News Brief
- Double Milestone: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar extended greetings to the Spiritual Baptist community as they celebrate 75 years since the repeal of the Shouter Prohibition Ordinance and 30 years since the declaration of the public holiday.
- Historical Legacy: The Prime Minister highlighted the role of the UNC government, led by the late Basdeo Panday, in establishing the holiday in 1996, making Trinidad and Tobago the only country to offer the faith this level of national recognition.
- Call for Prayer: Noting current ‘serious national challenges,’ Persad-Bissessar called on the Spiritual Baptist community to use their traditions of faith and service to pray for national peace, healing, and unity.
By Prior Beharry
PRIME Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar is calling on the Spiritual Shouter Baptist community to lift the nation in prayer for peace and healing, as the country celebrates two major milestones in the faith’s history.
In her official message for Spiritual/Shouter Baptist Liberation Day, the Prime Minister noted that 2026 marks the 75th anniversary of the repeal of the oppressive Shouter Prohibition Ordinance in 1951, as well as the 30th anniversary of the day being designated a national holiday.
Describing the anniversaries as a “decisive journey from prohibition to full recognition,” Persad-Bissessar reflected on the political actions that elevated the faith. She noted that while the 1951 repeal ended a grave injustice, full national recognition was achieved in 1996 under a United National Congress (UNC) Government led by the late Basdeo Panday, during her own tenure as Attorney General.
“One of the first acts of that Government was to establish this national holiday, placing the Spiritual Baptist faith in its rightful position of honour,” Persad-Bissessar stated. “In doing so, Trinidad and Tobago set a global precedent and remains the only country to have accorded this level of national recognition.”
The Prime Minister added that this commitment was further cemented during her 2010–2015 tenure as head of government, pointing to the establishment of the St Barbara’s Spiritual Baptist Primary School as proof that the state’s recognition was matched by tangible investments in education.
Praising the community for its substantial contributions to national life—spanning public service, culture, and healthcare—Persad-Bissessar urged members of the faith to lean on their resilience during difficult times.
“At a time of serious national challenges, that example carries particular weight,” she said. “I encourage the community to continue to uphold its traditions of faith, discipline, and service, and to lift our nation in prayer for peace, healing, and unity.”
Quoting Psalm 46:1 (“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble”), the Prime Minister said the history of the Spiritual Baptists stands as a powerful testament to the sustaining power of faith.
