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Message on Spiritual Baptist Liberation Shouter Day 2024

Mar 30, 2024

Message on Spiritual Baptist Liberation Shouter Day 2024

Fellow citizens,

Injustice is the mother of many ills. It can give rise to debilitating frustration; it can give rise to unbridled anger. Injustice can bring out the worst in ourselves.

In rare cases, though, injustice can bring out the best in ourselves. One such case, is the case of the Spiritual Baptist community. The Spiritual Baptist community affords one of the greatest examples of injustice bringing out the best in ourselves.

On 16 November 1917, an unspeakable injustice in the form of the Shouters Prohibition Ordinance was perpetrated against the Spiritual Baptist community. The discriminatory ban prohibited members from congregating, erecting a place of worship or otherwise practising their religious beliefs. The colonial authorities sought to sugar-coat this injustice as an effort to reduce the disturbance to public order caused by the shouting and bell-ringing characteristic of Spiritual Baptist gatherings. The Spiritual Baptist community would not be daunted by that contrivance. They recognised the injustice for what it was. Yet, rather than allowing that injustice to erupt into either debilitating frustration or unbridled anger, they turned their efforts within, committed themselves all the more to their beliefs and their aspirations, and, for the next 34 years, put on one of the most extraordinary displays of courage, resilience and determination in modern history. In so doing, the Spiritual Baptist community set an example that has inspired and encouraged generations of Trinbagonians.

Drawing upon the tenets of their faith, the Spiritual Baptist community resisted and endured. Their faithfulness and resolve were rewarded when, on March 30, 1951, the Ordinance was repealed, and they won, formally, the right that was always theirs to practise their religion with freedom and in dignity.

It would be foolhardy to pretend that there is no injustice in our society today. Today’s injustices might be more subtle than the overt and naked prejudice shown by the colonial authorities in 1917. But in many ways, they are no less painful or any less destructive. Today, as we grapple with injustices in our own lives, we, too, are called upon to resist and to endure. We are called upon to emulate the example of the Spiritual Baptist community. We are called upon to avoid yielding ourselves over to debilitating frustration or to unbridled anger. We are called upon to turn our efforts within, to commit ourselves all the more to our beliefs and our aspirations, and to vindicating the right that is always ours to be the master of our own destiny.

As we celebrate Spiritual Baptist Liberation Shouter Day this year, let it be more than a reminder of the injustices suffered by Spiritual Baptists. Let us celebrate the occasion as a testament to the importance of perseverance and steadfastness during times of trial and tribulation. Let us see the occasion as a celebration of our ability to resist and endure, and to secure freedom from oppression. Let us celebrate it as a demonstration of the possibilities that unfold when we stand firm and fight for what we believe in.

The response of the Spiritual Baptist community to injustice is a blueprint for every citizen to follow. It is a reminder of our duty as citizens to identify and call out injustices when, and where we see them. Fighting injustice is a shared responsibility. It means fighting, not just for our own liberation from injustice, but also fighting for the rights of our brothers and sisters.

Let us therefore take up the mantle that the Spiritual Baptist community has forged. Let us fight for one another. Let us fight to make our beloved country a better place for us all to live in.

It gives me great pleasure to extend to the Spiritual Baptist community and all citizens of our nation best wishes for a safe, happy and joyous celebration of Spiritual Baptist Liberation Shouter Day.

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The Office of the President was delighted to welcome students of the Barrackpore West Secondary School and members of Bethel World Outreach Ministries to The President’s House this week.The visitors enjoyed guided tours of the historic grounds—home to a rich variety of flora and fauna—and explored some of the public rooms of the Great House. 📸 See more highlights from their visit:👉 Barrackpore West Secondary School: flic.kr/s/aHBqjCyp4X👉 Bethel World Outreach Ministries: flic.kr/s/aHBqjCyfa5 ... See MoreSee Less

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Media Release His Excellency Wade Mark Acting President appoints Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh as the new Chief Justice The Office of the President wishes to advise that in accordance with Section 102 of the Constitution, His Excellency Wade Mark, Acting President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago appointed Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh as the Chief Justice of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, today, October 22, 2025 at a ceremony at the President’s House. This follows the announced retirement of The Honourable the Chief Justice Mr. Justice Ivor Archie ORTT from the position of Chief Justice effective, October 22, 2025. Present to witness the swearing in ceremony was Mrs. Aberleen Boodoosingh, and Ms. Amiya Boodoosingh , wife and daughter of the new Chief Justice, Mr. Justice Ivor Archie, ORTT, former Chief Justice, Senator the Honourable John Jeremie SC, Attorney General, the Hon. Roger Alexander, MP Minister of Homeland Security, Chief of Defence Staff, Captain Don Polo and Ag. Commissioner of Police Junior Benjamin.The Honourable, the Chief Justice, Mr. Justice Roonie Boodoosingh, formerly Justice of Appeal, was admitted to practise as an attorney-at-law in Trinidad and Tobago on 30 October, 1992, and appointed a Judge in Supreme Court of Judicature of Trinidad and Tobago in September 2007. Justice Boodoosingh served as a High Court Judge in both the Criminal and Civil jurisdictions. In 2020, Justice Boodoosingh was elevated to Judge of the Court of Appeal of Trinidad and Tobago.Prior to be being appointed as a Judge, Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh was employed as a Lecturer at the Hugh Wooding Law School in 2001 and in 2007 was appointed as the Course Director of the Trial Advocacy Programme. He also serves as Coach and Adviser to school’s Mooting Teams including the CCJ Moot Team.Justice Boodoosingh is the holder of a Bachelor of Laws degree, a Legal Education Certificate, as well as a Master of Laws in International Dispute Resolution.Justice Boodoosingh has notably published The Complete Advocate, a textbook on Advocacy in the Commonwealth Caribbean, and in 2020, Advocacy in Point Form and Advocacy in Verse, as well as a Practical Guide to Evidence in Civil Cases.The Honourable, the Chief Justice, Mr. Justice Roonie Boodoosingh, in a brief statemen, shared his humility in accepting the new position and thanked the former Chief Justice for his service. Her thanked his family and committed to continuing the work that is required to move the judiciary forward. His Excellency, Wade Mark, Acting President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, raised a toast and congratulated the Chief Justice on his appointment, “Your elevation to this distinguished office is a reflection of your integrity, your unwavering dedication to justice, and your steadfast service to the people of Trinidad and Tobago. I wish you continued wisdom, courage, and strength as you undertake this vital responsibility.” His Excellency also thanked the former Chief Justice for his service, “seventeen years of leadership at the helm of the Judiciary is no ordinary achievement. You have served with distinction, leaving an indelible mark on the administration of justice and on the nation as a whole. On behalf of the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, I express sincere gratitude for your commitment and your enduring contribution to the rule of law. “ ... See MoreSee Less

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#WatchliveHis Excellency Wade Mark, Acting President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago appoints the new Chief Justice of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. ... See MoreSee Less

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The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T updated their cover photo.

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The President’s House was the destination of choice for Standard Four students of the La Horquetta South Government Primary School last week! 🇹🇹✨Groups of students had the wonderful opportunity to:🏛️ Visit the official residence of the Head of State🎖️ Reenact official ceremonies📘 Learn about the role and functions of the President of the Republic of Trinidad and TobagoIt was a memorable and educational experience for all!📸 See highlights from their tours:🔗 La Horquetta South Government Primary SchoolOctober 14, 2025👉 flic.kr/s/aHBqjCycx👉 flic.kr/s/aHBqjCycyGOctober 16, 2025👉 flic.kr/s/aHBqjCy79M👉 flic.kr/s/aHBqjCy7e1 ... See MoreSee Less

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