20 hours ago
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Senior Reporter
Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles-Robinson has praised the contribution of the Muslim community to Trinidad and Tobago’s development, saying the values of faith, service and unity are critical as the country confronts growing social challenges.
Speaking at the Anjuman Sunnat-ul-Jamaat Association’s (ASJA) 90th anniversary and Festival of Eids celebrations in Charlieville, Beckles-Robinson said the organisation’s nine decades of service represent an important chapter in the nation’s history.
She joined political leaders, religious representatives, educators and community stakeholders at the launch of A Legacy of Faith, Education and Nation Building—a 625-page publication authored by ASJA Executive Member and Finance Chairman Haji Inshan Mohamed, which documents the organisation’s history.
Beckles-Robinson said the celebration was an opportunity to reflect on values that transcend religious boundaries.
“The Festival of Eid reminds us that faith is not simply about what we believe, but also about how we live, how we serve, and how we treat one another,” she said.
She highlighted compassion, sacrifice, humility, discipline, generosity and justice as principles that have guided generations of Muslims in Trinidad and Tobago.
“Today, as ASJA celebrates 90 years of service to our nation, we pause to recognise a remarkable legacy,” she said. “For nine decades, ASJA has helped shape communities, educate young minds, strengthen families, care for the vulnerable, and promote the values of faith and citizenship.”
The Opposition Leader said ASJA’s history reflects the broader national story of Trinidad and Tobago—from the arrival of diverse communities to the building of enduring institutions.
“The story of ASJA is in many ways part of the story of Trinidad and Tobago itself,” she said. “It is a story of people who arrived on these shores with hope and determination, and of communities that built institutions, schools, mosques, businesses and social organisations.”
She said the contribution of the Muslim community deserved national recognition, particularly as the country continues to navigate issues of social cohesion and identity.
“One of the greatest strengths of Trinidad and Tobago is that we are a nation unlike any other,” Beckles-Robinson said. “We are a people of many faiths, many cultures, many traditions and many histories.”
She warned that maintaining unity and respect across differences remains a shared national responsibility.
“Around the world, we see societies fractured by division, polarisation, intolerance and mistrust,” she said. “Our responsibility is to ensure that Trinidad and Tobago never travels that road.”
Against the backdrop of concerns about crime, security and opportunities for young people, Beckles-Robinson said the country must draw strength from the values embodied in institutions such as ASJA.
“Today, our country faces many challenges. Many families are anxious about the future. Many communities are concerned about crime and security. Many young people are searching for opportunity,” she said.
She added that the response must be grounded in service rather than division.
“Faith teaches us perseverance. Community teaches us solidarity. Service teaches us responsibility,” she said.
Beckles-Robinson stressed that nation-building is not the responsibility of government alone.
“It belongs to every parent who teaches respect, every teacher who inspires a child, every religious leader who promotes peace, every community activist who serves others, and every citizen who chooses unity over division.”
She also reflected on her childhood in South Trinidad and the influence of members of the Muslim community, recalling that two Muslim men transported her to school daily after she became the first person from her village to attend St Joseph’s Convent.
“My parents entrusted the responsibility of those two distinguished, honest men to take me to school back and forth every day,” she said. “Never, ever having any concerns about my safety.”
She said the experience shaped her understanding of trust, community and care.
“It is a great memory for me to be here today and to remember the values that were instilled by the Muslim community growing up,” she said.
She also recalled attending extra lessons at ASJA School in San Fernando, describing it as another example of the organisation’s contribution to education.
Beckles-Robinson congratulated Haji Inshan Mohamed for documenting ASJA’s history, describing the publication as a valuable contribution to preserving national heritage.
“There is no greater joy and significance than to have someone of his calibre write your history,” she said. “We can all now read and benefit from that history and research.”
The ASJA anniversary celebration also featured recognition of the research and effort behind the publication, which chronicles the organisation’s growth, educational work, community programmes and national contribution.
Beckles-Robinson ended her remarks by calling for continued cooperation across communities.
“Let us work together to build a Trinidad and Tobago that is safer, stronger, more united and more hopeful for generations to come,” she said. “May Almighty Allah continue to bless ASJA, guide its leadership and strengthen its mission of service.”
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