Media Release: Response to Government's Proposed National Security Council Meeting With The Muslim Community

Media Release:

Re: Response to Government's Proposed  National Security Council Meeting With The Muslim Community

Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) feels insulated and aggrieved
by government's reaction in answering the call of the Muslim community to address their security concerns and to give them an assurance of comfort and peace of mind. Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) holds the view, the National Security Council's meeting carded for Wednesday 21st March 2019, at the Diplomatic Center, with various selected heads from the Muslim community, is a knee jerk reaction to our recent call for the Commissioner of Police to provide a sense of security for the various Masajid throughout the country and more in particular the recent meeting held by the opposition with various heads of the Muslim community following last Friday's terrorist attack on two Masajid in Christchurch, New Zealand, causing multiple deaths and other serious casualties.

Given the uncaring and insensitive response by Prime Minister the Honorable Dr. Keith Christopher Rowley, when he said in June of 2018; "raids on mosques over the Carnival period were justified after lethal weapons, arms and ammunition were found at the Masjid-ul-Muttaqeen Mosque in Cunupia",  (It was discovered that the guns and ammunition was planted and a raid on the Masjid was already planned, before it was discovered by worshipers whilst conducting maintenance work). All this, after a call was made requesting an apology for the treatment meted out to the Muslims following the announcement of a "Fake Carnival Plot" in 2018, when the human rights and freedoms of 19 Muslim families where violated and abused and our sovereignty compromised, claiming he had credible information about the so called "plot". As if this was not justification enough, they needed another false flag to justify the lie. This begs the question what possibly could the government offer or what assurance can the government give to the Muslim community pending an apology still owing to the Muslim community? Especially now, against the backdrop of the white supremacists attack in Christchurch, New Zealand, which gives a clear indication of the Islamophobic agenda of the West.

Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) understands that  Minister of Local Government, Senator the Honorable Kazim Hosein, was asked to locate a venue for the meeting event and so it was advertised to take place at the ASJA Compound in Charlieville. This venue was then cancelled and the meeting was moved to the Diplomatic Center in order that only specially invited persons can attend. Those persons excluded are often the ones who are very critical of government policies and would disrupt government' s plan to craftily deceive and mislead the Muslims. This type of "Box Drain Politics" would not be tolerated by this organization.

Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) is of the opinion that Prime Minister, the Honorable Dr. Keith Rowley, insulted and disrespected Local Government Minister, Senator the Honorable Kazim Hosein, in his attempt to reach out and connect with the Muslim community, always placing him in a compromising position. Unlike ex-legal adviser to Prime Minister Keith Rowley, Attorney Nafeesa Mohammed, Mr. Hosein's blind loyalty is costing him a tarnished reputation with the Muslim community, a position he will live to regret.

Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) considers this meeting to be another Public Relations stunt by this present administration with an aim to attract votes from the unsuspecting Muslim community, a group which by all accounts holds the balance of power in Trinidad and Tobago. Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) is advocating a sincere apology from the Prime Minister the Honorable Dr. Keith Rowley, for the 2018 Carnival fiasco and a policy program that will allow for the training and equipping of all religious groups to counter the threat of an invasion and violent extremism in their respective communities.

Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) already has a such a program ready and waiting to be rolled out in all religious communities. It's an "Armed Intruder Program" aimed at recognizing and preventing security and disaster threats and to identify individuals who may perhaps have violent extremist tendencies and to offer them proper education, guidance and support.

For Immediate Release:
Date: March 19th, 2019

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

Calling Out President Donald J Trump as Co-Conspirator Along Side Brenton Tarrant

Media Release:

Re: Calling Out President Donald J Trump as Co-Conspirator Along Side Brenton Tarrant For The Gruesome Murder of 49 Innocent Worshippers and The Wounding of 48 Others.

Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) is calling on the Government of Trinidad and Tobago not to be cowards and call out President Donald J Trump for what he is and the part he played in the Christchurch's terrorist attack, which amounted to the brutal murder of 49 Innocent Worshippers and the Wounding of 48 Others. According to the words of our Prime Minister in his statement in the aftermath of this horrific attack he said “we who live by the doc­trine that every creed and race have an equal place in our na­tion, un­re­served­ly con­demn all words and deeds from what­so­ev­er source, that would have the ef­fect of ini­ti­at­ing, en­cour­ag­ing or sus­tain­ing ha­tred in any and all its man­i­fes­ta­tions.” Who is this "source" he is referring to? He went on further to state; “We call for the widest pos­si­ble con­dem­na­tion of this de­bas­ing of hu­man­i­ty by those who fail to ac­cept the one­ness of the hu­man race.”

Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) agrees that this is a manifestation of a growing and globalized ideology of white right-wing extremist hate, racism, nationalism and supremacy, that must be addressed at its source, which includes the mainstream politicians and media personalities who nurture, promote and excuse it.

The gunman’s 74-page manifesto  by all accounts was inspired by the ideology that radicalizes persons to save “Western civilization” from a foreign “invasion.”

We see a resemblance in similar acts of terrorism outlined in the manifesto of the Norwegian Anders Breivik who killed 77 people in 2011. Breivik wanted to punish Europe because she had opened her doors to Muslim immigrants. His manifesto and attacks was inspired by the white nationalist Christopher Hasson, who was arrested for stockpiling weapons with the desire to commit mass murder, against Muslims.

When President Donald J Trump was putting forward arguments for his wall, he spoke of  “Middle Easterners” being part of a “caravan” coming into the US. On Trump's visit to Britain he warned Theresa May  that Britain was losing its “culture” and that immigration had “changed the fabric of Europe and unless you act very quickly, it’s never going to be what it was.”

Trump's travel ban was aimed at mostly Muslim countries. Trump's rhetoric spewed hate and violence, some of which included - “I think Islam hates us,” Trump's nod of approval when a supporter exclaimed - “we have a problem in this country; it’s called Muslims.”  the supporter then asked -  “when can we get rid of them?” In response, Trump said: “We’re going to be looking at a lot of different things.”  Trump was praised in Brenton Tarrant's manifesto as “as a symbol of renewed white identity and common purpose.”

As news of the attack was unfolding, President Trump tweeted a link to Breitbart; a far-right “news” site. Known for its vile anti-Muslim hatred, It’s a site where Muslim-hating white supremacists like, Brenton Tarrant  would find writers who would give them rhetorical ammunition for their ideologies of hate. (Trump has since deleted the tweet.)

Trump is an Islamophobic bigot. As president, his words matter. He is using them to spread hatred and to influence violence. And these people have been inspired by those words to target the very people that Trump targets in his speeches and his tweets. Since his coming into power, "hate crimes" has risen to a record high.  

Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) is calling out President Donald J Trump, a Co-Conspirator in this ghastly attack and is calling Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley and his government to do the same. It's time to put a stop to this bigotry and call to account the actions of those responsible.

For Immediate Release:
Date: March 16th, 2019

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

Media Release: The terrorist attack at two Masjids in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Media Release:

Re: The terrorist attack, in which Forty-nine people were killed and 20 plus others wounded, at two Masjids in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) Condemns in the strongest terms the terrorist attack, in which Forty-nine people were killed and 20 plus others wounded, at two Masjids in Christchurch, New Zealand. The attack, which came around the time Muslims were attending the Masjid for Friday prayers, was the deadliest in New Zealand's history.

Our heartfelt condolences and prayers are with the victims of this horrific terrorist attack that onfolded in Christchurch, New Zealand. Brenton Tarrant, a 28-year-old  Australian who perpetrated these terror attacks, described himself as an “ordinary white man” who was inspired by Norway mass killer Anders Behring Breivik. He Is not a Christian as some mainstream media puts it. His choice of music during his drive to commit this massacre entitled "Remove Kebab" was a propaganda music video made by Serb Army Soldiers as a tribute to war criminal Radovan Karadzic; the Bosnian Serb responsible for genocide against Muslims in Sarajavo 1995.

It's no doubt a dark and painfull day for Muslims and humidity at large. Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front), first and foremost is calling on all communities, politicians, media outlets and commentators to call this out for what it is. This is a terrorist attack on innocent and defenseless Muslims in their own Masjid which serves as the heart of the community. This is white supremacy, this is a right-wing extremist hate, this is racism.

To make matters worst it is sickening to see even in this time of mourning many senseless individuals have taken to their keyboards to further foster hatred against the Muslim community. Why is mainstream media calling this a Christian terrorist attack? Is it an intent to spew hate and disgust amongst Muslims and Christians? Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) is calling on all Muslims to reject this and show love and compassion to all our Christians brothers and sisters.

It's about time to take a stance against extremism and drive it out of all communities. Therefore Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) is urging the government to apply the same resolve and dedication it showed in "addressing extreme radical islam" in condemning this attack, in like manner, our Attorney General, Faris al Rawi condemned the Manhattan Attack in October of 2017.

Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) is calling on the Commissioner of Police; Gary Griffith to consider the call of all Muslims to be safe in their places of worship and to not rule out the the possiblity of "copy cats" in carrying out similar attacks here in Trinidad and Tobago, especially against the backdrop of an already out of control "war" between the so called "Rasta City and Muslim City". Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) is requesting that Gary Griffith dispatch at least two police officers in marked police vehicles; today, Friday at Masjids across the country for the Jumuah Prayers, especially the Masjids that are heavily populated in order to give a sense of security and protection.

Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) is reminding Muslims to remain vigilant and alert at all times. Islamophobia is real and hate-filled individuals such as the one we saw in this attack do exist. Allah mentions in the Qur'an; 3:118 "...Enmity has been revealed from their speech, and what they hide in their breasts is greater..."

Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) is also cautioning the sharing of the video depicting this horrific terrorist attack. It was videotaped with a background theme song with an intended purpose. Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) is asking everyone to desist from sharing this video as it signals the threat of right wing violent extremism. Do not play into the hands of these murderous individuals by circulating their propaganda. It will only serve to empower the Islamophobic sentiments already ablazed in the Western World.

It is perhaps time Masajids start investing in security and protection to ensure that they are well guarded and protected from such Acts. Lastly Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front)  would like to remind all Muslims who are still struggling to comprehend the Madness of this attack, to stay strong, as hard as it is to bear the calamity of what took place. Always remember that Allah the Almighty is with us. As difficult this situation is Allah is always with us. Remember that these people died on a Friday in a Masjid; in the most beloved place of Allah the Almighty. We ask Allah the Almighty to accept all the victims as maytrs, spear them from the trials of the grave and grant them a swift entry into paradise. May Allah grant us peace in this world and restore sanity to our communities.

For Immediate Release:
Date: March 15th, 2019

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

Media Release: No returns on $628 million spent on Carnival for the last four years.

Media Release:

Re: No returns on $628 million spent on Carnival for the last four years.

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2019/03/vibrant-pictures-show-carnival-mask-culture-in-caribbean-americas/

This is an article in the 2019 March issue of the National Geographic Magazine. Notice there were no mention of our Trinidad and Tobago Carnival. So the $628 million dollars spent over the past 4 years; which just came shy of our budget allocation for Agriculture this year, did nothing to show case our "art and culture" on the world stage. What then were government and it's agencies promoting? It's clear our drunken, lascivious and reckless behavior Superceded our "Talented Festival". Off course this is of no surprise, when one takes into consideration governments million dollar pay out for a song that has no meaning and no substance... Governments support and promotion for a meaningless presentation of what many criticize as being worthless would certainly go a long way to embarrass us as a Caribbean Island under the Sun...

Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) laments the reckless spending and wasteful employment of our resources by government and it's agencies and the their inability to preserve and showcase our heritage. Instead what we see being promoted is a display of drunkenness, violence and vulgarity. Government needs to come full circle and access this deficiency in it's role and function and correct it now before it gets even worst.

For Immediate Release:
Date: March 5th, 2019

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

Media Release: Judges Decision in the Soca Monarch 2019 Finals and Its Implications.

Media Release:

Re: Judges Decision in the Soca Monarch 2019 Finals and Its Implications.

Whenever the words; “He tell meh pick up something! Anything! Rum tell meh to grab something! Anything! I just want to pick up something! Anything! Watch how I go grab something! Anything! Rum tell me to run (run wid it!), run (run wid it!)…….” can attract the attention and the respect of Judges to the point of declaring Grenadian Soca artist and song writer Hollice "Mr. Killa" Mapp the winner of Trinidad and Tobago's Soca Monarch Competition, especially against the backdrop of the bad and reckless behavior of patrons upon hearing the song, signals a deficiency in our people when it comes right thinking and rational behavior; hence our inability to deal with the social decay in our country. There now seem to exist a cognitive bias amongst our people in particular those in leadership. This cognitive bias has nurtured in us, an acute sense of perceptual distortions, inaccurate judgments and illogical interpretations. 

Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) is calling on government and all its stakeholders to stop promoting elements of our art form and events that encourages irrational behavior, by filtering and baring out those constituents that has the tendency to threaten our progressive growth. If not, Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) predicts, practical implications for areas including social behavior, efficacy, clinical judgment, entrepreneurship, finance, and management.

For Immediate Release:
Date: March 2, 2019

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