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Don’t let your love grow cold

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

In case you did not have an opportunity to read Pope Francis’ Message for Lent 2018 in last week’s CN (page 7), here is a summary. The theme he has chosen is: Because of the increase of iniquity, the love of many will grow cold (Mt 24:12).

Matthew chapter 24 refers to Jesus’ sermon on the End of times. He tells his disciples of the sorrows that will befall individuals/nations and of great tribulation to come. He warns them that many false prophets, who will assume various forms, will arise; “they will deceive many, and with the increase of lawlessness, love in most men will grow cold; but the man who stands firm to the end will be saved.” Pope Francis’ message is divided into four sections:  False prophets; A cold heart; What are we to do; and The fire of Easter.

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Let’s celebrate World Day of Social Justice

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

“None of us can think we are exempt from concerns for the poor and for social justice…Jesus tells us what the ‘protocol’ is, on which we will be judged. It is the one we read in chapter 25 of Matthew’s Gospel” (Pope Francis).

On Tuesday, February 20, the world will observe World Day of Social Justice (WDSJ). It aims to “support efforts of the international community in poverty eradication, the promotion of full employment and decent work, gender equity and access to social well-being and justice for all”.

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No to privatising prisons

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

It is with great sadness that CCSJ noted the suggestion made by former National Security Minister, Gary Griffith, in Newsday on Friday, January 26. As reported, during a discussion on ISAAC 98.1 FM, entitled: Looking for Solutions, on January 24, and in light of the video on social media showing some local prison officers wearing ski masks beating restrained prisoners, he suggested that T&T should “look at the possibility of privatised prisons”.

Inter alia, he said: “…It is important to look at systems. Sometimes it involves privatisation, to make sure there are checks and balances to ensure accountability in different arms of the protective services” and measurement of performance by having a private entity within the prison system to monitor. “There is no one there to guard the guards.”

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Celebrating the life of a statesman

Professor George Maxwell Richards - served T&T with dignity, compassion, and dedication.
Professor George Maxwell Richards – served T&T with dignity, compassion, and dedication.

By Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ, & Director, CREDI

On Wednesday, January 17, T&T said farewell to one of our country’s great statesmen, our fourth president, Professor George Maxwell Richards who passed away on January 8, at the age of 86 years. He served his country with dignity, compassion, and dedication, not only during his two terms as President (2003–2013) and as principal of UWI’s St Augustine campus from 1985 to 1996, but throughout his life.

As we mourn his passing, let us thank God for his life and his service to humanity. He lived a purposeful life; he was a true patriot whose life stands as an example of what servant-leadership is all about.

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Bullying must never become the new normal

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

In March 2017, Diane Montagna reported on Pope Francis’ plea to about 80,000 young people, parents, and educators in Milan, Italy. He expressed “his concern about bullying, which he called ‘an ugly phenomenon in education these days.’

“He warned parents and teachers to be on guard against bullying. He then turned his attention directly to young people… ‘Please … promise the Lord, and never do this, or allow it to happen at your school or in your neighborhood. Do you understand?… in silence, think about what an ugly thing this is, and think about whether you are able to promise Jesus. Do you promise Jesus never to bully?’  ‘Yes!’ the young people shouted.

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