Embrace your Trinbagonian identity

In a powerful homily delivered at the Feast Day Mass at Santa Rosa RC Church, Arima, Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon addressed the complex history and future of Trinidad and Tobago, with a special focus on the nation’s First Peoples. He underscored the importance of unity, reconciliation, and mutual respect as the country approached its 62nd year of Independence.

Archbishop Gordon began by acknowledging the deep roots of the First Peoples in the region, highlighting their presence on the islands for thousands of years before European colonisation.

This recognition served to underscore the importance of honouring the indigenous heritage as a fundamental part of the nation’s diverse identity. “They had been traversing this island and this region for 4,000, 5,000 years, certainly on the islands. The oldest artifacts that I’ve seen in the museum is about, actually, no, it’s about 6000 BC. It’s about 8000 years they’ve been traversing this part of the world,” he said.

Turning to the challenges facing modern Trinidad and Tobago, Archbishop Gordon posed a thought-provoking question to the congregation: “The real question is, what do we want to do now that we are here in this place?”. This question, he argued, is crucial as the country grapples with its colonial past and seeks to define its future as an independent nation.

The Archbishop suggested that moving beyond historical grievances and focusing on collective progress is essential for national development.

He emphasised this point, stating, “As long as we continue, ‘he did this, she did that, they did that, and they did this,’ we will continue to mash up the house.”

He accentuated the need for reconciliation as a cornerstone of nation-building, explaining that acknowledging past wrongs while also recognising the progress made is crucial for fostering unity.

The Archbishop encouraged citizens to embrace their identity as Trinidadians and Tobagonians first, while still celebrating the rich diversity of their ancestral histories.

“And in this sense, whereas each part has its ancestral identity, which is vital and important and enriches the whole, we also have to recognise that we are first and foremost Trinidadians and Tobagonians.”

Apology to First Peoples

This approach, he argued, would allow the nation to harness its multicultural strength while fostering a sense of shared national purpose.

In a significant gesture of reconciliation, the Archbishop offered an apology on behalf of the Church for past injustices against the First Peoples and other groups.

Archbishop Gordon’s apology highlighted the role that institutions, including religious ones, can play in the process of national reconciliation. “I ask forgiveness for the ways in which we, as church, we, as an institution, have not loved, respected, and cherished the rich heritage that you and your people have brought to this land.”

He cited the lack of reverence for the Eucharist observed as a result of the general irreverence with which people treat each other now.

“We treat each other badly and we think it’s okay. We are a nation. We are an independent nation. No Africa, no India, no China, no Syria, no Lebanon, no Europe is coming to save us from the perils that we are facing.”

The homily concluded with a call to action inspired by the biblical phrase, “As for me and my house, I will serve the Lord.” The Archbishop stressed that true national progress can only be achieved when citizens view and treat each other “with great reverence, with great dignity, with great humanity, and with great love,” embodying the spirit of service to both God and fellow countrymen.

Parish priest Fr Robert Christo, Msgr Christian Pereira and Fr Andrew Emenike concelebrated Holy Mass; Rev Joachim Hernandez assisted. Among the invited guests were Member of Parliament Pennelope Beckles-Robinson and Mayor Balliram Maharaj.

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