Sascha Wilson
Senior Reporter
sascha.wilson@guardian.co.tt
Ramadan observances at a Penal mosque have been marred by a burglary in which cash and other items were stolen.
The theft was discovered around 12.30 pm on Tuesday when a worshipper arrived at the mosque. The lock on the collection box was broken, and money, the Imam’s microphone, batteries, and other items were missing. Paint from a can used to smash a lock was splattered on the floor.
“That should have never happened. It is the month of Ramadan, and people should respect religious places,” said Jamaat president Juman Ali.
“If this kind of thing is happening—and I can’t say is a madman who did it—one would find it inexcusable that someone would come into a mosque and do this kind of nonsense. We are very upset about this.”
Ali added that if the suspect “had come to us and say he does not have money or food, we would have invited him in. We usually give to people after mosque. There are lots of poor people who come to us and we help.”
Acknowledging that many people are unemployed and facing financial hardships, he said some people are becoming desperate.
“One has to look at the culture and economic situation in the country. People don’t have jobs they are scrunting and I don’t think they are pleased with the state of how they are handling crime ... I do not think enough is being done for poor people.
Ali said the doors to the mosque are not usually locked because it is a place for people to go and offer prayers.
However, he acknowledged that times are changing rapidly and precautionary measures must be taken, as this incident could serve as an incentive for others.
He said members of the mosque will be meeting tomorrow to discuss implementing additional security measures.