Members of the Opposition were notably absent at yesterday’s Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving at the Grand Stand of the Queen’s Park Savannah.
Although the stands were not filled to capacity, the majority of Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley’s Government was present along with their spouses.
But also absent was Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi.
As he took to the podium Rowley began to quote the Biblical story of Abraham who was asked by God to sacrifice his son. The PM, however, incorrectly referred to Abraham’s son as Jacob instead of Isaac.
When the audience corrected him, Rowley who appeared somewhat embarrassed said, “Well it was a long time ago.”
He said the story was a reflection of the sacrifices which the nation was now called upon to make.
“There is a lot we can learn from that story. We are required to make sacrifices and that willingness to do so brings us God’s recongnition. This is a nation that is called upon to make sacrifices at this time,” Rowley said.
He then made reference to the children’s story of Chicken Licken which had warned that the sky was falling.
But Rowley assured, that T&T’s sky was not falling.
Instead he said citizens had a lot to be thankful for, especially for the fact that this country had been spared from natural disasters namely storms and hurricanes which had ravaged Caribbean neighbours like St Lucia and Dominica.
“Whenever we receive a pay packet large or small or wake up in the morning without pain that is a lot to be thankful for.
“And what better day to give thanks than on Republic Day where we can sing most lustily and take a pride in our liberty,” Rowley said.
Focusing on children he said they were especially vulnerable, adding that as PM he had a responsibility to them.
On his recent visit to the Cyril Ross Nursery which houses children afflicted by the HIV/Aids virus, Rowley said he was especially touched by the prayers the children offered on his behalf.
He also pledged to review the $50,000 quarterly stipend which the institution receives from the State.
“The home live largely on the work of those volunteers from St Vincent de Paul and I made a decision right then and there that this will have to change.
“Because the eyes that almost came to tears when they prayed and hoped are the same eyes that would have seen where elsewhere in this community there are those who have been interfering with millions that don’t belong to them.
“That will have to change,” Rowley added.
He also called on citizens to be “worthy” and grateful to this country, adding that it was important for harmonious relations throughout the country.
“If we work together...if each of us do what we are required to do whatever that might be the model nation that Sparrow (Slinger Francisco) sang about,” Rowley said.
He also praised the members of the various organisations, thanking them for their prayers.
Roman Catholic Archbishop Father Joseph Harri, who echoed Rowley’s sentiments that care must especially be given to children, urged that this must also be shown to the elderly.
“The population which does not care for the aged and the children and the young has not future because it abuses its memories,” Harris said.
Bishop Samuel Dick of the Shouter Baptist Faith said a special prayer for acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams and to his officers, asking that the country be healed from violence and corruption and that people spend more time as families.
He also asked that God “touch” Rowley’s brain so that he may be fed with food of knowledge.