T&T Consulate General hosts historic Interfaith Service in NY

Hundreds of nationals of Trinidad & Tobago from across the United States gathered at the York College Performing Arts Center in Queens New York last Saturday for an historic Interfaith and Thanksgiving Service to launch celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary Trinidad & Tobago's independence.

The country's Consulate General hosted the event, which was the first of its kind ever held in the United States. 

In an address, Consul General Rudrawatee Nan Ramgoolam said the 50th anniversary required a special invocation of blessings since the spirituality of the nation remains one of its strengths. She urged the audience to maintain contact with their homeland, exchange knowledge and identify business opportunities for their mutual benefit.

Members of the recently created Trinidad and Tobago Interfaith Council and Advisory Committee of New York performed the service. 

The proceedings included Baptist and Orisha services, a homily, suras, qaseedas, bhajans, religious dances, drumologies and skits. Former Mastana Bahar winners, musician Roopchan Rambharat performed a bhajan and singer Lalchan Rafi Singh serenaded the crowd with the popular “Sohanee Raat.”

A highlight of the evening was a proclamation on behalf of the Borough President, Marty Markowitz, to the people of Trinidad and Tobago to mark the anniversary. 

A cultural fusion item featuring pan, tabla, and sitar concluded the evening’s service.

The event was sponsored by prominent T&T nationals who operate businesses in New York.

The consultate has planned several other activities for the 50th anniversary of independence celebrations including a Family Day at Floyd Bennett field, a cruise and weekend of sport.

Council members: 

• Bishop Allan Baxter – Mt. Tabor Spiritual Baptist Church Inc., 
• Imam Ahmad Ali – Sunnat Ul Jamaat
• Reverend Andy Edwards–Brotherhood of Man Universal Church Inc., 
• Reverend Father Antonius Peter Gopaul - St. Thomas Aquinas Roman Catholic Church
• Pundit Deepak Raman – Arya Spiritual Center
• Bishop Mother Donna Faria – Court of St Michael’s Spiritual Baptist Orisha Church
• Pundit Sharma Maharaj – Shree Krishna Mandir
• Facilitator: Dr. Glenville Ashby

Advisory Committee members: 

• Mother Brenda Agulia
• Gopaul Lall
• Baba Mahaba Olufemi
• Pavitra Chadee Maharaj 
• Shaheed Hosein

The Consulate General of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in New York exercises consular jurisdiction in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont, and is focused on promoting Trinidad and Tobago and providing services for its Diaspora. 

In you have any question please direct them to: consulate@ttcgny.com or phone (212) 682 7272 ext 1103 or 1109.