Senior Reporter
otto.carrington@cnc3.co.tt
Local Muslims are urging the Government to sever all economic and diplomatic ties with Israel to coincide with Trinidad and Tobago’s recent official recognition of Palestine as a state, a decision which was made in conjunction with other Caricom nations.
The Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs confirmed that the decision to recognise Palestine as a state was made just this week.
Speaking at a media conference at the Islamic Missionaries Guild Islamic Centre, Kelly Village, yesterday, Concerned Muslims of Trinidad and Tobago public relations officer, Imtiaz Mohammed, welcomed the Government’s position on Palestine.
The group noted that in November last year, they suggested in a letter that T&T recognise Palestine and sever all ties with Israel.
The conflict between Israel and Palestine started last October and since then, calls for a ceasefire have been echoed throughout the global community.
“We had written a letter to our Government, and I had sent that letter to the media since November, when we sent it to the Prime Minister, and we asked for five things. One is that we cut our diplomatic ties with Israel. Two, reverse the decision, reverse the credentials of the Israeli ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago. Three, that Palestine be recognised as a state, which they have now done. Four is that all trade between Trinidad and Israel must stop, especially where our Government, in recent years, have been purchasing and utilising personnel in terms of security equipment and so on and five, boycott, disinvest, and sanctions,” Mohammed said.
He added, “So while the Government recognised Palestine, we want them to do more, the same way how South Africa decided to cut ties with Israel, they made certain moves in order to take action, which would be of some kind of substance to the decision that they make, not just saying that we will cut ties or expel the diplomat, and then you keep trading with them. No, all of that must happen.”
Joining in solidarity with the group was Movement for Social Justice leader David Abdulah, who said, “The Government has really been very weak on this question. They’ve said that at Caricom, statements have been made, at the United Nations, Trinidad and Tobago voted in support of resolutions and so on, all that is true, but how much more can be done as an individual nation-state?
He said they had also called for a sporting and cultural boycott of Israel, adding, “The Paris Olympics is coming up and it will be a travesty to see Israeli athletes participate in Paris in the Olympics of 2024.”
“Israel must be isolated. They must become a pariah in the international community. They must be scorned by the entire international community and that is what we are calling for today.”
Responding to the concerns of the local Muslim organisation, Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister Dr Amery Browne yesterday said, “We are in the business of making the best possible decisions for Trinidad and Tobago, and acknowledge that some stakeholders would hold different views and perspectives.
“We welcome the diversity of thought and analysis on this issue. At the same time, we are clear on our principled decision to recognise the state of Palestine, and there is no decision to terminate diplomatic relations with Israel and our nation will continue to vote at the UN General Assembly in a manner that is principled and fully reflective of our foreign policy and values.”
Browne said Government will remain steadfast in its contributions to diplomatic efforts aimed at fulfilling the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people, achieving a meaningful two-state solution and bringing the cycle of violence to an end.
T&T has consistently called for a two-state solution as a way out of the conflict.
In October 2023, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley said T&T recognises Israel’s right to exist and also the right of the Palestinians to a state of their own.
The Concerned Muslims of Trinidad and Tobago said it now wants all regional governments to come together and call for a ceasefire in Palestine.