Catholic Commission for Social Justice
World Humanitarian Day, to be observed tomorrow, Monday, August 19, is “directed towards honouring humanitarian efforts worldwide and propagating the idea of supporting people in crisis.”
This year’s campaign is on women humanitarians and their undying contribution in making the world a better place. Women humanitarians hold a sense of unparalleled uniqueness, one that adds to the global momentum of female strength, power and perseverance.
On August 12, the world will celebrate International Youth Day. It is worth noting aspects of the UN’s statement: “There are currently 1.8 billion young people between the ages of 10 and 24 in the world. This is the largest youth population ever. But 1 in 10 of the world’s children live in conflict zones and 24 million of them are out of school. Political instability, labour market challenges and limited space for political and civic participation have led to increasing isolation of youth in societies.” International Youth Day “serves as an annual celebration of the role of young women and men as essential partners in change, and an opportunity to raise awareness of challenges and problems facing the world’s youth.”
“A marriage is a moving process, a living thing, and if it stops being fed with these existential nutrients (love, communication, respect and trust), it will finally expire.” —Tim Lott.
My deceased father would have been 94 on July 22. My mother is also deceased. Their mixed marriage in the 1940s was frowned upon. He told his parents: “You taught me that God resides in everyone. He resides in Ruby, and I want to marry her.”
They were married for more than 55 years. Like all marriages, they had to work at theirs. Marriages have their highs and lows. The challenge is how to deal with both.
“We are going to emancipate ourselves from mental slavery, for though others may free the body, none but ourselves can free the mind. Mind is our only ruler; sovereign.” ― Marcus Garvey
On Thursday, August 1, T&T will once again observe Emancipation Day. Let’s reflect on what we need to do to free our minds from mental slavery.
“I am too positive to be doubtful, too optimistic to be fearful, and too determined to be defeated”—Helen Keller.
On July 28, I shall attend the 6th annual concert organised by T&T’s Blind Welfare Association, organised in collaboration with Naparima College, San Fernando. The event will feature blind and visually impaired artistes.
The last time I attended one of the association’s concerts I left full of admiration for the many gifts that the artistes shared with us. I commend the association members for their sterling work as advocates for the blind and visually impaired.