Humility – from ‘I’ to ‘We’
by Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ and Director, CREDI “…everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the man who humbles himself will be exalted.” The quotation above is taken from the gospel reading for this weekend (Luke 14:1; 7–14). All the readings of the day focus on the virtue of “humility” e.g. Sirach 3:18 tells […]
How much do we love our liberty?
by Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ and Director, CREDI 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 […]
At the forefront of humanitarianism
by Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ and Director, CREDI 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 […]
Our youth matter
by Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ and Director, CREDI 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 […]
Love and marriage
by Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ and Director, CREDI “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 […]
Emancipating ourselves
by Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ and Director, CREDI “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 […]
Gifts of the blind and vision impaired
by Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ and Director, CREDI “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 […]
Levelling the education ‘playing field’
by Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ and Director, CREDI A just society is inclusive. Years ago, the late Prof John Spence, who established T&T’s Education Discussion Group, of which I was Chair for a number of years, said: “If indeed education is better in denominational schools, then we must ensure that government schools are brought up […]
What makes you happy?
by Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ and Director, CREDI “If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. If you want happiness for a day, go fishing. If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime, help someone else.”– Chinese proverb Einstein was right: “Only a life […]
Is Parliament fulfilling its role?
by Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ and Director, CREDI A democratic parliament is one that is representative, open and transparent, accessible, accountable and effective (Inter-Parliamentary Union) On Sunday, June 30 the world observes the International Day of Parliamentarism—celebrating parliaments and “the ways in which parliamentary systems of government improve the day-to-day lives of people the world […]
