Christians take to streets for

2026-03-30 - 03:54

Senior Reporter kay-marie.fletcher@guardian.co.tt Port-of-Spain residents woke up to the sounds of hymns and sight of waving palms yesterday, as dozens of Catholics and Anglicans joined together in a display of religious solidarity to pray for the capital city. The annual Palm Sunday procession took place as the country remains under a State of Emergency (SoE) and the capital continues to be a target for criminals. Since the SoE came into effect on March 3, there have been at least 22 murders recorded. The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service’s (TTPS) Port-of-Spain division alone saw a surge of violence recently, with three murders occurring in just six hours on a single day. Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Trinidad and Tobago, Right Reverend Claude Berkley, believes the procession was a bold step and a reminder of the difficult decisions needed to bring the city back to good order. Speaking to Guardian Media following the procession yesterday, Rev Berkley said, “In spite of the fact that there are murders, there’s crime, there’s violence, we have had a blessing of the city, and it speaks to everyone to take a decision, personal and collectively, about how we can change our lives for the better... I reflected briefly on us having a palm cross and fronds of palm, which are signs of peace, and the guns that the police had right next to us.” Despite the crime, the Bishop said he observed a higher turnout this year than the last, which he believes is a sign that the public still believes in God’s protection. The procession took place from Abercromby, to Knox and Frederick streets, then Independence Square, before returning to Abercromby Street. It was led by Berkley and Monsignor of the Minor Basilica Cathedral of the Immaculate conception Father Martin Sirju. Port-of-Span Mayor Chinua Alleyne also took part in the procession. Alleyne said, “It was very beautiful to see all the persons coming out from the Anglican church as well as the Catholic church joining together for the celebration. This is the second time that I’ve attended here at the Cathedral. I grew up in the All Saints Anglican Church and Palm Sunday is a very important celebration on the calendar for the Christian community as we enter Holy Week.” In her message to the nation yesterday, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar urged citizens to pause and reflect on their principles. Persad-Bissessar said, “As Holy Week begins, I urge all who observe to pause, reflect, and renew their commitment to the principles that guide us. Let this not be only a remembrance of what Christ endured, but a recommitment to how we live. Let us not only proclaim Him in word, but reflect Him in action, in how we treat one another, how we serve, and how we uphold what is right.” “On behalf of the Government and people of Trinidad and Tobago, I extend sincere wishes for a peaceful, blessed, and spiritually enriching Holy Week. May this sacred season bring renewed faith, strength of character, and abiding grace to all. And may God’s continued blessings rest upon every family and guide our nation in peace, unity, and purpose.” But what is the significance of Palm Sunday? Among the dozens of Catholics who took part in the procession yesterday, Anua Leith said, “Palm Sunday is definitely the Sunday before Easter when Jesus made His way into Jerusalem, and I think it is a significant time for Christians on this earth.” And one devout Anglican, 87-year-old Holy Trinity Cathedral usher Shelah Workman said, “The Palm Sunday means the beginning of the suffering that Jesus went through for us so that we can be free from sin and live a life of faith for Him.” While young and old Christians were allowed to move through the streets, the Spiritual Baptist community, celebrating their public holiday today, were prohibited from holding their march in San Fernando. Initially, the Spiritual Baptists believed they were denied approval to host a planned march because of SoE restrictions, but police said it was due to a late application.