Spiritual Baptist leader King Shepherd Ray Brathwaite says the community is thankful for the government's additional $10 million donation to assist with ongoing projects.

Proud of the faith's strides over the years, he added that he is looking forward to this year's Spiritual Baptist Liberation Day celebrations.

In 2019, the state gave Spiritual Baptists several acres of land in Couva and $10 million to assist with their projects.

Then, last year, former prime minister Dr Keith Rowley had said he planned to re-approach the Cabinet for an additional $10 million.

Fast-forward to this year, Prime Minister Stuart Young delivered on this promise.

At a celebratory service for Spiritual Baptists at the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann's on March 22, Young said, 'I was adamant to break the bureaucracy to ensure that at my first outing as your prime minister, coming humbly before you tonight, I would be in a position where I would be able to deliver, on behalf of the people of TT, our second contribution to your dream becoming a reality.'

Brathwaite told Sunday Newsday the money is a 'much-needed injection of funds' for their sacred cathedral, administrative complex and heritage park project in Couva.

He said so far, the administrative building and carpark have been completed.

'(The carpark) is like our festival square. That's where we have major activities and where we put up our tents.'

As for the cathedral, he said the architectural design was approved and ready in 2020. But with the latest donation, he said, 'We will be making decisions about the rollout very shortly.'

But he added that the cost of maintaining the existing facilities has been a bit of a challenge. Owing to this, the next proposed phase of the project includes a hub for entrepreneurs/salespeople so revenue can be earned through rent.

Asked if he felt the donation happening close to a general election (April 28) was intentional, he said no.

'That this is a fulfilment of a promise.'

He continued, 'It was since 2019 this whole process started. And what (Rowley) had said was that nobody should be upset if the government helps Spiritual Baptists.'

But in addition to government assistance, he said he wished corporate TT helped, too.

He believes the negative stigma often attached to the faith contributes to companies being unwilling to provide sponsorship.

'Every time we go to them and say, 'Please help us (with) a project,' the immediate response is, 'We do not help religious bodies,' yet you see them helping others who are more acceptable to the social system.

Spiritual Baptist Liberation Day - March 30 annually - celebrates the repeal of the Shouters Prohibition Ordinance and the progress made by the faith over the years. The ordinance made it illegal for Spiritual Baptists to worship and practise their faith. It was repealed in 1951.

'I will say that corporate TT is a reflection of the society.

'When the ordinance was repealed, there was no conscious effort on the part of the state, at the time, to redres