The Inter Religious Organisation of Trinidad and Tobago (IRO) has condemned the desecration of the Siewdass Sadhu Shiva Mandir (Temple on the sea) at Waterloo, Central Trinidad, which occurred on Friday, August 3. Vandals damaged the building, murtis, and icons used in worship.

In a release, dated August 6, the IRO empathised with the national community and “Hindu brothers and sisters on the hurt that is felt on this act” and urged members of the public to support the Police in their efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.

The IRO noted that in the past it had condemned the desecration of other places of worship and continued to do so.

“We pray that such occurrences targeting any of our holy places of worship in our country will never take place, whatever their tradition or religion,” the release stated.

The statement ended: “The IRO reminds all that freedom of worship is a fundamental human right which is enshrined in the Republican Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago. Our country is well known for its diversity in religion, race and ethnicity and its harmonious relations. We urge that we continue to find pride in this as we continue in the path of nation-building.”