Media Room
CCSJ appoints link co-ordinator
 Bernadette Gopaul-Ramkhalawan has been appointed Social Justice Link Co-ordinator of the Catholic Commission of Social Justice.
Mrs Gopaul-Ramkhalawan’s appointment took effect from March 1. She resides in South Trinidad and has been active in various Church activities for several years.
As Social Justice Link Co-ordinator, her principal responsibility will be to facilitate the establishment of Social Action groups in the parishes of the Archdiocese, to help each group identify the social action issues in its parish and to develop strategies and programmes to address these issues
Persons wishing to become involved in social action work are invited to contact Bernadette at 685-8859 or through the CCSJ office 622-6680.
CCSJ holds its AGM
The CCSJ held its Annual General Meeting on Saturday March 17, 2007. The theme of the AGM was “The way forward together”. The AGM highlighted many of the key successes and challenges of the Commission over the last year.
The meeting was attended by His Grace, Archbishop Edward Gilbert who thanked the Commission for its tremendous work over the past year, noting how many significant people, not only within the Church but in society in general, have deep respect for the work of CCSJ.
 His Grace noted however that much work still has to be done in broadening the idea of Social Justice in the minds of people.
There needs to be a focus on helping people move from being ready to give money, to reflecting and asking ‘Why are people poor and what systems need to change?”, while being patient with those persons who do not yet understand the need to get personally involved in causes.
The Commission underwent some key changes in the last year, the main one being the appointment of Father Michael Moses as Episcopal Vicar/Chair of the Catholic Commission for Social Justice, Father Moses has lead the Commission from March 2006.
Under his stewardship were some key achievements; these included:
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The strong advocacy of the Commission as it urged caution with regard the establishment of Aluminium Smelters in Trinidad and Tobago, in view of the possible social, environmental, and health issues. The Commission was able to give a balanced view to a highly politicized issue.
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The Ask Why? Programmes which continue to be an interesting tool for heightening the sensitivity of the public on relevant issues by encouraging discussion on Agriculture, Good Governance, the debate on the Constitution, poverty and the crime situation.
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The Launch of the Trinidad and Tobago Re-integration Foundation which promotes a restorative justice approach to the Criminal Justice System.
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Parish Link Programme for Social Justice – new Parish Link teams were formed in Toco/ Matelot, Cumana, San Juan, Princes Town, Morvant/Laventille, St Finbar’s and four youth programmes developed
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Workshops held for caregivers of Children and Youth at Risk with a view to effectively promote favourable adult outcomes for at-risk children and youth
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Catholic education through workshops and the Weekly Social Justice ‘Quote of the Week’ and articles explaining Catholic Social Teaching from the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church in the Catholic News
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Family Mentoring and Intervention Programme, in collaboration with Couples for Christ (CFC). Training sessions were held for CFC teams to sensitize participants with reference to models of intervention for working with families who were identifiable as ‘at risk’ in parishes.
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Community Intervention Transforming Youths (C.I.T.Y) and Pride in Gonzales –this project offers resources to residents of local communities to enable individuals to take an active role in their communities and contribute to the overall wellbeing of these communities. They also provide the basis and infrastructure for forming social networks that support strong communities and facilitate building relationships among people, adding value to community life
The work of the CCSJ continues to be recognized as evidenced by the fact that the website attracted a total of 8,028 visitors last year, averaging 23 visitors per day.
Of this total, 7,372 visitors were new to the site. Visitors came from around the world, but mainly from the United States (3,582), Trinidad & Tobago (393), Uruguay (292), Germany (192) and Canada (114).
The CCSJ would like to thank all those persons and organizations that contributed to and were an integral part of the Commission’s achievements.
Crime/violence vs values/virtues - Jan 21, 2007 Catholic News Archbishop Gilbert's column
Church's plan to reduce crime - Jan 21, 2007 Catholic News report
Leela says goodbye
On March 1, 2006 the staff at Archbishop's House bade farewell to Leela Ramdeen whose three-year term as chairperson of the Catholic Commission for Social Justice had come to an end by her own hard taken decision, after forming and structuring the Commission and putting it in motion.
Ms Ramdeen had interacted with many staffers at Archbishop's House, as the secretariat's office for the Social Justice Commission is located there. The Commission said farewell to Ms Ramdeen at its AGM held on Feb 18.
In a letter to the outgoing chairperson of the CCSJ, Archbishop Gilbert thanked Ms Ramdeen for “the energy you have brought to the Commission over the last three years” and expressed his “profound respect for the passion you have for Social Justice”. He admitted his difficulty in accepting her resignation but stated: “However, as I have come to know you over the last three years, I understand your resignation has been submitted for good reasons.”
The Catholic News joins with the archdiocese in thanking Leela Ramdeen for her work in establishing a strong foundation for the Social Justice Commission and for her courage and passion in bringing social justice issues to the consciousness of not only the Catholic community but to the wider society.
We thank her too for her contributions to this newspaper and her cooperation and collaboration in providing timely news releases and articles through which the Catholic community could be kept abreast of the work of the Social Justice Commission.
We wish her well for the future as she goes back to lecturing internationally.
Taken from the Catholic News March 12
Letter
of Invitation
to “Women,
Development
and Peace” Conference
from Cardinal
Martino to
CCSJ Episcopal
Delegate
Following
is a September
23,2005 letter
sent by Cardinal
Martino to
CCSJ chair
Leela Ramdeen:
Dear Ms.
Ramdeen,
Development
and peace
are two key
topics in
our world
of today. Both issues
impact the daily life of all human beings in numerous ways ranging from the quantity
and quality of food available to the level education received and to the very
life expectancy of a person.
People aspire
to conditions
of peace which
permit a harmonious
future, one
marked by
true development
in all aspects
of life -
material,
spiritual,
familial,
social, political
and economic.
On 28 and
29 October
2005 the Pontifical
Council for
Justice and
Peace will
host an International
Conference
on the topic
of “Women, Development and Peace”.
It
is my pleasure
to invite
you to attend
this important
Conference. Attached
you will find a copy of the Draft Programme which gives an overview of the richness
of the topics to be addressed and the range of the issues under consideration.
The Conference
will take
place at the
Vatican Offices
of the Pontifical
Council for
Justice and
Peace, located
at Piazza
San Calisto
16, from 9:00
to approximately
18:00 both
days. The working languages of the Conference are Spanish, English,
French and Italian.
It is my
hope that
you will be
able to be
with us since
your background
and experiences
will be a
significant
contribution
to the discussion
to take place
at this International
Conference.
I take this
opportunity
to extend
to you the
assurances
of my high
esteem and
look forward
to hearing
from you in
the near future.
Sincerely
yours,
Renato Raffaele
Card. Martino
President
of the Pontifical
Council for
Justice and
Peace
SOCIAL JUSTICE POSTER COMPETITION
By Mary Lochan, Social Justice Education Committee
What do you get when you blend creative imagination and artistic talent, with concern
for the poor and disempowered, and nascent exploration and discussion of social justice
issues?
 At
right, work of Chenelle Crichlow who placed first in the Intermediate Category
What we, the members of the Social Justice Education Committee, got was an interesting
and heartening response to the Poster Competition for students of Forms 1 –
4 which was organised for Catholic Secondary Schools.
The Committee’s hope was that original and creative art designs would emerge from
a dynamic and enriching process within the classroom whereby together students and
teachers would:
-
dialogue on issues of injustice around them;
-
encounter Jesus in the Scriptures and reflect on both his deep compassion for
the poor and marginalised, and his radical call to love;
-
become a little more acquainted with some of the core teachings of the Church
on justice and peace;
-
identify ways we can build ‘a world that is more genuinely humane’.
The 80 plus entries received, offered joyful promise and hope that God’s Spirit
at work in creation and in all humanity, is inspiring young hearts and minds towards
building God’s reign here in our land.
Archbishop Gilbert with CCSJ poster competition winners at Archbishop’s House
The Committee warmly commends the efforts of all participants, and acknowledges the
particularly hearty response from St Benedict’s College, La Romaine, and Holy
Name Convent, Point Fortin. Prizes to the proud winners were presented by Archbishop
Edward Gilbert at Archbishop’s House.
Winners in the Junior category (Forms 1 & 2) were:
First Place - Giselle Crystal Poorah, Holy Name Convent, Point Fortin
Second Place - Sandy Parawan, Holy Name Convent, Point Fortin
Third Place - Justin Rambaran, St Benedict’s College, La Romaine.
In the Intermediate category (Forms 3 & 4) the winners were:
First Place - Chenelle Crichlow, Providence Girls’ Catholic
School, Belmont
Second Place - Students of Form 4 Natural Science, St Joseph’s
Convent, Port of Spain
Third Place - Rollan Dick, St Benedict’s College, La Romaine.
We thank in a special way the judges, Peter Charles, Peter Soo Ping Chow and Leela Ramdeen.
Sincere thanks are also extended to schools and parents for their support and encouragement
of this venture.
May we continue ‘to offer to God our own lives, along with the hopes and sufferings
of all those with whom we are working to build a society based on justice and love.’
The Commission hosted a Seminar during Restorative Justice Week on the theme:
“Developing New Approaches to T&T's Criminal Justice System."The
Seminar was held on Friday, November 21, 2003 at Trinidad Hilton.
Although Prime Minister Patrick Manning was unable to attend the Seminar, he held a
meeting with Archbishop Edward J. Gilbert and Leela Ramdeen, Chair of CCSJ, prior
to the Seminar to discuss the
Discussion Paper
sent to him by CCSJ on the theme of the Seminar.
Miss Ramdeen reports: “Because of the nature of CCSJ’s work, it is important
to develop a positive working relationship with the Government. The meeting with the
PM was very cordial. The Hon. Prime Minister told us that we are ‘knocking on
an open door’. “
Among those present at the Seminar were: Junior Minister in the Ministry of National
Security, Hon. Anthony Roberts; Justice Herbert Volney, DPP, Geoffrey Henderson; 8
Magistrates, including 3 Senior Magistrates; Arlene Valere, Asst. Registrar, Ministry
of Legal Affairs; Chair of the Government’s Committee Against Crime, Ken Gordon;
Chief Probation Officer, Claire Blandin; Chief Welfare Officer, Gordon Husbands; Principal
of Hugh Wooding Law School, Justice Annestine Sealey, Keith Scotland of the T&T
Law Association; and Mr Burris, a representative from the IRO, Archbishop Edward J.
Gilbert, and a number of CCSJ members.
The Seminar began with opening remarks by Archbishop Edward J. Gilbert, following which
Leela Ramdeen raised key issues from the discussion paper entitled "Developing
New Approaches to T&T's Criminal Justice System", which had been circulated
to the invitees prior to the event.
The majority of those present were in support of restorative justice as opposed to retributive
justice and some, including Minister Anthony Roberts, offered to work with CCSJ on
the action plan which arose out of the Seminar. It was generally agreed that such
a plan should be part of a holistic approach by the Government which comprise short
term, medium term and long term measures to reduce crime and violence in our society.
The action plan focussed on the following key areas:
-
Legislative reform to provide Judges and Magistrates with a wider range of
sentencing options that are legal and binding. This would also require effective
mechanisms in place to support the implementation of any such legislation.
Example was given of the need for mechanisms to be put in place for T&T’s
Community Service Act to be more effective.
-
Addressing the current insufficiency of Probation Officers by allocating
funding in the national budget for more Probation Officers, recruiting and
training them to develop the ability of the Probation Service to meet the
increasing demands on this Service – particularly in light of Government’s
proposals to introduce ‘Parole’.
-
Concern was expressed that often policies are developed but that it is sometimes
difficult to implement these because of a lack of human resources. Developing
and implementing effective strategies at all levels of society to promote
and support family life.
-
Educating the public about Restorative Justice and seeking to create a culture
in society that will be more receptive towards ex-offenders, which will
assist them in turning their lives around and making a contribution to society.
-
Raising the awareness of Police Officers of ways in which their role in the
justice system could be more supportive e.g. of youth and first time offenders.
For example, they should consider whether there are more opportunities for
warning an individual who has committed a minor offence rather than arresting
that individual.
-
Motivating members of the Police Service by providing more training programmes,
greater financial incentives, and reward systems within the Service.
CCSJ is committed to work with interested parties to bring about changes in the main
areas identified at the Seminar, namely issues relating to human resources and legal
reform. Miss Ramdeen states:
“The follow-up work to this Seminar will allow persons in T&T to share their
knowledge, skills and ability for the benefit of our people in T&T. There is a
saying: ‘Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed people can change
the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.’ Anyone who wishes to
work with us on the above plan is invited to ring CCSJ on 622 6680”.
More on Restorative Justice and seminar documents>>>>
Social Justice workshop
Sharing our best kept secret
- July 13, 2003 Catholic News report
Social Justice logo winner
 Hayden
Strasser has been adjudged the winner of the logo competition organised by the Catholic
Commission for Social Justice. His entry was selected from the 25 entries received.
Mr Strasser is an accomplished designer and artist with a long and distinguished career
in the field of advertising.
The judges of the competition were high in praise for the standard of
the entries submitted and arrangements are being made to have the entries on display
at the Commission’s office at Archbishop’s House. The judges were Peter
Charles, Debbie Tam and Curtis Reefer.
In photo, Episcopal Delegate for Social Justice,
Leela Ramdeen with Hayden Strasser and his winning logo.
Following is the description -
The Cross: Justice and mercy linked by Christ's redemptive sacrifice. The Cross exemplifies
our responsibilities to one another. The Cross bears the weight, it supports, Social
Justice. The Tongues of flame symbolise the Holy Spirit's gifts of zeal, passion and
self-sacrifice. The Colours: Red - Sacrifice; Blue - Peace, Balance, Our Lady, 'Mother
of Mercy'; Wine Sacrifice, Passion.
Archbishop Edward Gilbert blesses new Catholic Commission for Social Justice
 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
- Verna Charles, Committee for the Poor
- 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. |
