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Imam Akhil Bhula (left) speaking with New Zealand High Comissioner Anton Ojala.

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High Comissioner Anton Ojala speaking with members of the Jama Mosque.

NZ High Commissioner visits local mosque

It was a deeply emotional moment for the recently installed New Zealand High Commissioner, Anton Ojala, as he paid a visit to Barbados’ Jama Mosque to share his condolences and support to the representatives of the Muslim community here on the island.

Between moments of visible sadness, the commissioner revealed that there had been and significant outpouring of grief across New Zealand as the country came to terms with the senseless and brazen terrorist attack it experienced the week before. Though he acknowledged his homeland was still trying to come to grips with the attack, he assured persons who were gathered at the mosque today, that the Government of New Zealand had no shred of tolerance for violence, extremisms, or antagonism against the muslim people or others peacefully practising their faith.

“We are one of the most multicultural nations in the world, and we value and celebrate our diversity. New Zealand stands in solidarity with the Muslim community around the world against terrorism, extremism and hate. We are deeply grateful for the many messages of support we have received from across the region, including from the Muslim community”, Ojala said.

He also shared how Barbadians could assist in this time of grief, by not sharing the disturbing video of the attack, which has been seen on all corners of social media being shared.

He added, “…there is no need for any right-thinking person to view or share this material. Doing so only compounds the grief of the victims’ families.”

Members of the Jama Mosque located in Kensington New Road, also shared their condolences with the visiting commissioner. Leader of the mosque, Imam Akhil Bhula, thanked Ojala for his support and the support of the New Zealand government, who after the attack, sought to reassure the Muslim community, that they were always welcome to practice their faith amongst them, without fear of intolerance.

“What was a source of strength, was that people all over the world, from different faiths and backgrounds, supported and offered words and encouragement [to us]. Generally, the tendency throughout the world, was that of sympathy and compassion. I would like to take this opportunity, and I hope that you will be able to pass on this message to the Prime Minister of New Zealand; the leadership she has shown throughout this whole unfortunate event, the compassion, the love and empathy; that was something that shows what true leadership is about. I am sure New Zealanders around the world, [are] proud of her for showing this sort of character.”

Barbados Advocate

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