Tobago Correspondent
Chief Secretary Farley Augustine wants Tobago’s Muslim community to actively participate in political discussions, specifically on issues of autonomy.
Noting that the community has an important role to play in shaping the island’s autonomy aspirations, he urged them, “You have to be a part of that conversation too.”
Augustine, who spoke at Eid celebrations at the Masjid Al Tawbah in Lowlands, Tobago, yesterday, highlighted the importance of the faith-based community in leadership roles.
“Our faith-based community has a voice and must take leadership in ways it hasn’t done in a long time,” he said.
He also spoke about the influence of religious bodies in society and the need for their continued involvement in community projects.
“You have to be a part of what we do. You have to be a part of the solution. If you are not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem,” Augustine said.
He also praised the island’s Muslim community for their growth, as well as their progress in infrastructure development and membership.
“I also notice how you do well in attracting young men,” he added
Augustine spoke highly of the masjid’s ability to bring the community and religious bodies together and commended them for their initiatives in fostering unity, especially in light of the ongoing violence in the Middle East.
“This is falling at a time when the world is facing the realities of what is happening in the Middle East and perhaps it’s a good place to join in saying we have to put a stop to the genocide happening there,” he said.
“It has gone on far too long and the world has just accepted it and I think the world needs to take a very firm decision where this is concerned. I’m proud to be a part of a country that has a firm position that there should be a cease-fire.”
The head of the masjid, Imam Muzafar Mohammed, asked the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) to assist the island’s Muslim community.
“I would like to lobby for two things that are very important, a prayer room at the ANR Robinson International Airport. I feel a prayer room is very important. People pass through and sometimes they have to go on the lawn,” he said.
“I lobby not only for the Muslim community but for all the religions for Tobago to have a prayer room.”
Mohammed’s second request was for a new cemetery, as the existing one is now at capacity.
“The cemetery is overflowing. There is no more space in the Muslim cemetery. In Tobago, there are so many people who passed away during COVID-19, and hundreds of people passed. This is something we have to look into,” he said.