On Saturday 29th March, 2003 Archbishop Edward Gilbert attended the first meeting of the newly formed Catholic Commission for Social Justice to bless members of the Commission as they begin their important work in the Archdiocese of Port of Spain.The Commission, Chaired by Leela Ramdeen, Episcopal Delegate for Social Justice, was established to implement some of the Resolutions arising out of the Synod that took place from Jan 31st – Feb 1st 2003.
The Commission which comprises 19 members who have been appointed for 3 years, will undertake the following functions:
To:
a) Analyse the structural causes of injustice and work towards systemic change promoting social justice in Trinidad & Tobago/the world in the light of the Gospel and of the social teaching of the Church;
b) Educate Catholics on the Biblical concept of social justice and Catholic Social Teaching and encourage them to apply these in their lives;
c) Collaborate with other concerned bodies;
d) Support the move by the Spiritan Community to establish a rehabilitation centre for ex-prisoners.
At their first meeting, inter alia, the Commission considered its draft Constitution, and its Programme of Action which outlines 16 key objectives. The Commission intends to establish a number of Standing Committees to achieve its goals, addressing issues such as:
– Poverty and Social Exclusion
– Crime & prison reform
– Health
– Education: The Biblical Concept of Social Justice & Catholic Social Teaching
– Youth
– Family Life and Communities
– The Environment
– Communications
Each Standing Committee will be chaired by a member of the Commission. Chairpersons are in the process of inviting individuals/representatives from, for example, each Vicariate, including the various Church bodies that exist within the Archdiocese; Government Departments; Non-Governmental Organisations; Community-based Organisations, and other concerned bodies across Trinidad and Tobago.
Members of the Commission are:
– Leela Ramdeen, Episcopal Delegate/Chair of the Commission Attorney-at-Law & Education Consultant
– Anthony Hess Alexander, Financial Adviser
– Clive Belgrave, St Vincent de Paul Society
– Taresa Best, A’Level Student – Bishop Anstey School
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– Dr Richard Clerk, (Medical Doctor) Living Water Community
– Deborah de Rosia, Eternal Light Community
– Andre des Vignes, Attorney-at-Law
– Honourable Anthony DJ Gafoor, Chairman of the Tax Appeal Board
– Her Worship, Joan Gill, Magistrate, Tobago
– Fr Jason Gordon, Living Water Community & Parish Priest
– Timothy Hamel-Smith, Attorney-at-Law
– Indal Harracksingh, Attorney-at-Law
– Adanna James, Trinity Studios/Journalist
– Sr Roberta O’Flaherty, Holy Faith Sisters, Credo Foundation for Justice
– Gary Tagallie, Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Social Services Delivery: Project Manager: EU Fund for Poverty Reduction
– Mikkel Trestrail, A’Level Student, Corpus Christi School
– Juliana Valdez, Teacher and Youth Co-ordinator for the Youth Secretariat
– Eldon Warner, Emmanuel Community
Leela Ramdeen said:
“ It is an honour to be able to work with so many talented individuals. There is a lot of work to be done and their expertise, experience and skills will enable this Commission to achieve its objectives. There is much good will and commitment among members of the Commission and in our wider community to support our work.
We will be seeking to tap into the wide range of talents and expertise that exist in T&T so that we can work together to make a difference and work towards the common good, that is, creating conditions that will enable people to achieve their potential and to realise their human dignity.
There is a saying that vision with action can change the world. Our Draft Programme of Action provides us with a noble vision and the team comprise people who are action oriented. Our aim is to strive to do better that we must never cease from doing
We must awaken people’s consciences and ensure that a passion for social justice finds a home in the heart of each person. Only then can we truly build peace in our land and in the world. As Pope Paul V1 stated: ‘If you want peace, work for justice.’ ”
If anyone wishes to become involved in the work of the Commission and its Standing Committees, please ring 622 6680 or 640 6428.
