An ASJA (Anjuman Sunnat-ul-Jamaat Association) imam is warning the Isis threat in T&T is so real, “if somebody pats you on your shoulder it could be one of them.”
At the same time, Jamaat al Muslimeen public relations officer, Fuad Abu Bakr, said a threat to the State seems “fictitious” and even said it is a “convenient diversion.”
The men made the comments in response to questions from the T&T Guardian on disclosures by UNC MP Dr Roodal Moonilal in Parliament, last Friday, that 400 nationals had received military training in Syria, and had been indoctrinated by Isis and radicalised.
National Security Minister Edmund Dillon later confirmed this but said he had information that the number of those who went to Syria was closer to over 100. A state witness also released information on CrimeWatch television show on CNC3 last week, saying female Isis suicide bombers are already in T&T.
She said there are plans to strike central Trinidad and tall buildings in Port-of-Spain and an attempt to overthrow the Government. She claimed members of the T&T Regiment and police officers are involved. She said Isis followers have been training in various parts of Trinidad and have already been equipped.
The T&T Guardian spoke to the ASJA imam who asked that his identity be protected. He said he recognised two of the men in a T&T Guardian photograph published in last Saturday’s newspaper.
“They are both from Warrenville in Central. One of them worked in a store.
“Somebody is financing them along the way. Someone who works for $300 in a store cannot even save to go Venezuela. Something is attracting them. The US dollar.” He described these young men as “misguided.”
On the infiltration of Isis into T&T’s Muslim community, he said, “I believe there would have been some inroads into the local Muslim community that could pose a threat.
“If somebody pats you on your shoulder it could be one of them. You have to be careful how you tread. Yes, I believe Isis is a threat to us in Trinidad.”
The imam named certain mosques which may be on the “radical” side. He said Isis and its followers are giving a bad name to Islam.
“Suicide bombers and all those sorts of things we don’t support. I do not believe any imam coming out of ASJA will support such things. Those things are totally alien to our religion. We do not support brutality. We believe we are to peacefully do the will of Allah and we preach peace.
“We will not support masjids who adhere to the teachings of Isis.”
Asked for his response to any threat to the State, he said, “A threat to the State seems fictitious. Individuals and families who have travelled to Syria don’t seem to have intentions of returning to T&T,” Bakr said.
“Furthermore, with the present information, it would be extremely difficult for them to do so unnoticed.
“We suggest that red flags also be placed on the families of politicians and their financiers who have bled our country for years. This includes Mr Moonilal.
“Their spending, financial transfers and assets should be subject to the highest scrutiny. Our nation’s stolen wealth should be retrieved and the offenders punished. That is the most important conversation at this point.
“Isis seems like a convenient diversion from this.”
Bakr said Isis has global relevance to international powers locked in proxy wars but little local threat.
“People should try to understand what is taking place in the world today. Understanding helps to remove fear.
“The Jamaat al Muslimeen and, by extension, the Muslim community encourage what is right and positive. We encourage citizens to search for truth. We encourage healthy interaction in our multi-religious society.
“We implore that individuals exercise caution with what is fed to them by the international and local media at times, both of which are owned and serve individuals and interests.”
Bakr said the Ministry of National Security has its job to do. “Its role is to protect the citizens of this country. They must do whatever is legal and necessary to achieve this. In this difficult economic time we hope the Government uses its resources effectively and efficiently.” He said the most significant criminal threats to the people of T&T are corruption and crime which the present government should focus on.
“We have the added challenge of harsh economic realities. These, on an everyday basis, affect us all.”