Message from the Leader of the Opposition on the occasion of Eid ul Fitr 2019

THE HONOURABLE KAMLA PERSAD-BISSESSAR, SC
MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR SIPARIA
LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION

Assalamu Alaikum

I wish all members of the Muslim community in Trinidad and Tobago Eid Mubarak!

Today, you have come to the end of the holy and blessed month of Ramadan, a time of fasting, charity, discipline, reflection and renewal. Ramadan is a reminder to live our lives in worship of Allah at all times, and to be willing to make sacrifices for His sake.

As we bid farewell to the blessed Month of Ramadan, I would like to extend the most delightful of greetings and best wishes to all. Ramadan has been a great month: a month of goodness, charity, hope and reward.

In your dedication during this holy month, you stood shoulder to shoulder, night after night in immense prayer and worship. You fulfilled your duty to the community with the regular hosting of iftar and dinner for the breaking of the fast. Through your prayers and acts of charity, you shone as examples for your fellowmen and your country.

Eid ul Fitr is also a reminder that after every hardship and sacrifice comes ease; it provides an opportunity for all of us to promote love, harmony and goodwill in society.

Our world today continues to be characterized by discord, conflict and misunderstanding, and here in Trinidad and Tobago, we have seen such disturbing signs.

We live in a time where there is a breakdown of the social and moral fabric of our beloved country, prompted by mass unemployment and underemployment, growing poverty, economic and financial mismanagement and runaway crime. But I believe we can confront and resolve these issues, create avenues for social development and growth and return our Nation to the path of people-centered development.

I believe that community spirit remains strong in our nation. I urge that we learn from the principles of our Muslim brothers and sisters and seek to unite our homes, our villages, our communities and our country. As sacrifice, perseverance and brotherhood are the tenets of Ramadan, so peace, forgiveness and unity are the spirit of Eid ul Fitr. These are the characteristics we must now instil in our daily lives as we build our Nation.

As you celebrate, I ask that we consider those less fortunate, and those who may be suffering. Let us make dua (supplication) for our fellow citizens, our communities, our leaders and our nation.

Let us undertake to be kind, and to treat each other with respect and compassion. Let us ensure that our hearts are pure and have no feelings of hate or animosity and that we lead righteous lives as we serve God and make a positive contribution to our families, our community and society.

Today is a day for happiness and celebration which is granted to us by Allah. Enjoy this time, and make the most of it with family, friends, and your community.

May Almighty Allah shower His choicest blessings upon you and your loved ones, and may He grant you the highest level of happiness and joy on this auspicious day.

Eid Mubarak to all!

Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP
Leader of the Opposition

5th June 2019