Pentecostals, Muslims endorse Kamla

Kamla Persad-Bissessar won two important endorsements Tuesday from religious leaders in Trinidad and Tobago ahead of the May 24 general election.

At a luncheon meeting in Chaguanas with the Leaders of the Pastors of the Full Gospel Churches/Pentecostal Ministries the UNc leader gave the assurance that the People's Alliance position is committed to religious freedom.

She made it clear that they have nothing to fear from a People's Partnership coaltion and explained that her expose of a scandal related to a controversial church in Arima had nothing to do with religion but with the way the country's finances are managed.

The Pastors had asked for the meeting following Persad-Bissessar's disclosure on Saturday that there was a direct connection between Prime Minister Patrick Manning and the controversial church under construction at the Heights of Guanapo in Arima.

Persad-Bissessar produced documentary evidence to show a link between Manning and UDeCOTT for the construction.

Read the story:Kamla connects Manning, Hart to Guanapo church, reports matter to Police, DPP and IC
Read the PNM response: PNM responds to church allegations but doesn't deny UNC claims

The Pastors said they made the request for the meeting because they want to have "a fellowship" with Persad-Bissessar and present the views of "the genuine Pentecostal Movement and to further endorse her leadership of the People's Partnership Movement."

Leaders of the movement, notably Bishop Carlyle Chankersingh and Justice Lloyd Elcock prayed with her and assured the UNC leader of their support, and continued prayers. The group sang the Lord' Prayer.

Persad-Bissessar later met with a delegation from Muslims of Trinidad and Tobago, one of the leading Muslim organisations in Trinidad and Tobago.

The group endorsed the UNC leader and the People's Alliance and called on all Muslims to support the coalition in Monday's election.

Imtiaz Mohammed, Chairman of Muslims of Trinidad & Tobago and President of the Islamic Missionaries Guild, stated that Muslims have no objection to supporting a woman for prime minister.

He said Trinidad and Tobago is not governed by Muslim Sharia laws and therefore the issue is not relevant.