by Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ and Director, CREDI
“Civil society is the oxygen of democracy. Civil society acts as a catalyst for social progress and economic growth. It plays a critical role in keeping Government accountable, and helps represent the diverse interests of the population, including its most vulnerable groups” – UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
On Tuesday, September 15, the world will observe International Day of Democracy. Now that our general elections are over, let us all put our shoulders to the proverbial wheel to promote and strengthen our democracy.
The theme of this year’s International Day of Democracy is “Space for Civil Society.” The United Nation states: “It is a reminder to governments everywhere that the hallmark of successful and stable democracies is the presence of a strong and freely operating civil society, in which Government and civil society work together for common goals for a better future and, at the same time, civil society helps keep Government accountable.”
In his message this year, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon states: “The role of civil society has never been more important. Soon we will start to implement an inspiring new development agenda, agreed by all the world’s Governments. Yet, for civil society, freedom to operate is diminishing – or even disappearing. An alarming number of Governments have adopted restrictions that limit the ability of NGOs to work, or to receive funding, or both…On this Day, let us recall that progress and civic participation go hand in hand…A confident nation gives citizens a say and a role in the development of their country… the State and civil society can and should be partners in building the future people want” (www.un.org).
As Catholics, we must reflect on what democracy means to us as we seek to build God’s Kingdom here on earth. St Pope John Paul II reminded us that: “A democracy without values easily turns into open or thinly disguised totalitarianism.”
The values that should underpin our democracy include: love, truth, justice, freedom, peace, forgiveness, trust, compassion, integrity, transparency, accountability, an understanding of our rights and our corresponding responsibilities, a concern for the poor and vulnerable, and also respect for the dignity of each person, for all life at all stages and in all circumstances, and for our environment. Indeed, Pope Francis, at a meeting last year with members of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, called attention to the disparity that exists in the world between rich and poor.
The growth of such inequality, he said “threatens inclusive and participatory democracy…If globalisation has greatly increased the collective wealth of the whole and of several individual states, it has also exacerbated the gaps between different social groups, creating new inequalities and poverty in those countries considered to be the richest”.
In his tour of parts of South America in July, Reuters reported that the Holy Father urged Paraguay’s leaders to strengthen democracy and to end the drug trade which has impacted adversely on the country.
Democratic governance must create opportunities for meaningful participation by each citizen if we are to build the common good. Let’s join with our Government to strengthen our own democracy here in T&T by addressing, for example, the drug trade, crime and violence, the proliferation of guns, human trafficking, corruption, poverty and social exclusion.
There are many challenges to our democracy, but if we are committed to build our nation, we will find ways to overcome obstacles. Access by civil society to information and to institutions is critical. I urge our Government to ensure that technology is used to advance our goals. Corruption and wastage rob the people of the nation’s resources. I urge our various Government Ministries to: avoid wastage, promote efficiency and a positive work ethic in their respective Ministries, and to ensure that there is up-to-date information on their websites. For example, let us not continue to delude ourselves that 99% of our people are functionally literate. Ask ALTA (Adult Literacy Tutors Association)!
Strong families are essential to our democracy. As I prepare to join others at the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia from September 22–27, I ask you all to commit to building strong families in your homes and in the nation. Pope Francis’ plea for us to combat the globalisation of indifference means that we must act on the fact that we are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers.
May the Holy Spirit fill our hearts so that we will put aside our prejudices and personal interests and use our gifts to build a God-centered democracy.
