The Consulate General of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in Toronto hosted a special gathering to celebrate Eid ul-Fitr 2026, bringing together members of the Caribbean Muslim diaspora, community leaders, and distinguished guests. The gathering was co-sponsored by Salaamz Canada and Shabnam Radio producer Richard Aziz. The celebration was held on March 22nd, 2026.
The evening was not only a celebration marking the end of Ramadan, but also an occasion to recognize the contributions of Trinidad and Tobago nationals whose lives of service have strengthened both the Canadian Muslim community and the broader Canadian society.
Three distinguished Trinidadian-Canadians were honoured for their decades of dedication to community building, humanitarian service, and faith-inspired leadership: Roseina “Sis. Rose” Ali, Farooqui Baksh, and Haroon Salamat.
Together, their stories reflect the enduring legacy of Caribbean Muslims who have helped shape the Muslim experience in Canada while remaining deeply connected to the values of compassion, charity, and service.
Roseina “Sis. Rose” Ali: A Life of Quiet Service
From L to R: Farouqui Baksh, Roseina Ali, Haroon Salamat with their awards
Roseina Ali, affectionately known throughout the community as “Sis. Rose”, has become synonymous with generosity, warmth, and tireless volunteerism.
Born in Trinidad, she migrated to Canada in 1993 with her husband and two children, carrying with her a deep commitment to faith, family, and community.
Over the years, Sis. Rose has become a familiar and beloved presence in Muslim community life across the Greater Toronto Area. Whether preparing homemade Caribbean delicacies such as pone and pholourie for mosque bazaars or helping organize community events, she has consistently answered the call to serve.
For nearly two decades, she has led a team of volunteers organizing an annual ladies-only fundraising gala, an initiative that has raised more than $100,000 in support of numerous charitable causes. The funds have assisted:
- disaster relief efforts
- hospitals and healthcare initiatives
- well-building projects
- cancer research
- mental health programs
- autism support organizations
- food banks
- local mosques
Her service continues today. Every Friday, Sis. Rose warmly welcomes sisters attending Jumu’ah at the Sayeda Khadija Centre, continuing her mission to build community and offer support to others.
Through her kindness, humility, and generosity, Sis. Rose has touched countless lives and stands as a powerful example of how everyday acts of service can create lasting change.
Farooqui Baksh: Humanitarian and Community Builder
Farouqui Baksh
Also honoured was Farooqui Baksh, a respected entrepreneur, humanitarian, and longtime community leader whose commitment to service spans more than four decades.
Born in Barrackpore, Trinidad, to Imam Khairul Baksh and Hajjin Khatijah Baksh. Mr Baksh immigrated to Canada in 1977 in search of an opportunity for his family and to contribute to his adopted country.
While building a successful business as the owner of AirPride Inc., he remained deeply engaged in community development and humanitarian work.
He was a founding member of the Brampton Mosque, helping establish one of the earliest Muslim community centres in the region during a time when Islamic institutions in Canada were still few in number.
His humanitarian work expanded globally when he served for 12 years as Chair of Human Concern International, one of Canada’s leading Islamic relief organizations. In that role, he travelled extensively to Africa, Pakistan, and the Middle East overseeing humanitarian projects aimed at supporting vulnerable communities.
Mr Baksh also organised large-scale shipments of medical supplies to Trinidad and Tobago, totalling over $1 million in donated equipment and materials for hospitals and healthcare facilities.
His humanitarian efforts drew recognition from leaders of Trinidad and Tobago, including visits to his warehouse by the current Prime Minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, and the late former Prime Minister, Basdeo Panday.
Now 76 years old, Mr Baksh continues to inspire younger generations through his lifelong commitment to charity, faith, and service to humanity.
Haroon Salamat: A Pioneer of Muslim Life in Canada
Haroon Salamat
The evening also honoured Haroon Salamat, a visionary community builder whose work helped shape the early institutional life of Muslims in Canada.
Born in Barrackpore, Trinidad, in 1935, Salamat grew up in a close-knit village where opportunities were limited, but education was deeply valued. Encouraged by teachers who recognized his exceptional academic ability, he left Trinidad in 1956 to pursue studies in chemical engineering at McGill University and later at the University of Toronto.
At the time, the Muslim presence in Canada was still small and fragmented. Mosques were few, and Muslim immigrants often lacked a strong sense of community.
Rather than being discouraged, Salamat envisioned building something new.
In the 1970s, he helped establish the TARIC congregation, beginning with a small group of Trinidadian Muslims who gathered in hotel boardrooms near Keele Street and Highway 401 for prayers and fellowship. What began as modest gatherings eventually grew into a movement to build a permanent mosque and community centre.
Salamat carefully chose a prominent site at the crossroads of Highways 400 and 401, one of the busiest intersections in North America. His vision was deliberate: he wanted Islam to be visible as part of the Canadian landscape and for the mosque to serve not only as a place of worship but as a welcoming community hub.
Through tireless fundraising and international outreach, the project eventually gained global support, including assistance from the World Islamic Call Society, enabling the mosque to become a landmark institution.
Beyond mosque building, Salamat worked tirelessly to build bridges between Muslim communities and Canadian public life. He served on numerous advisory boards, interfaith committees, and community initiatives, ensuring that Muslim voices were represented in civic dialogue.
Political leaders such as MP Judy Sgro, Toronto Councillor Giorgio Mammoliti, and Mayor John Tory regularly engaged with the mosque and its congregation as part of broader efforts to connect with Canada’s growing Muslim population.
His commitment to service extended to healthcare advocacy, where he helped raise funds for Humber River Hospital and served on its board.
Today, Salamat’s legacy stands as a testament to vision, perseverance, and the belief that faith communities can play a vital role in shaping a more inclusive Canada.
A Shared Legacy of Faith and Service
The recognition of Roseina Ali, Farooqui Baksh, and Haroon Salamat reflects more than individual achievement. It highlights the remarkable contributions of the Trinidad and Tobago Muslim diaspora to Canada’s social and spiritual landscape.
From grassroots volunteerism and humanitarian work to institution-building and civic engagement, these three honourees embody the values of service, compassion, and community that lie at the heart of Islam.
As the gathering celebrated the joy of Eid after the month of Ramadan, it also served as a reminder that the true spirit of the festival lies in continuing the values of generosity, unity, and service throughout the year.
Through lives dedicated to uplifting others, these Trinidadian-Canadian pioneers have helped build bridges between communities and have left a lasting imprint on the Canadian Muslim story.
