Robinson-Regis calls Orisha to guide errant youths

Speaking at an Ifa Orisa Thanksgiving Service at the headquarters of the People’s National Movement (PNM) she said “when we see those of our brothers and sisters of the African group going along a challenging or the wrong direction, I ask those of you who are devotees of this religion and who understand the struggles of the African man and woman to do your part to pull them back to the right path.” She said, “It cannot be for the government alone to do that. It cannot be for the PNM alone or any other political party alone to do that. Those of us who have a strong faith in our religion and our belief must put our shoulders to the wheel and help where we see our brothers and our sisters going along a path that can bring no good for Trinidad and Tobago.” She said the colours held sacred by the Orisa are ths same as the national colours: Red, White and Black.

She said Red and Black represent quick temper, aggression and a strong soul and belief in what one is about. She said white represents that which is cool and calm.

She said it must have been as an article of faith that their forefathers had chosen red, white and black as the colours of the national flag. The event began with a welcome from the PNM’s Deputy Political Leader, Joan Yuille-Williams, a libation and greeting by Ogun Bowale of the Ife Isokan Shrine and a presentation by Attillah Springer, who gave a brief history of African spritual traditions in Trinidad and Tobago. Present at the celebrations were Sri Ravi Ji of the Hindu Prachar Kendra and Pandita Indrani Rampersad, the first female pundit in the country.

PNM General Secretary, Ashton Forde said the party will be hosting similar celebrations every Sunday throughout September as the party observes the 60th Anniversary of its existence.