Interfaith Church Service 2015 Programme

A Thanksgiving Inter-Faith Service to Celebrate the 53rd Anniversary of Independence o f the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

"Together We Aspire, Together We Achieve"

Sunday 6th September, 2015 at 2:00 pm St. Peter’s Church, 1 19 Eaton Square, London, SW1W 9AL

H.E Anthony Thomas Aquinas Carmona, SC, President of The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

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The Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

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Order of Service Congregation stands Procession of the National Flag of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago The National Flag is placed in its stand at the altar

Congregation remains standing

THE NATIONAL ANTHEM OF THE REPUBLIC OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

Led by Melissa Veszi and pannist Delphina James Forged from the love of liberty In the fires of hope and prayer With boundless faith in our Destiny We solemnly declare; Side by side we stand, Islands of the blue Caribbean Sea This our Native Land, We pledge our lives to thee Here every creed and race find an equal place, And may God bless our Nation Here every creed and race find an equal place, And may God bless our Nation

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Congregation remains standing and recites

THE NATIONAL PLEDGE OF THE REPUBLIC OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO I solemnly pledge to dedicate my life to the service of my God and my country.

I will honour my parents, my teachers, my leaders and my elders and those in authority.

I will be clean and honest in all my thoughts, my words and my deeds.

I will strive in everything I do to work together with my fellowmen of every creed and race for the greater happiness of all and the honour and glory of my country Congregation sits

WELCOME

by The Revd Ralph Williamson, Vicar at St Peter's Eaton Square and Canon John Metivier Congregation stands

'GOD BLESS OUR NATION' written by Marjorie Padmore Led by Melissa Veszi and guitarist BalĂŠ Granville God bless our nation Of many varied races May we possess that common love That binds and makes us One. Let it be known around the World That we can boast of Unity And take a pride in Our Liberty.

God bless our isles of tropic beauty rare Of flaming Poinciana And shady immortelle 6

The warm and sparkling waters That beat upon our shores Beat out a tune that seem to tell We take a pride in Our Liberty.

God bless our leaders Give them grace to guide Bestow on them thy judgement wise To rule our land aright To keep the flag of freedom high that we may sing most lustily We take a pride in Our Liberty Congregation sits

Reading of the Message from H.E. Anthony Thomas Aquinas Carmona, SC, President of The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago on the Occasion of the 53rd Anniversary of Independence of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago by Mr. Tedwin Herbert, Acting High Commissioner, Trinidad and Tobago High Commission, London It is only 53 years that the red white and black flag, a symbol of the independent Nation of Trinidad and Tobago, was hoisted and the Union Jack lowered to establish irrevocably our sovereignty and the right to forge our future and determine our destiny.

along the way. In a relay race, the runner sometimes stumbles but notwithstanding even when we have, we did not lie prostrate and we have in some measure learnt from our mistakes, the bruises with the panacea.

As a relatively young Nation, we have displayed worldwide prowess and the power and dynamism of our people through academia, business, food, music, our international persona and our defining cultural “Calaloo� are assured, taking our rightful place on the world stage.

This is not to say, that we have not as a Nation, sometimes stumbled

Independence is not meant for us to be isolationist in vision, indifferent to world issues and crises and supreme in our individual action. An aspect of independence that is often disregarded is our interdependence among all things great and small.

Our wealth, natural and human, does not make us impervious to the vagaries of international 7

politics and economics and of course, Mother Nature. We are interdependent in a way never before experienced by our forefathers.

Globalization has forced us to reinterpret an independence that recognizes the need in us to go beyond our insular concerns and geographical boundaries and that interdependence, is critical for the survival of any progressive Nation. A gentle reminder of this, is a statement of Martin Luther King who said, “No individual or nation can stand out boasting of being independent. We are all interdependent.”

individual lives, blessed as we are, with natural resources and being historically a safe haven for ships, yachts and persons fleeing from the threat of hurricanes.

Our post-colonial period has endeared to itself a philosophy of materialism with little regard to development of the inner man and woman. Money must not rule this town of ours but rather character, integrity and decency. It was Pope Francis who admonished us of a cancer that is eating away the human fabric and very decency of society worldwide and this equally applies to us. I refer to what Pope Francis articulated, as the We must not therefore, only simply “Terrorism of Gossip”. Kindness, spare a thought or a prayer for our compassion and decent conduct Caribbean brothers and sisters in are the hallmarks of a society on Dominica who suffered great loss the road to true progress and I am of life and worrisome displacement confident that we can get there if from hurricane Erika -- a small we really try. Citizens of Trinidad country with a small population and Tobago, the “Terrorism of that makes the loss of some 29 lives Gossip” must be eradicated from severe and heart wrenching. The our lives and informed, genuine frivolity and happiness that we feel and compassionate discussion and experience on this wonderful must rule our national dialogue and day, must however give way to interaction. We must not become sober reflection how as a member a society in adult distress and we of the Caribbean community we must neither encourage nor create can help Dominica and each other. an environment of deliberate We must therefore come to their exaggeration, misinformation and aid in a meaningful way because as untruths in our daily lives. We are an independent and interdependent one. Regrettably, what is politically Nation, we must always be involved correct is often the greatest in the business of humanity. This impediment to national progress. must always be a part of our We must always put country first.

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Remember always when you do good, it feels good.

At this juncture of our history, it is very relevant to reinforce the words of our first Prime Minister Dr Eric Williams in his 1962 Independence Address to the Nation when he stated with analytical clarity, “Problems of difficulties there will be. These are always a challenge to a superior intelligence and to strength of character. Whatever the challenge that faces you, from whatever quarter, place always first that national interest and the national cause.”

Our accomplishments are myriad, so too are our challenges as we participate, voluntarily or involuntarily, in this certainty that is globalisation. The challenging economic setbacks that we face are not unique to us, but common to the world. The key to countering these global, domino-effect type issues, for example, the decline of oil prices or the devaluation of the Chinese yuan, will be for each of us, to do our part in being responsible citizens to not only Trinidad and Tobago, but also to this global village we call home. It starts with being environmentally conscious of the carbon footprint we leave on this planet every time we indulge in excess; with being financially, socially and economically responsible to each other and our country; with contributing in a

meaningful and honest way to the economic workforce of Trinidad and Tobago- an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay; and by being our brother’s keeper. It will do us all some good, even as we become an increasingly modernised nation, to pay homage to the values of our forefathers and return to the era of good manners, duty and common good.

It is a time of celebration, a time to recognize the benefits of the struggles of our forefathers and the positives that we presently enjoy. It is a time to reflect on this rewarding journey of 53 years. It is an occasion to rejoice in all of our National accomplishments which we have achieved by the Grace of God. On behalf of my wife Reema, my son Christian, my daughter Anura and I, we wish every citizen of Trinidad and Tobago a Happy Independence 2015 and do have a blessed and safe Independence Day. - Office of the President

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Congregation remains seated

Message From The Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to the Nation on the Occasion of the 53rd Anniversary of Independence of Trinidad and Tobago by Mrs. Keisha Rochford-Herbert, Second Secretary, Consular and Education Officer Fellow Citizens,

international fora, often initiating or co-sponsoring policy motions with international impact.

It gives me great pleasure to extend heartfelt greetings on the occasion of the 53rd Anniversary of Independence of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, to you, our nationals of Trinidad and Tobago resident abroad.

I always welcome an opportunity to communicate with our nationals abroad, especially when we celebrate national milestones. While you may no longer reside within the geographic space of Trinidad and Tobago, you are nonetheless an important part of that global Trinbagonian/Caribbean diaspora.

The steel pan – our gift to the world- continues to enthrall and delight international audiences. Of note, earlier this month Trinidad and Tobago hosted the inaugural International Conference and Panorama under the theme "Towards the Globalization and Development of the Steelpan".

Our Carnival has spawned similar festivals worldwide. As you know, our citizens continue to etch their names and that of Trinidad and Tobago into the pages of world history – from Olympic gold to Three years ago we basked in the fashion stars; from award-winning glow of our golden anniversary. recording artists to leaders in Today, three years later, we continue business and academia. to make significant strides as a young, independent, democratic Back at home we are making nation. We have established considerable progress in the areas diplomatic, trade and investment of education, healthcare and relations with nations worldwide. infrastructural development and we are taking decisive measures to deal Despite our small size we continue with the issue of crime. to “punch above our weight” in 10

There is much that we still have to learn and much more that we still have to do. But we understand that now is our time and it is up to all of us, working together, to shape the present, in full awareness that we are also creating the future for the generations to come.

To do this will also require your assistance. You bring a different perspective to the issues which may affect us and we welcome your input.

best days are yet to come.

Now is the time to move forward together fired with self-confidence and driven by self-belief. We are the co-creators of our destiny. We possess the ingenuity, the faith and the collective wisdom to resolve our challenges and take our place on the global stage.

To you the nationals of Trinidad and Tobago resident overseas and our many friends and wellwishers, I wish you all a very Happy Independence!

Frequently we open up job vacancies to nationals abroad who may want to return to “give back” to May God continue to bless each of you, your new homeland and may their communities and our country.

God bless our great Nation, Trinidad In this regard we encourage and Tobago. you to take advantage of these opportunities so that our nation may benefit from your expertise and experience.

I know that you want what is best for Trinidad and Tobago. I know that you want to be proud of the land of your birth or your parent’s birth. And that is why divisiveness has no place in our society. Positive, sustainable development requires the collective genius and energy of many persons – those of us at home and those of you overseas.

We value your support, patriotism and commitment.

Let us set our goals even higher. Our 11

Congregation stands

HYMN - 'BIND US TOGETHER'

Led by Melissa Veszi and guitarist BalĂŠ Granville Refrain Bind us together, Lord, bind us together With cords that cannot be broken Bind us together, Lord, bind us together Bind us together with love There is only one God There is only one King There is only one body That is why we sing Refrain Made for the glory of God Purchased by His precious Son Born with the right to be clean For Jesus the victory has won Refrain You are the family of God You are the promise divine You are God's chosen desire You are the glorious new wine Repeat Refrain

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Congregation sits

THE FIRST READING A contribution on behalf of the Muslim Community Excerpt from the Holy Qur’an read by Mr. Adem Zein Ghany Chapter 3, Verses 103-104, Chapter 49, Verse 9-11, Chapter 29, Verse 46, Chapter 16, Verse 91 Cling firmly together by means of God’s rope and do not be divided. Remember God’s favour towards you when you were enemies; He united your hearts so that you became brothers because of His grace; and how you were on the brink of an abyss of fire and He did save you.

God makes clear His revelations to you that perhaps you may be guided.

O you who believe! Let not a people deride a people who may be better than they are, or let any women make fun of other women; perhaps they are even better than they are themselves.

Neither defame one another, nor insult one another by nicknames. Bad is the name of lewdness after faith. And whoever turns not in repentance, such are evildoers. (Ch. 49: 9-11).

And there may spring from you a nation who invite to goodness and enjoin right And argue not with the people of the conduct and forbid indecency. Such are scripture unless it is in a way that is they who are successful. (Ch. 3: 103-104). better, except with such of them as do wrong; and say: We believe in that which And if two parties of believers fall to has been revealed to us and revealed to fighting then make peace between them. you; our God and your God is One and And if one party of them does wrong to Him we surrender. (Ch. 29: 46). to the other restrain the one who does wrong. Then make peace between them Fulfil God’s covenant when you have justly and act equitably. God loves the agreed to do so and break not your oaths equitable. once they have been sworn to. You have made God a Surety for yourselves; God The God-fearing are nothing else knows whatever you do. (Ch. 16: 91). than brothers. Therefore make peace between your brothers and observe your duty to God that perhaps you may obtain mercy.

Congregation remains seated

MUSICAL ITEM - 'Give Me Oil in My Lamp' sung by Melissa Veszi and guitarist Balé Granville 13

Congregation remains seated

THE SECOND READING A contribution on behalf of the Hindu Community read by Mrs. Omadaye Sawh Om Shri Ganesha ye namah - praise to Lord Ganesh; Om Shri Saraswatai Namah - Salutations to the bestower of wisdom; Om Shri Guru Charana Kamala bhyo namah - Oh mind worship the lotus like feet of the lord; (1) “Om Asato Ma Sadgamaya Tamaso Maa Jyotir Gamaya Mirtyor Maa Amritam Gamaya Tasmai Shri Guru Ve Namaha” Oh lord lead me from unreal to real, from darkness to light and from death to immortality.

(2) MAHA SUDARSHANA MANTHRAM This following mantra helps to overcome the miseries caused by enemies, illnesses and all sort of negative and evil powers. It helps us to progress spiritually. It is a prayer to Lord Krishna who carries the weapon Sudarshana “Om Kleem Krishnaaya Govindaaya Gopeejana vallabhaaya Paraya Param Purushaaya Paramathmaney Para Karma Manthra Yanthra Aushadha Astra Shastraani Samhara Samhara Mrithyur Mochaya Mochaya Aum Namo Bhagavathey Maha Sudarshanaaya Deepthrey Jwaala Pareethaya Sarwa Dhikshobhana Karaaya

Hoom Phat Brahmaney Param Jyothishey Swaaha” O Lord Krishna, the one who is the controller of all the senses, the the beloved of the Gopis, the supreme soul, the Paramatma, protect me from all evil acts of others, evil mantras and weapons.

O Lord, who holds the Maha Sudarshana and lights all the eight directions, I surrender myself before thee.

(3) “Om shaanta-kaaram bhujagashayanam padma-naabham suresham vishwa-dhaaram gagana-sadrisham megha-varanam shubhaangam. lakshmi-kaantam kamala-nayanam yogibhir-dhyaana-agamyam vande vishnum bhava-bhaya-haram sarva-lokaika-naatham” I pray to the Lord Vishnu who holds the universe in his hands. He whose vision exceeds beyond all the skies, whose colour and visage is changeable like the clouds and he who is filled with goodness in every part of his body. I sing praises to Lord Vishnu who is the husband of the goddess of wealth Lakshmi.

He whose eyes are surreal like a lotus flower and who yogis yearn to reach through meditation. I sing praises to Lord Vishnu,who removes all our fears due to our inborn nature, and he who is the master of the universe and creation.

OM SHANTIH SHANTIH SHANTIH Peace, Peace, Peace.

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Congregation remains seated

THE THIRD READING A contribution on behalf of the Spiritual Shouter Baptist Faith read by Reverend Patricia Stephens Congregation remains seated

HYMN - 'HE IS GOT THE WHOLE WORLD' He's got the whole world in his hand. (x4) He's got you and me, brother, in his hand. (x4) He's got the whole world in his hand. (x4) He's got the little tiny baby in his hand. (x4) He's got everybody here in his hand. (x4)

Congregation stands

EPISTLE LESSON Excerpt from the Holy Bible read by Mr. David Hinkson, Immigration Attaché 1st Corinthians, Chapter 12, Verses 12 - 26 New International Version Unity and Diversity in the Body Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.

Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body.

And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the 15

whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body.

The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

Congregation sits

THE HOMILY Canon John Metivier Congregation remains seated A collection will be taken at this time for the Madinah House in Trinidad and Tobago.

'Madinah House' is a non-profit organization working since 1999 to effectively address the issue of violence and abuse in families, through empowerment of women. More than just a shelter; Madinah House provides sanctuary for the survivors of domestic violence, together with supporting services, including counselling, client advocacy, schooling, job placement, medical assistance and skills enhancement.

HYMN - 'MAKE ME A CHANNEL OF YOUR PEACE' Led by pannist Delphina James Make me a channel of your peace: Where there is hatred, let me bring you love; Where there is injury, your healing pow'r, And where there's doubt, true faith in you.

Make me a channel of your peace: 16

Where there's despair in life let me bring hope; Where there is darkness, - only light, And where there's sadness, ever joy.

O Spirit, grant that I may never seek So much to be consolded as to console, To be understood as to understand, To be loved as to love with all my soul - .

Make me a channel of your peace.

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned, In giving to all that we receive, And in dying that we're born to eternal life.

Congregation stands

Prayer - Canon John Metivier Prayer for His Excellency Anthony Thomas Aquinas Carmona, SC, President of The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Prayer for The Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Prime Minister of The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Prayer for the Members of Parliament, Prayer for the Judiciary, Prayer for the Acting High Commissioner and Staff and Prayer for the People of Trinidad and Tobago.

Congregation remains standing

BENEDICTION HYMN - ‘BATTLE HYMN OF THE REPUBLIC' Led by Melissa Veszi and guitarist BalĂŠ Granville Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord: He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored; He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword: His truth is marching on.

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Refrain ; Glory, glory, hallelujah!

Glory, glory, hallelujah!

Glory, glory, hallelujah!

His truth is marching on I have read a fiery gospel writ in burnished rows of steel: “As ye deal with my condemners, so with you my grace shall deal; Let the Hero, born of woman, crush the serpent with His heel, Since God is marching on.�

Refrain He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat; He is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment-seat: Oh, be swift, my soul, to answer Him! be jubilant, my feet!

Our God is marching on.

Refrain He is coming like the glory of the morning on the wave, He is wisdom to the mighty, He is succour to the brave, So the world shall be His footstool, and the soul of Time His slave, Our God is marching on.

Refrain Flag Bearer, Mrs. Donna Phillip-Forde leads the Procession of the Celebrants down the aisle.

The Congregation is asked to remain standing while the National Flag bearer proceeds down the aisle, followed by the Acting High Commissioner for the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and Celebrants.

END OF SERVICE A Reception follows at The Thistle Marble Arch, Bryanston Street, London. W1H 7EH 5:00pm 18

HIGH COMMISSION FOR THE REPUBLIC OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO 42 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8NT Tel: 020 7245 9351 Fax: 020 7823 1065