Muslim leader wants tax break on cameras for mosques

CHAIRMAN of Ummah TT Muslim Federation, Imam Rasheed Karim, has made a clarion call for the Government to give the organisation a tax concession to import "high-definition cameras" and other security systems to be used in masjids.

Speaking at a press conference held at the Masjid-Ul-Furquaan Greenidge Road, Felicity, on Monday, the imam said the federation represented about 60 per cent of Muslims in TT.

"The highest budget in the country deals with national security. If I have to set up a camera system in this masjid, I have to do two barbecues, I have to go begging for money. I am asking for a minus per cent of that big figure so that we can get a tax break to bring in these cameras, and in some cases give it to the poorer jamaats."

His call came three days after worshipper, Haniff Mohammed, 57, was gunned down inside the Junon Street West masjid in California in Couva.

Karim said, "The jamaats that can purchase it, let them purchase it at cost price so at least the membership can feel assured that something is being done by the Government. My community would support it for sure. I am sure they would be knocking on the doors of the National Security Ministry by next week making the same demand."

There are about 120 masjids in TT and safety and security are rights of people, Karim said.

He also called on the Government to intervene and have a discussion with the federation which comprises of many Islamic organisations. The Imam said that despite previous discussions with the Prime Minister and other government officials and religious leaders, "nothing has manifested."

Karim said, "They say we are with you, but really and truly we are not seeing that in practice. We are hearing that verbally every time we meet. The multitude of Muslims are very much dissatisfied, and we are asking the Government to intervene and see how we can get our act together as a civilised society."

He said Muslims groups, being in the minority, ended up being a liability in some cases and were often oppressed. The imam said he hoped that did not happen to local Muslims in that their freedom of worship was taken away from them.

Karim said Islamophobia was spread through the media and it affected one religious group while others "looked down with scant courtesy."

He added, "We are living in a small island, and what affects one religious group could affect another.

"A masjid is a place free for all who want to worship. We cannot differentiate whether you are black, white, green or blue. Once you are a Muslim, the masjid door is open to you."

Commenting on the high crime rate, Karim said some people were scared to leave their homes because they did not want to be in the "crossfire taking place."