San Fernando Mayor Haji Kazim Hosein says he is saddened by the violent death of a Muslim convert at a masjid in San Fernando, especially during the month of Ramadan. He called for an end to that kind of attack against religious institutions.
He made the call yesterday in the wake of the murder of Daniel Bostic, who was shot at the Mucurapo Street Jama Masjid.
He added: "This young man was a recent convert to Islam, having made the decision to dedicate his life to Allah nearly two years ago. As a fasting Muslim he was on his way to take part in taraweeh or night prayers, which are a blessing during Ramadan.
"Our hearts are broken by the loss of life and this traumatic act inflicted on the Jama Masjid's worshippers who were driven into panic and forced to lock themselves away over fears for their safety.
"As this city's mayor and a follower of Islam, I am very saddened by the violent attack at the compound of a mosque in San Fernando, especially during this holy month of Ramadan."
Hosein, however, called on his fellow Muslims not to let that single act deter them from their practice.
He said: "As a city and a community we have to act now to take meaningful action to prevent more tragedies like this. No citizen or member of any church, mosque or temple in our city or our nation, deserves to be targeted in this way."
Security, Hosein said, had always been a focus of his work as mayor and he promised to do everything in his power to work with the city's security agencies to ensure the safety of the people of San Fernando.
"I encourage my fellow Muslims not to let this isolated incident deter them from practising their faith. This is a test from Allah which we must rise together to meet," he added.
He also extended sympathies to Bostic's mother, Marva, and family on behalf of the San Fernando City Corporation.
Bostic, who died from shock and haemorrhage due to gunshots wounds, will be buried tomorrow at 1.30 pm at the same mosque where he was killed. His body will be interred at the nearby Paradise Cemetery.
Police said they have no motive for his murder. However, he was previously charged for ammunition possession and was a person of interest in connection with a recent robbery in Cocoyea.