In my younger days I taught in a deprived, multicultural area in London where I struggled to bring hope to many who were underachieving, disaffected and marginalised. One of the strategies I used to motivate students was story-telling. The story of Harriet Tubman’s life always seemed to lift their spirits.  She continues to inspire many who continue to struggle for civil rights.

The quotation above is apt as I pay tribute to 2 of TT’s icons who dared to dream, and to follow through to make their dreams a reality – Sr Phyllis Wharfe and Wayne Chance, both of whom died recently – on 18 November and 24 Nov respectively. It was St Catherine of Siena who said: “Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.” These words certainly apply to Sr Phyllis and Wayne.

Sr Phyllis was a member of the congregation of St Joseph of Cluny for more than 52 years. We thank God for her “Yes” to her religious vocation, and for her dedicated service to religion and education. She was an outstanding educator who has left a lasting legacy, not only as former Principal of St Joseph’s Convent (SJC), S’do, teacher in the other 2 SJC schools in TT, and Executive Director – St. Joseph’s Convent, Tobago Retreat and Holistic Development Centre, but also as a Director on the Board of CREDI – which is where I first met her.

In her excellent paper presented at CREDI’s Symposium in April 2015 on Equity in Education in TT, she makes it clear that “the educator/leader must be a credible witness if the purpose of the school is to be accomplished.”

Too often our heroes/heroines only receive accolades posthumously. It is significant that not only did Sr Phyllis receive 2 awards from the WOW organisation in 2017 for her lengthy service in her religious order, and for meritorious service in the field of education, but this year she was a recipient of the Medal of Merit Gold for her work in Education and the Empowerment of Women. About a month ago President Paula-Mae Weekes visited her in hospital in Tobago and pinned a gold Medal of Merit on her habit. 

Woman of Faith, may the angels lead you into paradise.

TT has lost a  true patriot in my friend, Wayne Chance, Founder and Executive President of Vision On Mission, which he founded in 1995. He was 47 years of age when he lost his battle to cancer. Proverbs 29:18 tells us that “Without a vision the people perish”. Wayne had a vision and dedicated his life to realise  it.  Thousands benefitted from his selfless service.

See my article in Catholic News: Keeping former offenders on the straight and narrow (2.3.18).  I said: “Wayne and his VOM Team must be commended for the innovative ways in which they strive to achieve their mission of providing ‘rehabilitation, reintegration and resettlement services for prisoners, ex-offenders, deportees, delinquent youth and some socially displaced persons’”.  Having fallen foul of the law earlier in his life, he demonstrated how God can help us turn our lives around and inspire us to use our gifts as He intended.

As a radio host on i95.5 he raised awareness of key social justice issues. He was awarded the Hummingbird Medal Silver in 2010 for his work in the sphere of Community Service. We were members of Safe CommuniTT. During a 3-day workshop in Tobago in Jan 2018 with members of this group, I had an opportunity to spend some time with him. I was moved by his humanity; his love for those whom society too often discard; for those on the margins. He was committed to promoting Restorative Justice. 

We all mourn your loss, my friend, and thank God for your life and ministry. You have left us a lasting legacy. Sincere condolences to your family. May you rest in peace.

As we celebrate the lives of Sr Phyllis and Wayne, the words of St Paul in the evening of his life comes to mind:  “I have fought the good fight to the end; I have run the race to the finish; I have kept the faith; all there is to come now is the crown of righteousness reserved for me…” (2 Timothy 4:7).

First Published in Trinidad & Tobago Guardian Newspapers