Does the Cross block the rainbow?

THE EDITOR: I feel offended. I have never regarded the Trinity Cross as a religious award, rather I regard it as an award based on historical fact relative to the discovery of Trinidad. History tells us that Columbus discovered Trinidad on his third voyage, that the wind had fallen and the seas had become calm and the sailors were fearful for their lives and ready to mutiny. Being a Catholic, Columbus prayed to his God, the Blessed Trinity, and promised that if he reached land he would name it after the Blessed Trinity — Three persons in One God — Father, Son and Holy Spirit. As he came in from the south he sighted three peaks of the southern range and was reminded of his promise.

If these historical facts are taught in school, no non-Catholic should take offence. Archbishop Desmond Tutu called us a rainbow people because he saw a number of races and religions living together in harmony with mutual respect and tolerance for each other’s beliefs. What has happened to the rainbow? Are its colours becoming dim or are the colours being reduced from seven to five? Must we change the name of the country as well? Does living in a country named after the Blessed Trinity offend non-Christians? The Trinity Cross must not be touched. If it is, I will regard it as an attack against my God. However, in a spirit of compromise, why don’t we have two main awards, one for Christians and one for non-Christians?

DR RICHARD CLERK MBBS
Port-of-Spain