RALPH BANWARIE
Representatives from the various religions who attended the Eastern Division police’s interfaith service at the Valencia Secondary School recently, all gave one common pattern of advice to police officers.
They all advised the officers to be considerate, kind, loving and respectful in their performance of duties. The religious representatives also called for justice to prevail and on all officers to be fair to citizens in the performance of duties.
Pastor Ronald Heerah, of the Hope Community Chapel, told the congregation that only God could help them in their line of duties. But this, he said, could be achieved only if they take some time to get down on their knees and prayed to God for the wisdom, courage, strength and protection when they leave their respective homes for work.
“Do not wait for occasions like this interfaith service to pray. Praying should be done on a daily basis at your home and work place,” he said.
Heerah emphasised that asking for wisdom from God would assist them in dealing with the criminal elements, who place many challenges on their lives and citizens of Trinidad on a daily basis.
Imam Sheraz Ali, meanwhile, called on officers to stand up for justice. He reminded the gathering that justice should not be based on colour of people’s skin but should be across the board.
He said Islam is a religion of peace, love and kindness, adding police officers should adopt these virtues and treat every religion with justice.
Toco/Sangre Grande MP and parliamentary secretary in the Ministry of National Security Glenda Jennings Smith, in her short address, reminded officers that they are the first judge and must carry about their duties with dignity and pride so the public would in turn respect them.
Senior Supt John Trim, Commander of Eastern Division Police, said noted that his colleagues face many challenges. Crime, especially murders, had increased in the division but his dedicated team of officers brave these risks and make every effort to provide safety and protection to citizens, he said.
Trim reminded his officers that with all the available resources provided, “we must at all times remember God Almighty. We must worship God as a team.”
He said the interfaith service was essential to acknowledge God in unity so that the necessary guidance can be attained by officers in the division and by extension the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.