Response to Kevin Baldeosingh's Column entitled "Hijabonomics Explained"

Media Release:

Re: Response to Kevin Baldeosingh's Column entitled "Hijabonomics Explained"

In Response to Kevin Baldeosingh's Commentary in the Guardian Newspaper which was published on Sunday 27th May 2017 Entitled "Hijabonomics Explained" in which he suggested "Why then does she simply not remove her Hijab so she can get the job" Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) is saying this is an attack on the dignity and modesty of all women. What Kevin is suggesting is that all women should strip themselves and compromise their true worth in order to get a job in this country. This is synonymous with prostitution.

Baldeosingh has crossed the line to suggest such, and enough is enough! We are calling for his immediate dismissal. If this is not done Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) together with the entire Muslim Community of Trinidad and Tobago will have no reason but to believe Guardian Media Limited and its' editors views the Muslim Community of Trinidad and Tobago with scorn and disgust.

It appears as though Guardian Media Limited its' editors and Kevin Baldeosingh takes great pleasure in attacking and ridiculing the Muslim community during their most auspicious occasions; the last attempt was on Eid-ul-Fitr 2015 and this present Ramadhaan. We are not going to tolerate this blatant disregard of religious freedom especially in this holy month of Ramadhaan.

Our National Anthem which is a symbol of Our nation's sovereignty boasts of "Where every creed and race shall find an equal place". The Hijab also is a symbol; a symbol of God's sovereignty on Earth. We will be damned to allow anyone to suggest the removal of or attack our symbols.  

The Devil is chained during the Month of Ramadhaan but there are human manifestations of his handiwork. This commentary is laced with a poisonous blend of bigotry and racial discrimination to say the least. This commentary was done in bad taste, lacks substance and void of any positive contribution. It is a venomous attack on identity and Culture. 

The Guardian Media Limited definitely has to do something about this plague that has infected the integrity of this media House. I'm also calling  for a full retraction of this commentary and is further calling on and challenging the Guardian Media Ltd to apologise in like manner to sister Aisha Sabur, to all Muslims and to all women of Trinidad and Tobago.

For Immediate Release:
Date: 29th May 2017

Umar Abdullah
Head of Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front)
Tel: +18687870765 or +18683656253