Under gloomy skies and amidst reports that there was an electrical blackout from Port-of-Spain to Piarco at noon yesterday, PNM Member of Parliament for Diego Martin Central, Amery Browne, stood up in Woodford Square, Port-of-Spain, and prayed for the nation. All dressed in sombre black, Browne, social development minister in the previous administration, and a group of 12 people prayed for the Government to conduct its duties and for distressed people in the country. Temporarily disturbed by a vagrant each person prayed. Browne said they were of all Christian denominations but some included young people who held positions in the PNM party.
"At this time there are many distressed persons. Our prayers went out to families who are distressed and troubled children and adults," he told the media afterwards. Browne denied that the move was a political one. "This is by no means a political gathering. This is about caring for our country," he said.
Asked if he did not think the action might be seen as unlawful under the present state of emergency, he replied: "We strongly feel it is not unpatriotic to ask questions about what is taking place in the country, to hold Government accountable, to pray for our nation.
"All citizens should be praying for the welfare of our nation each and everyday." Browne said they chose to pray in Woodford Square because it was in the heart of the city and it was where the seeds of our constitution were germinated.