Month: August 2017

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An Independence commitment

A toddler waves a miniature national flag at the 2015 Independence Parade. Photo: Elmo Griffith.
A toddler waves a miniature national flag at the 2015 Independence Parade. Photo: Elmo Griffith.

By Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ & Director, CREDI

“It is the duty of citizens to contribute along with the civil authorities to the good of society in a spirit of truth, justice, solidarity, and freedom. The love and service of one’s country follow from the duty of gratitude and belong to the order of charity. Submission to legitimate authorities and service of the common good require citizens to fulfill their roles in the life of the political community.” (CCC 2239)

On Thursday, August 31, we will celebrate 55 years of Independence. Let us give thanks to God for our democracy, our freedom and for the many gifts that He has bestowed upon us. Remember with gratitude those who laboured in the vineyard and sacrificed much to gain our Independence. Reflect on how far we have come and what we need to do to go forward.

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Stop pillaging our common home

File photo: A Leather Back turtle prepares to lay its eggs at Matura, May 2009.
File photo: A Leather Back turtle prepares to lay its eggs at Matura, May 2009.

By Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ & Director, CREDI

“A Christian who doesn’t safeguard creation, who doesn’t make it flourish, is a Christian who isn’t concerned with God’s work, that work born of God’s love for us.” Pope Francis, February 9, 2015.

How many of you have read Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si? This is a must read. In it, the Holy Father highlights the environmental crisis that the earth faces. He also explores the causes/roots of the crisis and shares remedies to promote integral ecology.

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Youth building peace

by Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ and Director, CREDI
by Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ and Director, CREDI

Saturday, August 12 is International Youth Day. The theme this year is: Youth Building Peace. As the UN states, “there is growing recognition that as agents of change, young people are critical actors in conflict prevention and sustaining peace. International Youth Day 2017 is dedicated to celebrating young people’s contributions to conflict prevention and transformation as well as inclusion, social justice, and sustainable peace.

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The rights of Indigenous Peoples

An indigenous woman greets Pope Francis during a meeting with participants in the Indigenous Peoples' Forum of the International Fund for Agricultural Development February 15 at the Vatican.(CNS photo/L'Osservatore Romano, handout)
An indigenous woman greets Pope Francis during a meeting with participants in the Indigenous Peoples’ Forum of the International Fund for Agricultural Development February 15 at the Vatican.(CNS photo/L’Osservatore Romano, handout)

By Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ & Director, CREDI

“We must not ignore those who claim the status of First Peoples in this country as owners of this land before we came, they ask and say to us, very humbly — as we acknowledge those who came as Hindus, Muslims (and) Christians, as we acknowledge them every year with a holiday — to put aside one day, not every year, but just one day as the day of recognition of our First Peoples….We have heard you and we too will acknowledge you because we are all one people in T&T.” (Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley, October 27, 2016)

On Wednesday, August 9, the world will observe the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, focusing on the tenth anniversary of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

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