Letter sent to Fr Jason Gordon, Vicar for Administration by newly appointed Minister of Information Neil Parsanlal

Dear Fr Jason,
Many thanks for your kind words of congratulations.

My victory at the General Election of November 2007, and subsequent appointment to the Cabinet of Trinidad and Tobago was due in no small part to the tremendous role played by many in the Catholic Church who prayed unceasingly for my family and myself throughout the campaign, and continue to do so even now.

Who I am today and what I bring to the Government, are the fruits of my years at St Mary’s College under the tutelage of Fr Anthony de Verteuil CSSp and others, my years at the Regional Seminary under the guidance of my friend and mentor Fr Clyde Harvey and others, my many years working in the Holy Trinity Parish, Arouca, and particularly with our young people, the future of our Church and country.

Politics is about providing hope to people, it is about providing opportunity and possibility for all God’s people; a ministry not very different from that which all of us are called to exercise, and so I urge all of us as Catholics to become even more involved in the process of governance.

I pray that I will never betray the confidence reposed in me by my constituents and the Prime Minister, and urge the Catholic faithful to keep me, and indeed, the entire Government, in your prayers; for it is as we believe, “all God’s work”.

Yours in Christ,
Neil Parsanlal
Minister of Information

DEAR EDITOR: The statistics of the recently held General Elections has revealed that only 66% of the population cast their votes on election day.

I am positive that a large percentage of the 34% who stayed away from the polls were young people. This clearly shows the need of Christian leaders, bishops, priests, pastors etc. to re-activate youth organisations such as the (CYO) Catholic Youth Organisation, the (AYM) the Anglican Youth Movement, the Pathfinders, the Youth Arm of the Adventists etc.

Youth groups such as Scouts, Guides, Junior Red Cross, St John’s Ambulance Brigade, Cadets etc should also be encouraged in schools, as the discipline and training received by youths in these organisations are of benefit not only to members, but to the whole country.

Government should be approached for financial assistance to provide uniforms and training equipment, as these items are expensive for parents and keep many away from joining these groups.

The increase in criminal activities among youths and the grave shortage of priests, nuns, pastors etc can be traced directly to the neglect of youths by teachers, pastors and parents.

At one time, Civics was a subject in schools and debating classes and clubs were popular, but these no longer exist. If crime is to be reduced, Church leaders must also discourage and condemn the participation in Halloween parties, as this leads to demonic and satanic activities including murders, suicides and violence.
James Raymond, Arima.

DEAR EDITOR: I recently underwent surgery and would like to say thank you to all who came out to support and visit me in my time of need. In particular, to all those from the Laventille/Morvant pastoral area, which comprises, Laventille, Shrine, Success and Morvant.

I would also like to specially thank the staff at the Port of Spain General Hospital, the doctors, nurses and care-givers, who took such good care of me and made me feel blessed and lucky to be alive.

Words cannot express the depth of my gratitude. Thank you all and God bless you all.
Mrs Thomas, Port of Spain

DEAR EDITOR: I must thank God that baby Jeremiah is safe and sound back in his mother’s and father's arms. This would not have the first time that a child was kidnapped from a hospital.

I hope that all hospital authorities, whether private or public will do all that is necessary to improve the security systems. There are too many systems in our country that are failing us and I hope that our new government ministers will really be able to carry out their duties in an efficient and effective manner.
Maria D   via email