OPPOSITION Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar has called for increased police patrols at the nation’s mosques at night during the holy month of Ramadan.
In expressing Ramadan Kareem greetings, the former prime minister said, given the fact that Ramadan is observed predominantly by Muslims gathering at night in the nation’s numerous mosques for several hours of prayer and Iftar, ‘I make a special call to the police authorities to ensure that devotees are safe to engage in their religious observances.’
‘I look forward to increased police patrols in the vicinity of mosques across the nation during Ramadan,’ she added.
Persad-Bissessar noted that the holy month of Ramadan has begun with local and global violence that threatens social stability and humanity.
She said the ongoing bloody conflict between Israel and Palestine, marked by destructive Israeli military attacks in the Gaza Strip, have led to the deaths of about 30,800 and counting, as of last weekend.
It has also left 85 per cent of Gaza’s population internally displaced, with shortages of food, clean water and medicine, she said.
‘Nation needs it’
‘To my Muslim brothers and sisters, may Allah’s protection always be with you during this sacred month and beyond. Let us all make the love, kindness, and warmth contagious. Our nation needs it more than ever,’ she said.
Persad-Bissessar said she feels truly blessed by almighty God to live amongst many Muslims in this beautiful country, including her daughter-in-law.
‘Being in touching -distance with my Muslim brothers
and sisters reminds me every day about the humility we all need in building strength of character and warmth,’ she said.
Persad-Bissessar said we should all grow these virtues of Islam in ourselves to make us better people.
She noted that during this sacred month, our brothers and sisters will live a life of reflection, fasting, prayer, and charitable giving.
‘This immense self-discipline and sacrifice are not just for their benefit but are like gifts to all humankind. It is known that humans are social beings, so let us all open ourselves to this contagious goodness and warmth of our Muslim brothers and sisters around the world,’ she said.
Through this sacrifice, we will receive Allah’s endless blessings in ways we cannot count or see immediately because Allah is ever present and supreme, said Persad-Bissessar.
She added that self-discipline and sacrifice teach us that no matter how far we progress in this world, we must always reflect and face our shortcomings with the courage to change.
Persad-Bissessar said these invaluable teachings should guide all citizens to work together to build a stronger, brighter future for our nation.
The first day of fasting for Ramadan starts today.