by Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ and Director, CREDI
I am in London at the moment and was fortunate to experience the opening ceremony of the Olympics, which reminded me of one of London’s great musicals. Britain really showcased itself. I watched as a “replica” of the ship, the Windrush, passed by, followed by a group of people representing “West Indians” who came to Britain.
The Windrush, which docked at Tilbury on June 22, 1948, brought the first large group of Caribbean migrants to Britain after the Second World War. We must never forget the part Caribbean people played in World Wars I and II and in re-building Britain after World War II in particular. We must recognise, though, that black people have lived in Britain for centuries before the arrival of the Windrush – read books such as Staying Power by Peter Fryer (Pluto Press 1984).
Behind this group in the opening ceremony danced my niece, nephew’s wife and three other members of Mahogany Creative Arts Ltd – a company owned by my brother, Anil (Speedy) Ramdeen, and his partner, Clary Salandy. Mahogany had also produced hundreds of costumes worn by individuals who participated in Follow the Light, “a spectacular on-street procession” which followed the Olympic Torch as it travelled through the East Midlands in June and July. Follow the Light enabled local communities “to really welcome the spirit of the Games into their towns and cities.”
My heart filled with pride when our T&T men and women athletes walked out, with our flag held high. They joined more than 10,000 athletes from 204 countries around the world. This was the first time in the history of the games that each country represented included both men and women in its team. It is more than time that all countries recognise the God-given talents of both men and women. Keshorn Walcott, a cousin of CCSJ’s Parish Link Coordinator, Christine Walcott, is also on T&T’s Olympic team.
And when a helicopter showered the crowd with seven billion pieces of confetti, representing the seven billion or so people who populate the earth, a sudden yearning for unity among humankind welled up within me. Pope Benedict XVI has sent a message of support and praise for athletes participating in the Games, praying that “with the will of God, the Games inLondonwill be a true experience of brotherhood between the peoples of the world.” He prays that “in the spirit of the Olympic Truce, the good will generated by this sporting event may bear fruit, promoting peace and reconciliation throughout the world.”
The Catholic Church inBritainis involved in the Games in its own way. At a recent Service inBirminghamfor some athletes from theUSAandJamaica, Archbishop Bernard Longley stated that, “The Olympic Games also offer an unique opportunity to raise awareness of global issues. They encourage us to seek remedies for the inequalities and imbalances that create division and foster suspicion and resentment between nations. These international Games can touch consciences and encourage a greater generosity, especially among the governments and multi-national companies and corporations of the Western World. We can all do significantly more to be conscious of and to alleviate the needs of our global neighbours.” He stressed that the Olympic and Paralympic Games promote the common good and urged everyone to use our bodies “for the Glory of God.” Like him, I hope that the Games will inspire individuals and nations to pursue peace among all God’s people.
Around the country Catholics in their parishes are striving to welcome the stranger. I attended a Service at Westminster Cathedral to pray for those participating in the Games. “More than Gold”, a temporary Charity, comprising representatives from various Christian denominations and certain agencies has been established to “enable theUK churches to engage with the 2012 Games” e.g. through outreach, hospitality and service. Yes, the love of Christ is more than gold.
I am also enjoying some of the activities/concerts at T&T’s Culture Fest at the Tricycle Theatre in Kilburn,London, although I could not help but complain about one of the large images that greet visitors who enter the venue. We lost an opportunity to present images that reflect the rich diversity of our people and our culture. I was simply told that I was not the first person to complain about this issue. When we were asked by an organiser to write on a piece of paper anything we wished about “Love”, my sister wrote: “Love is equality for all ethnic groups.”
