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Message on Spiritual Baptist Liberation Shouter Day 2025

Mar 30, 2025

Message on Spiritual Baptist Liberation Shouter Day 2025

Fellow citizens,

Resilience is the ability to adapt successfully in the face of adversity. It is more¬—much more—than just the ability to endure. A resilient people know that they will rise above every challenge that life presents. They know that they have the wherewithal to remain steadfast and to persist, even when the road ahead seems impossible. A resilient people never lose sight of their goals and remain committed to achieving a brighter, more hopeful future.

This spirit of resilience is exactly what the Spiritual Baptist faithful embodied, when on November 16, 1917, the Shouter Prohibition Ordinance of 1917 came into being, denying them the freedom to worship, congregate and practise their beliefs. This oppressive law, along with the public persecution they faced, was designed to undermine the legitimacy of their faith and reinforce the colonial disdain for African customs and traditions.

Fortunately for all of us, Spiritual Baptists did not yield to colonial pressure. They were resilient. They held fast to their faith, meeting secretly and enduring all manner of harassment and humiliation. After years of struggle and agitation, their efforts bore fruit in 1951 – as resilience often does – when the Shouter Prohibition Ordinance was finally repealed. That victory was not the end of their fight; rather, it only fuelled their continued pursuit of religious freedom, and in 1996, Spiritual Baptist Liberation Shouter Day was declared.

The struggle of the Spiritual Baptist community for recognition, justice, dignity and freedom is, at one and the same time, a source of justifiable national pride as it is of tremendous inspiration. The story of Spiritual Baptists is the story of the true power of resilience, perseverance and commitment to a common cause. As a nation, we would do well to emulate and model their example. As our country faces our own struggles and challenges, the model of the Spiritual Baptists movement is available to us to draw from the wells of our inner strength and to stare down, as they did, the perils and the dangers that confront us. Much like the Spiritual Baptists, our success as a nation hinges on our recognising and accepting that resilience is not a solitary endeavour—it is the collective effort of a people standing together, supporting one another and working in harmony toward a brighter, more prosperous future.

The challenges we face today may not be the same as those faced by the Spiritual Baptists, but their example of resilience remains relevant, perhaps more now than ever before. As we observe Spiritual Baptist Liberation Shouter Day this year, let us honour the Spiritual Baptist faith by embracing and embodying their example of resilience. Let us commit to standing together and surmounting every obstacle in our path as we work towards building a country of which we can all be proud and glad.

I 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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3 days ago

The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T
On Tuesday, 8th July 2025, Her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo, ORTT, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, received a courtesy visit from two representatives of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) at The President’s House. Ms. Loyce Pace, Regional Director of the Americas for the IFRC and Mr. Ariel Kestens, Head of Delegation, both met with Her Excellency, who serves as Patron of the Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society.The Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society is one of 192 national societies that form the IFRC. The IFRC is the world’s largest humanitarian network, supporting local Red Cross and Red Crescent efforts and acting before, during, and after disasters and health emergencies to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people worldwide. ... See MoreSee Less

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The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T

3 days ago

The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T
Congratulations to this week's winner, @jack.ofall.trades.28 !🎉 Often hailed as Trinidad and Tobago’s first great painter, Michel-Jean Cazabon (1813–1888) gained international acclaim for his artistic works in the 19th Century. Many of his iconic pieces, which capture the country's landscapes and historic architecture, can be seen throughout the Sitting Room and other spaces in The President’s House.🖼️✨ #OTPTriviaTuesday #officeofthepresidenttt ... See MoreSee Less

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The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T

4 days ago

The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T
On Tuesday, 8th July 2025, Mr. Chrisendath Mahabir was reappointed as a member of the Salaries Review Commission in a ceremony held at The President’s House. Her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo, ORTT, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago presented Mr. Mahabir with his Instrument of Appointment and thanked him for his continued service to Trinidad and Tobago.Mr. Chrisendath Mahabir is an Attorney-at-law who holds experience in a number of other areas including teaching, management consultancy, industrial relations and public sector administration. He has served as Permanent Secretary (Ag.) in the Ministry of Health as well as Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministries of the Attorney General, Local Government and Public Utilities.Mr. Mahabir served two terms as a member of the Industrial Relations Advisory Committee as well as on various inter and intra-ministerial committees examining various aspects of the Public Service. ... See MoreSee Less

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The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T

6 days ago

The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T
What is the…? 🤔Think you know the answer to this week’s #OTPTriviaTuesday question? 👀There’s a hint hidden somewhere in these pics! 🕵️‍♀️🔍Head over to our IG page @officeofthepresidentt at 9:00 AM to find out!Don’t miss it! ⏰📲 ... See MoreSee Less

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The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T

6 days ago

The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T
Last week, the Office of the President was pleased to welcome the tiny tots of the Sambrano Learning Academy and students of the Robert Village Hindu Primary School and Vessigny Secondary School for tours of The President’s House and grounds.During their tours, they interacted with members of the military, learned more about the role of the President, and even signed the Visitor’s Book in The Credentials Room of The President’s House. It was a truly inspiring and educational experience for all!📸 Swipe through to see highlights from their memorable visit!Full albums available at tinyurl.com/mvjh2tpu ... See MoreSee Less

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President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
Office of the President
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The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

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