by Linda Straker
- Salim Rahaman described Palestine/Israel tragedy as disregard for human life
- Rahaman’s sentiments endorsed by Senator Andre Lewis and Adrian Thomas, Leader of Government Business
- Palestine–Israel war makes Adrian Thomas recall 19 October 1983 on Fort Rupert
Salim Rahaman, Grenada’s first Islamic Member of Parliament, has called on the Government to do all within their power and influence to stop the ongoing war between Israel and Palestine which started on 7 October. He described the tragedy as a disregard for human life.
“I ask our government to do all within their power and influence, within Caricom and wherever possible, to keep calling for a stop to the ongoing bloodshed, and to do whatever you can, at the level of the UN and other areas of diplomacy, to save lives,” he said while speaking in Parliament on 26 October.
“Madam President, if we can save one life, it is as if we can save the whole of mankind. Hope, in peace, as opposed to conflict; in life, as opposed to death, is a cornerstone of our humanity,” Rahaman told the sitting which was broadcast live on radio, television and online platforms.
“I ask for our people to pay attention to what is going on in our world. Do your research, strive to be in the know and strive to be an agent for all that is just. No longer do we sit in distant corners of the world, only as observers,” he said, calling on the Members to observe a minute of silence for those who have lost their lives in the bombings.
Adrian Thomas, Leader of Government Business in the Senate, endorsed the statement of Senator Rahaman. “I have been following the news and seeing what is happening and it brings me right back to 19 October 1983, when I was on Fort Rupert then… our administration is in sympathy with the people, and we look forward to when there will be peace in that region,” he said.
Rahaman’s sentiments were also endorsed by Labour Senator André Lewis.
Grenada must not get itself mired in this Middle East conflict. There is absolutely no justification for the terrorist group Hamas (founded by a Palestinian Islamic cleric), to massacre Israeli citizens on October 7, 2023. Israel has the sole right to take off the head of Hamas. They must never be allowed to function again. Such blatant murderers do not belong on planet Earth.We have enough concerns in Grenada to be accomplished, rather than poking our nose in business that does not concern us.
Ohh really. You think Grenada should not call for a Ceasefire aswell. I’m Grenadian and I stand with the innocent people of Palestine . I call for a ceasefire affective immediately
Mr. Ramahan,
your should not to push your personal views in your capacity.
Next, you view does NOT, repeat does NOT, represent the views of Grenada/Grenadians.
most importantly: where is the balance in you personal diatribe?
What of the hundreds of hostages – CHILDREN.
Stick to the script and do what you were placed there to do – we really don’t know how you got there!
I do not agree with the war in that region, it is truly sad but let’s ask ourselves who is really behind this dispute? That said, . where were those people when we needed and still require support to develop Grenada and lift it out of poverty ? Just look at how we are treated all over the world and no one helps us because of the colour of our skin. Remember it was the Middle Eastern countries that started to enslave our people & the western world took it worldwide. We do not need to give our lives to save just one of theirs when they don’t do the same for us. This is not our battle and we need to stay out of it and pray for a peaceful resolution.
Tell me what can little Grenada do to stop thus war which is sponsored by American, Britain, France, Germany,Belgium and the rest.
These countries listed above makes tonnes of money in the process.
So please tell me if Grenada stand a chance in stopping it..
Grenada can’t do much, but staying silent will be like agreeing with what happened. It will be like a drop of water on a hot plate. But many drops will still cool it.