Several religious leaders in the country have expressed “sadness” and “regret” about a quarrel over race and national unity which erupted between Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles, after African Emancipation Day celebrations last Saturday.Each leader had accused the other of fuelling division in the country. It followed the booing of Culture Minister Michelle Benjamin at Emancipation celebrations at Independence Square, Port of Spain, Saturday morning. Later that day, when Persad-Bissessar’s name was mentioned, there was jeering from attendees at the Lidj Yasu Omowale Village, Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain.On Saturday, Persad-Bissessar lambasted Beckles, describing her concerns about division in society as fake.She was responding to questions about Beckles’ concerns over growing divisions in the country and her call for greater national unity.Beckles had also criticised the Prime Minister for not attending the Emancipation Village at the Savannah.A common sentiment among religious leaders yesterday was that the country has always enjoyed religious and cultural tolerance and it should prevail.
‘Immature behaviour’: inter Religion Organisation president Ellis Burris.
