations wherever it may be found.
He told those gathered that they play an important role in holding the fabric of society together and encouraged them to let dignity and their religious principles guide them in rejecting wrongdoing.
The Hon. Stuart Young, Minister of National Security, Communications and Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Senator the Hon. Kazim Hosein, Minister of Rural Development and Local Government, the Hon. Ayanna Webster-Roy, Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister, holding the portfolios for Gender and Child Affairs and Ecclesiastical Affairs, Gary Griffith, Commissioner of Police and Acting Chief of Defence Staff, Group Captain Darryl Daniel were present for the meeting.
Heads of the Islamic Organizations present at today’s meeting:
· Haji Yacoob Ali- President General ASJA and Members of the ASJA Executive
· Mr Farz Khan- President TML and other Members of the TML
· Rafeek Mohammed- General Secretary of the TIA
· Mufti Wazim Khan – President of Darul Uloom
· Mr Imtiaz Ali- President of the Takaaful T&T Friendly Society
· Mr Zahir Nobee-President of TIN
· Imam Kazim Ali – Chairman of the Imam Council
· Mr Kwesi Atiba- President of the IRS
· Mr Idris Mohammed -President of the Islamic Dawah Movement
· Mr Zaahir Ali- President of ROU
· Mr Asad Yacoobali- President of the Caribbean Dawah Association
· Mr Hafeea Khan- President of the National Islamic Counselling Services
· Mr Imtiaz Mohammed – President of the Islamic Missionaries Guild
· Mr Inshan Ishamael – Head of IBN and Barakah Foundation
· Mr Waheed Majeed- Secretary of ASWAJI
· Mr Siddiq Ahmad Khan- Local Co-ordinator for Al-Hikmat
· Imam Ahmadh Aziz- Head of the Abdul Aziz Trust
· Maulana Sheraz Ali- Nur eIslam Jamaat
· Maulana Ibrahim Bin Yacub – Amir and Missionary in Charge of Amadiyya Muslim Community of Trinidad and Tobago
· Mr Mohummed Abdul Latif- from the Shia Community
· Mr Yasin Abu Bakr – Head of the Jamaat Al Muslimeen
· Mr David Mohammed- Head of the Nation of Islam Organization
· Mrs Lydia Choate- President of Madinah House
· Mrs Shaleeza Khan Ali -President of the Islamic Ladies Social & Cultural Association
· Mrs Donna Ali- President of the National Muslim Women’s Association