Seepersad: Race relations must be addressed urgently

( Trinidad Guardian) Outspoken judge and lay minister Frank Seepersad says there is a race relations crisis in T&T which needs to be addressed urgently.

From the pulpit of the St Andrews Theological College Chapel in San Fernando, Justice Frank Seepersad called for a “Road Map” to treat with race relations and legislation on hate speech.

However, he said, “On an individual level, we should hang our heads in shame because too many of us have engaged in race bashing and discrimination.”

Seepersad who was delivering a virtual Independence Day sermon said the dream of American civil right activist Dr Martin Luther King for unity has not been realised in T&T and this was evident in the level of racism seen recently.

“In the midst of this COVID-19 pandemic, we, in this Republic have experienced a regrettable deterioration in our race relations with the build-up and conclusion of our general elections. On the 29th August, 57 years ago, just one year after our independence, Dr Martin Luther King delivered his inspiring speech on race relations.

“Regrettably, it appears that we have forgotten that the lasting impressions which we each shall make will not be based upon the colour of our skin but upon the lives we have lived and the contributions we made.

“Dr King’s dream applied not only to the United States but to the world at large. Sadly the type of coexistence which he espoused is still elusive, including here in Trinidad and Tobago.”

“Our blessed Republic is reeling from a destructive degree of distrust, disdain, disrespect and dislike among the two major ethnic groups.

“There have been hurtful and ill-advised advertisements and social media commentary which exposed the entrenched nature of our deep-rooted ethnic biases and the disturbing disconnect between our groups.” Calling for the destructive devils of discrimination and disunity to be stamped out, he lamented, “We have a crisis on our hands and it must be addressed. We simply cannot continue upon this path of divisiveness and discord.