Caption: President of the Inter-Religious Organization of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Ellis Burris
THE Inter-Religious Organization of Trinidad and Tobago (IROTT) is confident that despite the current national security concerns their Independence National Day of Prayer event will be a safe one.
The IROTT, in response to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s call for Independence Day to be one of prayer and reflection, had planned their own event, “63rd Independence Day National Day of Prayer: One Nation, United In Prayer.”
Scheduled to be held on August 31 at the NCIC Auditorium Divali Nagar, Endeavour, IROTT President Dr. Ellis Burris said despite current national security concerns, he was positive the event would be a peaceful one.
Speaking to AZP News on Wednesday, Burris said there was “no worries” when it came to the safety of the event.
He said, “This is something religious, and people need to put a greater trust in God.”
Discussing the event, he said, “The government has asked for a day of worship and prayer and reflection. The IRO, being a feature of the constitution, we have taken upon ourselves as IRO members to organize this meeting of prayer, to facilitate the people.”
Burris said representatives of various religions would be leading the prayer service, adding the event was one of inclusivity and national unity through faith.
He said the goal of the IRO was to provide the upliftment and positivity needed by the country.
On August 15, via a press release from the Ministry of Homeland Security, the government announced the Annual Independence Day parade and fireworks show would be cancelled this year.
The release stated, “After careful deliberation on intelligence arising out of the State of Emergency, the Government has taken the decision to replace the annual Independence Day Parade and Official Functions with a National Day of Prayer and Reflection.”
“The National Day of Prayer and Reflection will bring together citizens of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, of all faiths and backgrounds, to unite and to seek guidance and strength during this challenging time, as well as to reflect on where we are as a nation and the way forward,” it continued.
In response to this the IRO and others, including the Opposition, organized their own celebration events for Independence Day.
