Catholic Commission for Social Justice
By Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ & AMMR
On Tuesday, August 31, we will celebrate the 59th anniversary of T&T’s Independence. Let’s give thanks to God for our democracy, our freedom, and for the many gifts that He has bestowed upon us.
On Saturday, August 31, we will celebrate 57 years of independence. Firstly, let us give thanks to God for leading us out of the bondage of colonialism. Give thanks also to those intrepid men and women who sacrificed and fought for our independence, our political emancipation, and for the many gifts and blessings that God has given to us.
“…to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others” (Nelson Mandela)
These words came to mind as I walked around the Nelson Mandela Exhibition at Queen Elizabeth Hall, South Bank Centre, London recently (July 18– August 19) with my friend, Margaret-Ann Clarke.
The exhibition marks the centenary of the birth of this iconic freedom-fighter (1918–2013). It focuses on “his life, career, and commitment to equality and justice, as well as on the life and times in which he lived. It provides insight into Mandela’s journey from young freedom fighter to becoming the inspiration for an international movement against South Africa’s violent and oppressive apartheid system, and an emblem of an ongoing struggle to build a more just and equitable world” (South Bank Centre).
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.
On Wednesday, August 31, T&T will celebrate 54 years of independence. My 91-year-old father, Balgobin Ramdeen, who was a Member of Parliament then (1961-1966), loves retelling his experience on that fateful day when we gained our independence.
As he said in an interview: “I remember the day. I was in Parliament when we got our Independence and I stood in the front of the Parliament building there and saw the Union Jack come down and our flag the Red, White and Black, go up and flutter in the breeze.”