Religious leaders pray for justice

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Scores of persons gathered on Thursday night at the Cunupia Market to express their grief at the death Andrea Bharatt and offer prayers for the scores of persons who are missing.

Among the religious leaders who took part in the vigil hosted by Chaguanas East MP Vandana Mohit was Orisha priest Baba Addelon Braveboy summoned the powers of the Orishas to rain justice on those who commit crimes against women.

Braveboy, also known as Banjela in soca circles, said: “I pray for justice against every crime committed against women at this time. I call upon the Orisha of justice, Chango, you are the Orisha of justice. I call upon your presence with lightning to strike upon the heads of the enemies, those that are disrespecting our women today.”

Pentecostal Pastor Dale Des Vignes urged the community to speak out when they see criminal acts being committed.

Pundit Ravindranath Maharaj said he felt a deep pain for Andrea’s loss. He said her sacrifice was not in vain as it has brought the nation together in prayer.

“She sacrificed her life for all of us to bring us together in unity, love and togetherness,” he said, adding that a special prayer service was held for her at his Chaguanas temple last Tuesday.

According to Pundit Maharaj, Hindu astrology had shown that Andrea would not have been found alive. He said people must strive towards becoming more humane, fighting off the evil forces of lust, greed, anger, hatred, attachment and arrogance.

He also pleaded with women not to dress in a manner that would evoke lustful feelings in men.

Imam Imtiaz Ali made an emotional appeal to men to look out for their womenfolk.

He said: “My heart bled today when I heard that news. I said hope when the guy said we will cut off her ears and send it for you, I said it was a grand charge. When I heard that news today, that could have been my granddaughter, that could be one of our daughters. I can’t put myself in that father’s shoes right now.”

Mohit said she was very distressed that society has degenerated to the point that when a person goes missing families are now worried about whether or not they would find their bodies.