DEAR EDITOR: I felt duty bound to write this letter to express the Princes Town Parish’s gratitude and sense of loss with Fr Sirju departure. Fr Sirju has gone to the United States to advance his educational pursuits. (See Feature>>).We are all happy for him and wish him God’s richest blessings.

We remember him as a “strict priest”. He would rarely bend any rules. A spade was a spade and this was respected by all who interacted with him. Many felt he was “difficult” but soon they realised the straight and narrow path is usually the best way.

Brother Henry described him as a perfectionist. He always wanted everything done immaculately. From the flower arrangements on the altar, the church grounds, cemetery and the restoration of the buildings – everything has to be in perfect working order. Aunty Joan always spoke about his liturgy. Fr Sirju’s attention to detail filtered into all aspects of his life.

Fr Sirju is a loving and gentle priest. He was always approachable and cared for people dearly. Everyone was touched in some special way byhim. On the morning of his departure his cook was in tears – “Fr Sirju would pick up my sick children and carry them to the doctor”, she said. This is the kind of man/priest he is.

Fr Sirju is also a community activist. His views concerning people’s rights and the protection of the environment are well known. Whether on the pulpit, the newspapers or in public meetings his involvement and contributions made a profound impact.

There is so much more, but we thank God for our nine years with Fr Martin Sirju. All the best and may you achieve all you set out to.
Gregory Quan Kep, Assistant Secretary,
Friends of Holy Cross RC, Princes Town

DEAR EDITOR: World Literacy Day was celebrated on September 8. What does this day mean to the average citizen on the street? Statistics provided by the Adult Literacy Tutors Association (ALTA) and the University of the West Indies reveal that 25% of the adult population is “functionally literate”.

Seventy-five percent of the adult population is “functionally illiterate”. How sad! What this means is that this majority can only sign their names, identify words, recite the alphabet and count to ten. Yet we boast universal secondary education for all.

Yet a majority of primary school age children (9-13) cannot read or write and are placed at a secondary school with a Standard 3 level of performance. Already at a disadvantage when they enter the secondary school, they are rushed through the system and once at the CXC level cannot cope with the volume of work thrust upon them.

When these children leave school they are already considered failures/drop-outs. Their coping skills and self-esteem are low. They are now forced to turn to other negative and illegal forms of activities to maintain themselves and so the vicious cycle continues.

What is the Ministry of Education putting in place to ensure children do not fall through the cracks? What measures are being taken to follow up such children?

World Literacy Day gives us an opportunity to revisit negative attributes and turn them to positives. Each child is important; none should be left behind.

Let us as responsible adults take care of younger citizens today so that when tomorrow comes they will be better all round citizens.

May God bless our nation’s teachers and school children as they begin a new school year.
Ken Smith, Woodbrook

DEAR EDITOR: We recently attended the celebrations of the 25th anniversary of Fr Arnold Francis’ priestly ordination, one in Antigua and the other in Trinidad.

We say a special thanks to the people of Antigua - Lenin, his wife Evelyn and Esme, who really demonstrated abundant love to us visitors. May God bless you all.

Those who attended thoroughly enjoyed the celebration of both Masses. The choirs sung beautifully with their different renditions. Those moments will remain with us for a long time.

The members of St Finbar’s prayer group pray God’s continued blessing upon you, Fr Arnold, and thank Almighty God that you have been a part of our lives. Your call to serve in Trinidad, we consider a blessing. Again, may the face of God always shine upon you.
D Benjamin on behalf of St Finbar’s Prayer Group & Sr Catherine B Thomas OP