Coalition requests meeting with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar as concern over Gaza continues
A broad coalition of Trinidad and Tobago’s leading Muslim organisations has issued a respectful but firm open letter to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, urging her Government to reconsider any expansion of diplomatic, commercial, or security relations with the State of Israel while the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues.
The letter, endorsed by several national Muslim organisations and prominent imams, acknowledges the Government’s constitutional responsibility to determine Trinidad and Tobago’s foreign policy. However, it expresses deep concern over reports of expanding cooperation with Israel, particularly in areas such as cybersecurity, at a time when Israel’s conduct in Gaza remains the subject of intense international legal scrutiny.
“Our concern is not rooted in hostility towards the Jewish people or opposition to the existence of the State of Israel. Rather, it is grounded in our commitment to justice, international law, and the sanctity of human life.”
A Call Grounded in Justice
The signatories state that the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza has “shocked the conscience of the world” and point to ongoing proceedings before the International Court of Justice, together with actions by the International Criminal Court and reports from international human rights bodies, as evidence that the situation demands careful moral and diplomatic consideration.
According to the letter, expanding bilateral cooperation under these circumstances risks conveying a message that Trinidad and Tobago is indifferent to allegations of serious violations of international law.
The authors note that Muslims throughout Trinidad and Tobago have responded to the suffering in Gaza through humanitarian fundraising, educational programmes, prayer gatherings, peaceful demonstrations, and charitable initiatives, making the issue one of profound concern for the local Muslim community.
Four Requests to the Government
The coalition respectfully asks the Government to:
- Suspend any expansion of diplomatic, commercial, or security cooperation with Israel until there is verifiable progress towards peace.
- Publicly reaffirm Trinidad and Tobago’s commitment to international humanitarian law and accountability for violations by all parties.
- Support international efforts to secure a permanent ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian aid, the release of hostages and unlawfully detained persons, and protection for civilians.
- Continue advocating for a just and lasting two-state solution consistent with United Nations resolutions and international law.
Trinidad and Tobago’s International Reputation
The letter argues that Trinidad and Tobago has historically enjoyed international respect as a nation committed to justice, peaceful coexistence, the rule of law, and support for international institutions. The signatories contend that these principles should continue to guide the country’s foreign policy during periods of global crisis.
Quoting the Qur’anic injunction:
“O you who believe! Stand firmly for justice, as witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves, your parents, or your close relatives.” (Qur’an 4:135)
The authors frame their appeal as both a religious obligation and a universal moral principle shared by the constitutional traditions of Trinidad and Tobago.
Request for Dialogue
Rather than ending with criticism alone, the letter concludes by requesting a meeting with Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar to discuss the issues raised and to engage in constructive dialogue. It describes the appeal as one made “in the interest of justice, peace, respect for international law, and the protection of all innocent human life, irrespective of nationality, ethnicity, or religion.”
Organisations Endorsing the Appeal
The open letter is endorsed by:
- Anjuman Sunnatul Jamaat Association (ASJA)
- Trinidad Muslim League (TML)
- Islamic Missionaries Guild (IMG)
- Islamic Da’wah Movement (IDM)
- Takaaful T&T Friendly Society
- Concerned Muslims of Trinidad & Tobago (CMTT)
- Several Imams of Trinidad and Tobago
As the conflict in Gaza continues to influence political discourse across the world, the letter represents one of the most significant collective interventions by the Muslim community in Trinidad and Tobago on a matter of foreign policy in recent years. Whether and how the Government responds remains to be seen, but the signatories have made clear that they seek engagement through respectful dialogue, guided by principles of justice, compassion, and international law.
