Inspired by the experiences of the Shouter Baptist community, the freedom to worship is now embraced and celebrated in our multicultural nation as a right to be staunchly defended.
It was 27 years ago, during the administration of Basdeo Panday, that Shouter Baptist Liberation Day was finally proclaimed a public holiday, giving prominence to a religious movement that has had a significant historical and social impact on T&T.
It should not have taken half a century to get to that point.
The origins of this syncretic religion, with elements of traditional West African religions and Christianity prominent in its liturgy, date back to 19th-century T&T among people of African descent.
It is a testament to the strength and resilience of adherents to the faith that they endured and eventually prevailed through 34 years of prohibition and persecutions, including being arrested, beaten and jailed if caught practising their religion.
Forced to worship in secrecy, Shouter Baptists waged many court battles to win the right to worship. Even after prohibitions were lifted in 1951, they struggled for decades to erase negative perceptions about their faith.
Today, Shouter Baptists rightfully claim their place of prominence and pride among the various religions practised in T&T, a reflection of this society’s cosmopolitan nature.
This year, in particular, March 30 falls during a season of deep spiritual focus for members of various faiths. For followers of Islam, this is the Holy Month of Ramadhan, a period of fasting and introspection for them, as well as some Christian denominations now in the final days of Lent. Hindus recently observed Maha Shivaratri, a night of worship to Lord Shiva, and colourful celebrations of Phagwa took place across the country earlier this month.
This country’s rich and diverse religious heritage and the freedom that citizens enjoy in practising their spiritual beliefs are blessings that should never be taken for granted. These are unique characteristics that set this nation apart from many other societies worldwide.
However, this depth and range of spiritual pursuits, visible in the many places of worship across the landscape of these small twin islands, does not automatically yield moral and ethical strength in every segment of this society.
There was a sobering reminder of this fact from Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley on Wednesday, when he called on T&T’s religious bodies to reinforce in the national community the importance of teaching children right from wrong so that they steer clear of a criminal path.
Dr Rowley’s comments, made during the official handover ceremony for Hayes Court, the official residence of the Anglican Bishop on Queen’s Park West in Port-of-Spain, underscored the urgent need for recalibration of this society’s moral compass.
The need to instil strong moral and spiritual values is critical because the high rate of violent crimes currently being committed across this nation threatens future generations.
Not just religious leaders, but people of faith in T&T, as they embrace freedom of worship, should also understand the responsibilities that come with that right.
The responsibility to serve as exemplars, instil values, nurture, train and inspire young citizens should be key.
This is something worth reflecting on today, not only for Shouter Baptists, but all right-thinking citizens who want a brighter future for T&T.