Abu Bakr, Yasin
Overview
Yasin Abu Bakr is the leader of the radical Black Muslim organization Jamaat al-Muslimin, based in Trinidad and Tobago. He is most widely known for his leading role in the Jamaat al-Muslimin’s attempted coup in July 1990, which saw members of the group storm the parliament building in Port of Spain and take the Prime Minister and several other officials hostage.
Etymology
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Arabic: ياسين أبو بكر
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Meaning: “Yasin” is a common Muslim name, often associated with one of the chapters of the Qur’an (Surah Ya-Sin). “Abu Bakr” historically refers to the first Caliph in Islam.
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Turkish: Yasin Ebubekir
The 1990 Coup
On July 27, 1990, Abu Bakr and his followers, armed and determined, forcefully entered the parliament of Trinidad and Tobago. Their demands included significant government reforms. The siege lasted six days, resulting in several deaths and injuries. The coup is a critical event in the modern history of Trinidad and Tobago, drastically affecting the nation’s political landscape.
Alleged Financial Backing
Abu Bakr’s organization, Jamaat al-Muslimin, reportedly received financial support from external actors including the Libyan leader, Muammar Qaddafi. This funding facilitated the acquisition of resources critical for the group’s operations and the execution of the attempted coup.
Jamaat al-Muslimin (Trinidad)
Jamaat al-Muslimin, founded and led by Abu Bakr, is a revolutionary Islamist group. It emerged with the intent to advocate for and implement Islamic principles within the socio-political framework of Trinidad and Tobago. The group has been involved in various controversial activities, most notably the 1990 Parliament attack.
Suggested Further Reading
- Raymond, C. (2007). Muslim Trinidad: Islam, Politics, and Social Change in a Caribbean Community.
- Griffith, I. L. (2004). The Quest for Security in the Caribbean: Problems and Promises in Subordinate States.
- Trotman, D. (1998). Crime in Trinidad: Conflict and Control in a Plantation Society.
Key Takeaways
- Yasin Abu Bakr is a prominent figure due to his role in the 1990 insurgency in Trinidad and Tobago.
- His involvement with Jamaat al-Muslimin underscores the intersection of local militant activists and global political tides, including notable connections to Libya.
- The events of July 1990 remain ingrained in the socio-political narrative of Trinidad and Tobago.
Conclusion
Yasin Abu Bakr and the Jamaat al-Muslimin have played a significant, albeit controversial, role in the modern political history of Trinidad and Tobago. The actions led by Abu Bakr were aimed at drastic governmental reforms and denote the complexities of political dissent within the context of radical Islamic movements in the Caribbean region.
