Caribbean: On the auspicious occasion of the start of the holy month of Ramadan, the leaders of the Caribbean countries extended wishes and greeting to the people, especially to the Muslim community on the island.
Prime Minister Keith Rowley
Firstly, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Keith Rowley wished the Muslim community resided in the country on the occasion of Ramadan.
While extending his greetings, PM Rowley noted, “We welcome the auspicious month of Ramadan and praise the god for giving us blessing and opportunity to celebrate another Holy month of Ramadan.”
He further expressed greetings to the Muslim community and stated that Muslims are supplicating in the past two months of Rajan and Sha’baan to be given the opportunity to celebrate the month of Ramadan so that they could get blessings from the holy month.
PM Rowley said that due to the pandemic, people had faced restrictions on celebrating this auspicious occasion with their families and friends, but now the restrictions being reduced, now worshippers can return to some state of normalcy and celebrate the festival.
Outlining the significance of the Holy Qur’an, PM Rowley affirmed, “The month of Ramadan has earned its nobility from Holy Qur’an, which provided us with a path to differentiate between right and wrong. So, this time is filled with infinite Blessings and Forgiveness and Love, and let’s celebrate the month of Ramadan with unconditional love.
Opposition leader of Trinidad and Tobago Kamla Persad Bissessar
Further, the opposition leader and former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Kamla Persad Bissessar, also extended wishes and greetings to the Muslims at the start of the holy month of Ramadan in the country.
She noted, “The Muslim community is preparing to begin the Holy month of Ramadan. I wish all participants a peaceful and blessed month. It is the time and it is a time in which Muslims engage in reflection, fasting, prayer and charitable giving.”
Bissessar further encouraged the community and said that everyone seeks to mirror the example of the Muslim brothers and sisters and help the neighbours and members of our communities who may be feeling the impacts of economic hardship and loss.
“Let us take this time to reflect on the Islamic values of faith, compassion, and selflessness. These values are important as we work together to build a stronger, brighter future for our nation”, underscored the opposition leader.
Bissessar further exclaimed that as people begin to come together again, two years after the start of the pandemic, she knows that many are looking forward to commemorating this holy month of Ramadan in their communities and mosques.
She expressed blessing to the people and reiterated, “I urge you to do so safely and be mindful of the health protocols we continue to follow. I pray for the good health and prosperity of all citizens at this time. I take this opportunity to offer my best wishes to each and every Muslim throughout Trinidad and Tobago.”
President of Guyana Dr Irfaan Ali
Further, the President of Guyana Dr Irfaan Ali extended wishes and greetings of the holy month of Ramadan to the Muslim community.
Outlining the importance of Ramadan month, President Ali said, “The Muslims across the world, I extended Ramadan greetings to our Islamic community. Ramadan is the holiest month of the Islamic calendar. Muslims observe the holy month with prayers, fasting.”
He said that Ramadan is also a time for giving and taking gifts and using the gifts for the upliftment of the community and all of humanity.
President Ali cited, “Each of us is blessed somewhere we all can deploy to possess for the betterment of ourselves, our families and all humanity. Kindness is a virtue we all have to be witness generous, especially to those in the community who are in need. If we are indeed to be keepers of our brothers and sisters. Let us use what we have to help those who are in need.”
