rd 2012 linden enquiry should address right to life ... · the incident. in a statement issued on...

222 South & Wellington Sts., Georgetown, Guyana Telephone: 226-2195 Fax 226-2292 email: [email protected] Diocesan website: www.rcdiocesegy.org

The Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) is of the view that while the proposed Commission of Enquiry into the deaths in Linden resulting from use of fire-arms by the police is critical to get to the bottom of who took decisions and who pulled triggers and to make recommen-dations regarding compensation to victims and penalties for perpetrators; it is equally important that the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the Commission take into account longer-term, underlying problematic issues festering for decades within the Guyana Police Force (GPF) which contributed to events in Linden, the GHRA said.

On Wednesday July 18, police opened fire on a group of peaceful, unarmed protesters who were demonstrating an increase in electricity tariffs. Three were killed and several others suffered gun-shot injuries.

The government has indicated that there will be a full, independent enquiry into the incident.

In a statement issued on Wednesday the GHRA said that several priority issues should be included in the TOR of the proposed Commission. Key among them is reformulation of the right to life in Clause 138 of the Guyana Constitution.

The human rights body feels that the right to life as listed in the Constitution falls well-short of the standards embod-ied in the international human rights Conventions which Guyana has signed and ratified. “The current formulations reflects the ambivalent attitude towards all rights which prevailed at the time the Constitution was promulgated in 1980 and which have remained unreformed ever since”, the GHRA says.

“In the case of the right to life as set out in Clause 138, this formula of giving with one hand and taking away with the other has a direct link (Please turn to page 3)

Linden enquiry should address right to life, restrict interference in police force: GHRA

Friday, August 3rd 2012 Established 1905 Georgetown, Guyana Forty Dollars ($40) Year 107, No. 29

While the Guyana government limits the number of foreign religious organization representatives allowed in the country based on historic trends and on the discretion of the president there have been no reports of abuses of religious freedom in Guyana nor were there socie-tal abuses or discrimination based on religious affiliation, belief, or practice. This is according to the 2011 Interna-

tional Religious Freedom Report. Ambas-sador Suzan Johnson Cook released the findings at a press briefing July 30 at the U.S. State Department in Washington.

The report noted that the Guyana Constitution and other laws and policies protect religious freedom.

“The law protects the right of individuals to choose and change their religion and to interpret religious beliefs for them-

selves. Members of all religious groups worship freely. There is no state or other-wise dominant religion,” the report said.

It added, “While the government recog-nizes religious groups of all faiths, they must register to receive formal recogni-tion. Religious groups seeking to establish formal operations must first obtain permission from the Ministry of Home Affairs. The (Please turn to page 3)

No abuses of religious freedom in Guyana: US State Department

“Here, I have grown, met some pleasant people, made great friends, encountered some trying persons who made me want to give up and run, but I am glad I stayed. Today as I am stand here I am very proud of myself for making it this far”. This was how teenager, La quanta McCalmon, who graduated this year in Catering from Mercy Wings Vocational Programme summarized what he described as a “glorious year at this institution” in a short speech at the Center’s twelfth graduation ceremony held in July.

Forty-two young people between the ages of 15 and 19 successfully completed the one-year program of studies in vari-ous disciplines. These include Child Care Management and Care for the Elderly, Catering and Home Management and General Construction, English Language, Literacy, Introduction to Computers, Adolescent Development, Physical Educa-tion, and Mathematics and Field Trips.

The Sophia-based Mercy Wings Center is

sponsored by the Roman Catholic Sisters of Mercy. Its programs aim at transform-ing young people who have left school early into a new kind of youth who have a skill, a positive self-image and sound moral and spiritual values. Empower-ment through skills training and human development at the Center motivates young people to take charge of their lives.

One of the core subjects at the Center, namely the Adolescent Development Programme encourages trainees to look into themselves and make positive and appropriate changes in their attitudes and behaviours. It also aids in their academic and overall development.

Another subject, the Child-Care Management and Care for the Elderly Programme incorporates both the theoretical and practical aspects of caring for both the child and the elderly.

(Please turn to page 9)

42 graduate from Mercy Wings

Sunday 5th August 08:00 hrs Mass at Sts. Peter and Paul

Wednesday 8th August

17:00 hrs Justice and Peace Commission meeting

Friday 10th August

17:00 hrs Meeting with Guyana Council of Churches

Sunday 12th August 06:00 hrs Mass at Cathedral 07:30 hrs Mass at Cathedral

Bishop’s Engagements Eighteenth week in Ordinary Time

Francis Alleyne, OSB

CATHOLIC STANDARD Friday, August 3rd, 2012

Persons enjoy receiving attention. It reminds them that they are being noticed in what they are doing or saying and may even be seen as recognition.

The child who is complimented by parents, siblings or Teachers appreciates that he has gained their attention in a positive way and it is an incentive. The worker may receive a congratulatory letter in relation to a particular matter which was noticed and given special attention by the Supervi-sor. It signals that his behavior attracted attention. The worker will have a sense of satisfaction and most likely stay on course.

Persons appreciate receiving attention which is reassuring and comforting.

In homes, where so many things are taking place, some situations receive ongoing attention and are constantly a subject discussed. Where compliments flow, the recipient is first of all happy that the subjects received attention and secondly that favourable comments resulted.

Failure to pay attention to little acts of love and kindness will have the opposite effect with persons feeling unappreciated and disappointed.

There are those who demand attention all the while and behave as though no one else is deserving of attention. This is asso-ciated with jealously and selfishness. This will restrict persons from making fair com-ments which are deserving. Attention may simply be given to a person totally devoid of special interest, but it require tact on

the part of both parties. If one is not the recipient of attention from a spouse it must be cause for concern; it borders on being neglectful.

Attention goes beyond a particular matter and in a wider context deals with recogniz-ing and responding to specific needs. So often there is the wish that a certain matter be given attention. Neglect has its consequences.

There is a tendency exemplified in some families where persons are taken for granted. Some of the simple courtesies and acts displaying attention are reserved for outsiders whom they want to impress.

On the other hand there are those who strive to always be the centre of attention. There are all sorts of situations in which people are crying out for attention. Too often they are ignored.

How do they deal with the outstretched hand of a blind person who is seeking fi-nancial assistance? Is the plight of the blind man ignored by passersby who pay no attention? Would the blind receive attention and help in crossing a busy street? The answer will vary.

The sick receives medical attention from health workers but what of those who are supposed to give them attention by way of visits, telephone calls, get well cards, general help and encouragement. Is such meaningful attention lacking?

How about bereaved families? Should they receive the attention of caring rela-tives and friends in their season of grief? The answer ought to be yes but there will be those failing to give attention.

Where attention leads to the revelation of short comings and criticism one needs to be careful that it is not overplayed to become a source of irritation and annoy-ance. The aim should be to help and not continuously ridicule.

Lack of attention to persons and things around us is a human deficiency. It has its genesis in lack of interest and selfishness.

There are times when persons devise their own method to get attention. Here is an example:

A young Executive was travelling down a street in his new Jaguar. He was watching out for kids darting out from behind parked cars. No children appeared - instead a brick smashed into the Jag’s side door. He braked and backed up to the spot where the brick had hit his new car. The angry driver jumped out of the car, grabbed the nearest kid and pushed him up against a parked car shouting what was that all about and who are you? What are you doing? That is a new car and that brick you threw will cost me a lot of money. Why did you do it?

“Please minster, I am sorry but I didn’t know what else to do. I threw the brick because no one else would stop.”

With tears dripping down his chin the youth pointed to a spot around a parked car.

“It’s my brother” he said “He rolled off the curb and fell out of his wheelchair and I can’t lift him.”

Now sobbing the boy asked the stunned executive to help him lift his brother back in the wheelchair. He’s hurt and he is too heavy for me. Moved beyond words the driver lifted the brother back on to the chair.

“Thank you and GOD bless you” he told the stranger as he pushed his wheelchair bound brother down the side-walk.

The driver never bothered to repair the dented door. He kept the dent to remind him of this message:

“DON’T GO THROUGH LIFE SO FAST THAT SOMEONE HAS TO THROW A BRICK AT YOU TO GET YOUR ATTENTION.”

ATTENTION Viewpoint

by Vibert Parvatan

The $300,000 club

The list provided by the Ministry of Fi-nance of people who have been affected by the cuts in the 2012 budget are shock-ing for a number of reasons. What has received the most comment so far are the names and designations of some who are being paid from the public purse and of course the size of their emoluments.

It should be noted that this is not a com-prehensive list of all who are on the pay-roll of the Office of the President but only of those who are affected by the budget cuts.

Even with this in mind and given that Guyana is a poor country with a per cap-ita income of less than US$2000, the peo-ple who earn in the vicinity of $300,000 and above per month is quite shameful.

The Catholic Church in its teaching on a just wage says a just wage is the legiti-mate fruit of work. In determining fair pay both the needs and contributions of each person must be taken into account. Agreement between the parties is not sufficient to justify morally the amount to be received in wages”.

From what is known of the experience, qualifications and to some extent the

responsibilities of those receiving these super salaries it is clear that these are not commensurate with qualifications given the salaries paid to engineers, university professors and others.

In fact the government may now have an obligation to provide information for employees and trade unions to under-stand how their pay system operates.

The pay list also seems to run counter to claims by the government which were made during the budget debate that contract workers were being paid on par with public servants.

This is an issue that the unions in particu-lar feel strongly about and has accused the government of implementing a paral-lel civil service.

“The allocations for position on the fixed establishment have been increased by 8.4 per cent over the revised budget for 2011, while contract employment has increased by 15.875 per cent (almost double). The parallel public service, which in essence is more or less a political service, has impugned the independence of the Public Service,” said a statement released in April by the Public Service Union.

The union further stated that all employ-ees should be employed within the Public Service structure and remunerated in a fair and even handed manner receiving equal pay for work of equal value consis-tent with Government’s undertaking and obligations as a member state of the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

The pay and benefits systems should be capable of being understood by everyone. We hope an explanation of these super salaries will be forthcoming.

CATHOLIC STANDARD

Editor:

Colin Smith

Telephone:

226-2195

Email: [email protected]

222 South Road & Wellington Street, Georgetown


with the behavior of the GPF in Linden. Key among the ‘taking away’ clauses is 138 (2)(b) which takes away protection of life from ’fleeing felons’. In other words if the police believe persons are guilty of a felony and the persons are running away, being shot dead by the police is not a violation of the right to life”.

“Set in this context, police excesses in Linden border on becoming standard operating procedure. It also throws more light on the problem of extra-judicial executions at the hands of members and rogue units of the Guyana Police Force in recent decades,” the statement said.

The second major issue to be integrated into the TOR, the human rights associa-tion said, relates to political interference in the day-to-day business affairs of the police by the relevant Minister, namely Home Affairs.

“The legal justification for direct involve-ment in operational decisions is far wider than is needed or is healthy for a politi-cally impartial police force,” the GHRA says. After quoting several sections of the Police Act which set out the authority of the Minister in the operations of the police the GHRA said “The levels of

involvement render it is almost impossi-ble for a Minister not to be held responsi-ble for episodes of excessive use of force such as recently occurred in Linden”, the GHRA said. It further contends that the level of political involvement in the Force envisaged by the Act reinforces the con-tention that the primary purpose of the GPF is not the protection of citizens, but the maintaining of civil order. At the same time, removing the Minister, with-out removing the source of the problem risks misleading the nation over the depth of the problem”.

“Reform of the Police Act is the starting point to insulate the GPF against political interference. Independence from the political administration will clear the ground for the catalogue of other reform required in order for the GPF to become the modern policing service the society requires. Until such reforms are set in train there can be no expectation that the chronically poor performance of the GPF in crime-fighting and its inclination for violent responses will improve.

“The proposed Commission of Enquiry is an appropriate place for the political dialogue as well as a technical review of

policing. Many international and local reports, the Simmons Report in particu-lar, have highlighted the fact that attempting to graft technical improve-ments onto a politically-penetrated, institutionally-unreformed and unprofes-sional GPS is an expensive miscalculation. The cost of ignoring such recommenda-tions is to be counted in terms of enor-mous local and international resources for which there is virtually nothing to show in return.

“Unfortunately to date, the past approaches by political parties to policing problems has been to identify individual culprits as ‘bad apples’ rather than recognize the need for institutional reform. The proposed Commission of Enquiry presents another opportunity for setting institutional reform in train.

“Since preventing repetition of the Linden killings should be a central goal of the Commission of Enquiry, longer-term issues such as the right to life and political independence of the GPF are two, but by no means all, of the fundamental reforms which should be addressed,” The GHRA statement said.

Linden enquiry should address right to life (From Front Page)

government limits the number of foreign religious organization representatives allowed in the country based on historic trends and on the discretion of the presi-dent. Access to Amerindian areas requires the permission of the local village council.

“Both public and religiously affiliated schools exist, and parents were free to send their children to the school of their choice.

“The Guyana Defense Force (GDF) coordi-nated with civilian religious groups to provide personnel with access to reli-gious services. Leaders of all major reli-gious groups conducted prayer services and counseling, although generally only Christian sermons were given on GDF bases. Although no official GDF policy required attendance at religious services, anecdotal evidence from GDF officers suggested that individual commanders required attendance at some religious programs. Membership in a particular religion did not confer any specific advan-tage or disadvantage; however, general military practice tended to be oriented toward Christians’, the report said.

According to Catholic News Service, the annual report covers the status of religious freedom in 199 countries and territories. It allows the Office of Interna-tional Religious Freedom to monitor reli-gious persecution and discrimination worldwide, and recommend policies that encourage religious freedom. Johnson Cook, ambassador at large for interna-tional religious freedom, pointed to eight countries that exhibited widespread religious persecution. They include a major U.S. Middle East ally, Saudi Arabia, and a major U.S. trading partner, China, as well as North Korea, Iran, Sudan, Eritrea, Myanmar and Uzbekistan. Authoritarian regimes in many countries were using religious persecution for political ends, said Johnson Cook, noting Russia and Uzbekistan have invoked national security as a pretext for restrict-ing the rights of peaceful religious groups. Johnson Cook noted that reli-gious freedom, especially in Arab Spring countries, was in flux and needed to be closely monitored. The report pointed to successes in Libya, where the interim constitution has for the first time

included protections of free worship. However, in Egypt, there was a notable rise in anti-Semitism and sectarian violence against Coptic Christians. The report said the rise of technology has had an impact on religious relations around the globe. Social networks and mass communication have allowed protests of human rights violations to be more easily organized, but they also give govern-ments the tools to more effectively persecute individuals.

The only Caribbean country singled out for special mention was Cuba. The report said the Cuban government’s respect for religious freedom improved, although significant restrictions remained in place and the Cuban Communist Party, through its Office of Religious Affairs, continued to wield regulatory control over most aspects of religious life. Most religious groups reported increased ability to cultivate new members, hold religious activities, and conduct charitable and community service projects, while at the same time reporting fewer restrictions on religious expression, importation of religious materials, and travel.

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Religious freedom in Guyana (From Front Page)


Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor,

Although we are encountering another dark period in our country’s history, it is by no means a unique situation, as simi-lar problems exist in other countries, e.g. Syria, Palestine and others. While these problems are not identical they all stem from a common cause. And this applies to both first and third world countries alike. Since they all have a common cause, they can be considered epiphe-nomena of that cause. This common cause is a total disregard for the laws of creation, - laws which are vital to our wellbeing - a code which must be obeyed. Every Muslim, Jew or Christian will accept this (See Exodus 24 verse 32) - where Moses was given a code of con-duct. Our situation is riddled with wide-spread corruption which seems to be so firmly entrenched that removal would seem to be an exercise in futility. But all is not lost as this article will try to show. It is in this spirit that I am citing the fol-lowing:-

1. The Creator said that he would not destroy Sodom and Gomorah if ten righteous were to be found (Genesis 18 verse 32).

2. In Acts of the Apostles three, verses 1 to 10 Peter performed an act that was clearly above his capability and was obviously of divine origin, and he clearly stated this.

3. We have in our midst a group of individuals to be found in all walks of life. They are a disparate group made up of believers and non-believers, ag-nostics and atheists, seemingly distant from each other but all imbued with a sense of decency and goodwill towards each other. These individuals are the salt of the earth, and it is to these indi-viduals that our salvation lies. Each act of goodwill is a step in the right direc-tion.

4. The last point that I would like to men-tion is this. Not many years ago a cer-tain European country was in political

turmoil to the extent that 15 succes-sive Governments failed to rule the country. Luckily this country has one of the most dependable Civil Services in existence, and chaos was averted. At the appointed time a Leader appeared on the political scene, and was able to take control of things and the country was stabilised and eventually moved forward. This is all the more difficult to understand as the leader in question was previously considered inappropri-ate by the electorate.

Because of these issues mentioned above I am imploring those individuals who will have found a certain resonance with the gist of this article to do their duty. Every act of goodwill has a redeem-ing value for our Country, and at the appointed time “We will overcome with God's help".

John Fredericks M.D.

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New Amsterdam Parish Council in sympathy with Linden bereaved The Parish Council of the Church of the Ascension in New Amsterdam has extended its condolences to the friends and relatives of those killed during the protests in Linden on Wednesday 17 last. The body has also expressed its support for the people of Linden in their quest for justice.

In a statement issued after a meeting last weekend the Parish Council expressed surprise that the government made no effort to resolve the electricity tariff increase issue even after the an-nouncement of the planned protest and “before the situation escalated into a major tragedy which involved the loss of life”.

The statement noted that there was a lack of accurate information about the Linden situation and it pointed out that, “The people of Linden are willing to pay phased increases in electricity rates but subject to gradual improvement in the economics of their community which is in a state of continued decline”.

“It is not the billions that are spent by the Government but the opportunities that are derived from these investments that impact on the daily lives of the

people. It would appear that this was a deliberate move by the government to cause provocation and incite racial violence”, the statement from the church group said.

Last Wednesday an autopsy on the three men who were killed in the protest found that they were shot in the heart or in the region of the heart with what were described bronze tipped bullets. The Parish Council speculated about how these findings could be interpreted. “It is for this reason that the Commission of Inquiry should have independent mem-bers with unquestionable integrity” it noted.

The council stated that government is fully aware of the economic circum-stances in Linden, with unemployment at 70 per cent and added that it is unbeliev-able at this time the government will impose increases. “We are therefore calling on the government not only to put the tariff on hold but also to identify experts and not cronies to do a review of a tariff structure to ensure that it does not include exorbitant profits”, the state-ment said.

The statement also made some recom-mendations that government should take into consideration to offer opportunities for expansion of businesses, development of new businesses and creation of job op-portunities, especially for young people in Linden.

These include low interest loans for start- up businesses; training; exemption from taxation for five (Please turn to page 9)


[From: http://www.thecatholicsteward.com ] The Lord is abundantly generous! He

gives of Himself out of love for each one of us, and His gifts are unconditional.

Today’s readings draw our attention to the gift par excellence — the Eucharist. In this central mystery of our faith, Christ gives us Himself, completely — Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity.

“I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst” (Jn. 6:35).

Every time we step forward to receive the Eucharist, we literally take the Sav-iour into our own bodies. And in so do-

ing, we are given a grace to live our lives to the full, to show forth God’s glory.

How will we respond to God’s gifts of self, to His unconditional outpouring of love?

Will we offer Him ourselves in return — unconditionally? That is what it means to be Christ’s disciples. We recognize His gifts, we see that they are given solely out of love — he expects nothing back — and we respond in sheer gratitude and awe struck wonder, offering Him our whole lives in return!

By: The Diocesan Stewardship Council of Guyana

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http://tinyurl.com/guyanastewardship

FIRST READING Exodus 16:2-4; 12-15

I will rain down bread for you from the heavens.

The whole community of the children of Israel began to complain against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness and said to them, “Why did we not die at the Lord’s hand in the land of Egypt, when we were able to sit down to pans of meat and could eat bread to our heart’s content! As it is, you have brought us to this wilderness to starve this whole company to death!”

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Now I will rain down bread for you from the heav-ens. Each day the people are to go out and gather the day’s portion; I propose to test them in this way to see whether they will follow my law or not.

“I have heard the complaints of the children of Israel. Say this to them, ‘Between the two evenings you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall have bread to your heart’s content. Then you will learn that I, the Lord, am your God.’ ” And so it came about: quails flew up in the evening, and they covered the camp; in the morning there was a coating of dew all round the camp. When the coat-ing of dew lifted, there on the surface of the desert was a thing delicate, pow-dery, as fine as hoarfrost on the ground. When they saw this, the children of Israel said to one another, “What is that?” not knowing what it was. “That” said Moses to them “is the bread the Lord gives you to eat.”

RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm 77

Response: The Lord gave them bread from heaven.

1. The things we have heard and under-stood,

the things our fathers have told us, we will tell to the next generation: the glory of the Lord and his might.

2. He commanded the clouds above and opened the gates of heaven. He rained down manna for their

food, and gave them bread from heaven.

3. Mere men ate the bread of angels. He sent them abundance of food. He brought them to his holy land, to the mountain which his right hand

had won.

SECOND READING Eph. 4:17, 20-24

Put on the new self that has been created in God’s way.

I want to urge you in the name of the Lord, not to go on living the aimless kind of life that pagans live. Now that is hardly the way you have learnt from Christ, unless you failed to hear him properly when you were taught what the truth is in Jesus. You must give up your old way of life; you must put aside your old self, which gets corrupted by follow-ing illusory desires. Your mind must be renewed by a spiritual revolution so that you can put on the new self that has been created in God’s way, in the good-ness and holiness of the truth.

GOSPEL John 6:24-35

He who comes to me will never be hungry; he who believes in me will never thirst.

When the people saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into boats and crossed to Capernaum to look for Jesus. When they found him on the other side, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?”

Jesus answered:

“I tell you most solemnly, you are not looking for me because you have seen the signs but because you had all the bread you wanted to eat. Do not work for food that cannot last, but work for food that endures to eternal life, the kind of food the Son of Man is offering you, for on him the Father, God himself, has set his seal.”

Then they said to him, “What must we do if we are to do the works that God wants?” Jesus gave them this answer, “This is working for God: you must believe in the one he has sent.” So they said, “What sign will you give to show us that we should believe in you? What work will you do? Our fathers had manna to eat in the desert; as scripture says: He gave them bread from heaven to eat.

Jesus answered:

“I tell you most solemnly, it was not Moses who gave you bread from heaven, it is my Father who gives you the bread from heaven, the true bread; for the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.

“Sir,” they said “give us that bread always.” Jesus answered:

“I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never be hungry; he who believes in me will never thirst.”

Sunday Scripture August 5th 2012 - Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

I am the bread of life.


Children’s Page

[Sources: http://www.sermons4kids.com & http://www.sdc.me.uk ]

Dear Boys and Girls,

T he Israelites had been wandering around in the desert for a long time. Often, they had little to eat or drink. The people began to

grumble and complain to Moses. God heard the people complaining and told Moses, "I am going to rain down bread from heaven for you, and each day the people can go out and gather enough bread for that day. The next morning, the ground was covered with a fine, flaky sub-stance. It was unlike anything they had ever seen. When they saw it, they asked, "What is it?" Moses answered, "It is the bread that the LORD has given you to eat."

Moses told them that God had said that they were to gather only enough bread for one day. Why do you think he told them that? It is because he wanted to see if the people would obey him and trust him to send the bread that they needed each and every day.

God still provides what we need for each and every day, doesn't he? That is why Jesus taught us to pray, "Give us this day our daily bread."

Dear Father, just as you provided daily bread for your children in the time of Moses, you provide all our needs each and every day. For all of your goodness, we give thanks. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen

Moses said to them, “It is the bread that the LORD has given you to eat.” Exodus 16:15


Good Values! We hear so little of these in the world today. If we read newspapers, magazines, best selling books; if we watch television, movies, the message we often get is - if it feels good, do it! If it is wrong, just don’t get caught.

We do not agree with this rather breezy attitude towards life and living. We believe that children need to be taught values, to know what is right and what is wrong, and the best place to learn these values is at home - from mom and dad.

There is a difference between right and wrong. Beginning in the toddler days and continuing through their teenage years we need to teach our children that certain things are right, and other things are wrong. We need to let them know that there exists a firm moral code, not to be thrown away. If we use excuses, saying that we are tired of telling them over and over, this only weakens our responsibilities, and diminishes our moral code of living.

We need to teach our young ones, (and our older ones too), that it is wrong to use foul language which blasts and curses people or the Lord. This causes us to examine the language which we, as parents, use. If we swear, insult and curse others, our children will surely hear this, and they will imitate our words.

We need to teach them that they must honour, respect and obey their parents and elders. Parents are here to love and teach children, nurturing and nourishing them into adulthood. Good parents are to be honoured, respected and obeyed. This is part of our moral code.

Let us teach our boys and girls that it is good to worship together, to receive the Sacraments, to pray and love God. Moral values are enhanced when prayer and respect for God are part of our family life.

Our children need to be taught that we cannot steal from one another - this

includes stealing goods, money, and the good name which each of us possess. If we spread bad stories about others, we are also stealing away their reputation.

Let us teach our children that it is good to enjoy and value our own possessions; that it is bad to jealousy crave and covet the possessions of others. If we appreci-ate our own things while not looking with evil envy at the goods of others, we are living a good life.

Let us teach our sons and daughters that we do not kill. We do not use guns, weapons or other devices to wipe each other out. Killing is wrong. When we inflict injury on another person, either hurting or killing them, we are not living with correct moral code.

Our young people need to be taught that we must respect the laws of marriage. Adultery means voluntary sexual inter-course between a married person and a person other than their spouse. Fornica-tion is sexual intercourse between a male and female not married to each other. Adultery and fornication are wrong.

Let us teach our boys and girls to be truthful in all they think and say and do. If we lie, we get into big trouble! Let us tell them that they must always tell the truth; it is sometimes a difficult thing to do, but it is the only right way to live.

Let us also remember that we all make mistakes! No one of us is perfect. If we want to be forgiven for our individual mistakes we must learn to forgive others. Forgive and forget and start again. When we teach our children to say, "I forgive you," we are giving them a chance to show

How grown up they can be. Forgiveness is basic to healthy, happy living. If we held grudges for all he wrong things done to us and to members of our family, our backs will collapse with the weight of it all. Yes! We have to tell our children that forgiveness gives people a chance to start again, and if or when our young-sters fall down, people will hopefully forgive them, too!

Good moral values are as important today as they were two thousand years ago. They are a vital source of goodness which we hope all children learn to un-derstand, appreciate, and use each day of their lives. If we parents can impart these values to our sons and daughters, we are helping them to become good people, people who will handle their lives in a worthy manner, filled with respect for themselves and others.

Let us teach our children

Mind Puzzler Corner

Our last Brain Teaser was: I have streets but no pavement. I have cities but no buildings. I have forests yet no trees. I have

rivers yet no water. What am I?

The answer is: A map.

Now here’s this week’s Brain Teaser: What is the only word in the English language that ends in

the letters ‘mt’?

Look for the answer next week.

This Week’s Reflection:

There is a great temptation for us to live for material things alone. It seems as if we hunger to possess things that are supposed to satisfy all our needs. As a result, we neglect the spiritual side of life. However, Jesus challenges us to face up to a deeper hunger, the spiritual hunger for God.

God Bless You! Have a Great Week!

This Week’s Bible Question:

Q. Who said, "I know that my redeemer liveth."?

Today’s Bible Verse:

In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. - 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Answer to Bible Question:

Job. - see Job 19:25

For I know that my Redeemer lives, And He shall stand at last on the earth.

This Week’s Teaser:

I have five letters. If you take away the first and last, I will still be the same. Even if you take away the middle letter, I will be the same as before. Who am I?

A Card Hallmark Would Never Print:

Did you eat an extra bowl of stupid this morning?

Humour:

Little Johnny came thundering down the stairs, much to his mother's annoyance. "Johnny," she called, "how many more times have I got to tell you to come downstairs quietly? Now, go back upstairs and come down like a civilized human being."

There was a silence, and Johnny reap-peared in the front room. "That's bet-ter," said his mother, "now in future will you always come down stairs like that."

"Suits me," said Johnny. "I slid down the railing."

Answer to Teaser:

Empty

Spiritual Titbits

By Chris & Noelma Lam

Family Page


The Justice and Peace Commission (JPC) of the Catholic Church extends its condolences and deepest sympathies to the families, friends, relatives and all those affected by the recent shooting to death by the police in Linden of three citizens who were part of a public protest. Those killed by the police are Allan Lewis, 46, a father of two sons and Shemroy Bouyea, and Ron Somerset, two teenagers. They were unarmed. The JPC unequivocally and unreservedly condemn these killings at the hands of the police.

This tragic event in Linden reminds us all of the sanctity of life and our common duty to protect life. Human life is sacred. It involves the “creative action of God.” Human beings were created in the image and likeness of God which underscores the special relation-ship that exists between human beings and God. These inherent rights and dignities of the human person are also legally mani-fested in the form of “human rights” and the “protection of human rights” but re-main deeply rooted in God’s special gift of life to us and our relationship with God as the theology of the Church demonstrates.

The Church consistently promotes the sanctity of life which is inviolable. It is indeed the duty of the Church to defend the right to life by speaking out when life is threatened or taken. In 1987 Pope John Paul II said that “Every human life is sacred, because every human person is sacred. It is in the light of this fundamental truth that the church constantly proclaims and defends the dignity of human life from the moment of conception to the moment of natural death.”

Pope John XXIII in Pacem in Terris, (1963) also stated that “Beginning our discussion

of the rights of man, we see that every man has the right to life, to bodily integrity, and to the means which are suitable for the proper development of life."

The Bishops of Louisana in a joint statement in 1988 on the sanctity of life said that:

It remains our concern that any and all attacks on the individual's right to life can serve to lessen the respect which individuals and society have for the dignity of the hu-man person….The responsibility to deepen that respect falls upon both individuals and groups, and on public officials, as we work together for the common good. It is clear to us that the objective demands of the moral order, the requirements of justice, and even more of social love challenge every individ-ual to work actively to promote respect in our society for the dignity and sanctity of every human life.

As we reflect on the sanctity of life and examine the circumstances leading up to this tragedy we ask, what led to these events and how might Christians seeking to discern the issues that have disturbed justice and peace deal with the complexi-ties arising? It is often said that there are three sides to every story: my side, your side, and the truth. The JPC will analyse the justice and peace dimensions of selected national issues, to stimulate debate, increase awareness and galvanise action to address injustice and violence, such as have overflown in Linden.

Lindeners have been protesting against government’s plans to remove subsidies to electricity. How have issues of justice and injustice been manifested?

Linden and our duty to protect life From: The Justice & Peace Commission of the Catholic Church

Meditation The JPC shares the following meditation of Archbishop Oscar Romero who was assassi-nated in 1980 because he spoke out frequently against injustice and poverty.

They touch the very heart of God

Once more the Lord asks Cain: Where is your brother Abel? And although Cain answers the Lord that he is not his brother’s keeper, the Lord replies, “The blood of your brother is crying out to me from the earth. Because of that, this land curses you; it has opened its mouth to receive from your hands the blood of your brother. Although you till the land, it will not reward you with its fruitfulness; you will wander lost in the world,” words from Genesis chapter 4 (10-12). And this continues to be the principal concern of the church, this is what obliges it to raise its voice incessantly, untiringly, week after week, as if crying in the wilderness. There is nothing so important to the church as human life, as the human being. Especially, the person of the poor and oppressed, who besides being human beings, are divine beings, so that, as Jesus said, anything that is done for them, he regards as done for him. And this blood, the blood, the death which is there beyond all politics, touches the very heart of God and makes it impossible for either the agrarian reform, or the nationalization of the bank, or other measures that have been promised to bear fruit if there is blood.

JUSTICE INJUSTICE

Linden is a community facing economic hardship deserving of special consid-eration, particularly since during its “boom days” it provided free electricity to the national grid.

Subsidised electricity is needed to ease the suffering of Lindeners and to help businesses become established.

Freedom of assembly and the right to peaceful protest belong to all Guyanese.

All citizens have the right to expect the police services to protect and serve.

God gave us life, which is protected in our Constitution.

The family of the deceased and citizens expect justice through legal and moral accountability for the killings.

There are other communities in Guyana facing equal or greater economic hardship than Linden who are not receiving the same level of subsidies as Lindeners.

Lindeners are using more electricity on aver-age than other consumers across the country.

The rights of non-Lindeners, particularly hinterland travellers, are being denied their rights when the bridge is illegally blocked.

Live ammunition was used by the Police against unarmed protesters.

Life was lost through lethal violence at the hands of the Police.

To date there have only been administrative changes by the police but no one has been charged. There has been an unusually long period agreed to for the drafting of terms of reference for a Commission of Inquiry.

Do you agree with these categorisations? Write us c/o Bishop’s House with your thoughts. Join us in prayer and action to heal Guyana of injustice, that we may have lasting peace.


42 graduate from Mercy Wings (From Front Page)

Competencies in Child Care Management enables the trainees to understand and apply skills in providing care and simulation to infants and toddlers and to communicate effectively with parents, relatives, guardians and other members of the community.

As part of their practical assessment in Child Care Management, trainees were attached to Municipal Day Care Centres for two weeks and were assessed by the supervisors there. For field trips, they visited the David Rose School for the Handicapped and worked with the students for a day.

Competencies in the Care for the Elderly Programme enabled trainees to understand and apply skills in providing care services to the elderly. To gain practical experience in elderly care, the trainees were attached to three different Homes for the Elderly for a two-week stint. They also visited the Palms Geriatric Home. Ten trainees graduated from this department.

The General Construction Programme is designed to provide trainees with the basic knowledge, practical skills and attitudes that are fundamental for entry level at higher institutions of learning and at the work place. The train-ees were exposed to basic of masonry, carpentry, joinery and plumbing.

Programme co-ordinator, Ms Paula Bess, in her remarks at the graduation which was held at the Sophia center, said that in spite of a high dropout rate, trainees not being punctual in attending classes and some stealing among trainees the Mercy Wings Vocational Programme has been given the encour-agement to continue by the parents and guardians who have made sacrifices to send their children to the Programme.

She also reported that several staff development sessions were done in an aid to ensure teachers are updated with new ways of teaching and new teaching approaches are adopted.

Apart from the formation given to trainees at the Center Mercy Wings is also involved in a number of outreach activities. In June an “Open Day was held. A number of students and teachers from other institutions were invited. Samples of the work done in all the departments were displayed. The Center received favourable comments from all who attended.

Their Parenting Workshops continued for parents. This series of workshops offered parents tools to help in their parenting styles and in their communi-cation skills. A number of parents who participated in these sessions received certificates of participation at the graduation ceremony.

Mercy Wings’ Community Library continues to attract children from the Primary School in the area. They visit the library daily and are able to use the facilities.

In an effort to expand the services of the library, a series of Spelling Bee Competitions were organized. This exercise gave the trainees an opportunity to compete at an academic activity in an atmosphere of comradery, thus gaining both academically and socially from the exercise.

The trainees from the Child Care\management programme and their teacher Ms. Greaves began a kitchen.

The trainees and teachers from the Center continue to participate in the Guy-ana Teachers Union Track and Field events. Some male trainees also played in a number of football matches against other schools. Some trainees under the leadership of Mr. Niall Stanton participated in a number of track and field

In Memoriam

In fond remembrance of our beloved Husband, Father and Grandfather who left this earthly life on August 2nd 2010. We love you, we miss you, but most of all we treasure the wonderful memories of your life with us. May God grant you eternal happiness. Missing you: Joan; Ian, Karen and Tatianna; Andrea & Rene; Naomi; Joanne & Serafin; and other relatives.

Aubrey Francis Collins

events. They competed against local and inter-national athletes

A special Workshop, Preparing the trainees for the world of work was facilitated by Ms. Dawn Primo. The workshop was highly informative and gave trainees a good insight of what to expect when they seek to enter the work of work.

In concluding her remarks Ms. Bess expressed sincere thanks to the parents and guardians who made sacrifices to send their children to the programme, to all our Board Members, sponsors and friends for their support, commitment and hard work. Thanks were also extended to all our benefactors from Guyana and overseas for supporting this programme.

years on all new enterprises; diversifica-tion of the local economy; encouraging foreign investors to invest a portion of their profits in the development of the community; and less political involvement in business opportunities”.

The statement went on, “We are looking for leadership from the opposition parties in helping all Guyana to address this trag-edy as we believe that the Opposition parties are not doing enough for the peo-ple of Guyana. We need a coordinated

approach that will encourage all Guy-anese to come out in support of the peo-ple of Linden and send a strong signal to the Government that ‘band- aid’ solutions cannot work, only well- conceived pro-grammes that will make a difference to the lives of all Guyanese”.

It proposed that the actions of protesters should not be peaceful and legitimate and should not alarm others or prevent them from going about their. “Our hope is that a quick solution is arrived at to address

the problems before it gets more out of hand”.

The statement concluded “We as Christians are calling on Guyanese to remain calm while helping the struggle. More importantly, Guyanese should not get involved in the destruction of prop-erty, looting of stores or killing or injuring innocent people as these actions will only divide us as a people. Our mission is to work together for the collective good of all our brothers and sisters”.

New Amsterdam Parish Council in sympathy with Linden bereaved (From Page 4)


Printed and Published by the Catholic Standard Ltd. • 222 South & Wellington Sts., Lacytown, Georgetown• Telephone: 226-2195 • Fax 226-2292 • email: [email protected]

Georgetown, Guyana – The United States Humanitarian Assistance Program (HAP) has completed three projects in June and July, including building new sanitation facilities, donating office supplies to a domestic violence counselling center, and providing logistical support for the training of airport employees on first response.

On June 27, 2012, the HAP successfully completed a sanitation project at Moco-Moco Village, located in Region 9, Lethem. The HAP team upgraded sanita-tion facilities by building a brand new sanitation infrastructure with a new toilet and septic tank. The village of Techaou and the Moco Moco Primary School will begin using the new sanita-

tion facility at the start of the school year in September.

On 19 July, the HAP team donated office supplies, including a desk and a filing cabinet, to the Domestic Violence Coun-selling Center in Corriverton. The center deals with spousal abuse intervention, suicide prevention, and overall counsel-ing of victims. The staff of the counseling center was very grateful for the items that will help them in their day-to-day operations to provide counseling to the local community.

In addition, on 27 July 2012, the HAP team provided logistical support to the final phase of first responder training for employees of the CheddiJagan Interna-tional Airport. The training, which

focused on first aid skills, marked the culmination of a collaborative effort between the American International School of Medicine (AISM), the Civil Defence Commission, and the Cheddi Jagan International Airport. As a result of the training, the AISM certified 18 airport staff members, better enabling them to handle disasters.

The U.S. Embassy's Humanitarian Assis-tance Program, in coordination with the Government of Guyana, other U.S. agencies, and local civic organizations, provides basic humanitarian aid to vulnerable populations in order to avert humanitarian crises, promote democratic development and regional stability, and build local capacity.

Catholic Magazine Sunday August 5th 2012

‘Provoked’ Part 3 NCN Chan 11 - 14:30 hrs, BTV Chan 2 - 18:00 hrs

DTV Chan 8 (New Amsterdam) - 18:00 hrs Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 226-2192 222 Wellington St., Lacytown, Georgetown

“Guyana” Jesuits

Jesuit parishes, schools and communities around the world celebrated the anniversary of their founder St Ignatius Loyola on Tuesday, 31 July. St Ignatius founded the Society of Jesus - along with six Companions - in 1540. They dedicated themselves to teaching, to preaching the word of God, to working with the poor and the sick in the slums of the cities of Europe, and to travelling to far-flung destina-tions, to preach Christ to people in lands new to European eyes.

The picture shows three Jesuits with strong Guyana connections.

From left,- Fr. Dermot Preston SJ, former Jesuit Superior in Guyana, now head of the British Province, based in the UK; Fr. Tim Curtis SJ who worked for many years in Guyana, and is due to return here shortly; and Guyanese Joel Thompson, studying for the priesthood in London.

The photo was taken on the lawns of Sacred Heart Church, Wimbledon Lon-don, after the ordination of Jerry Dias to the diaconate in April. Jerry also hopes to work in Guyana on completion of his studies.

U.S. Humanitarian Assistance Program (HAP) Completes Three New Projects in Guyana

Scholars in Israel say they may have un-covered the first archaeological evidence of Samson, the Biblical slayer of Philis-tines whose might was undone by his lust for the temptress Delilah.

According to the Daily Telegraph, archaeologists excavating the tell of BeitShemesh in the Judaean Hills near Jerusalem disclosed they had discovered an ancient stone seal that appeared to depict the Old Testament story of Samson's fight with a lion.

The tiny seal, less than an inch in diame-ter, shows a large animal with a feline tail attacking a human figure.

The seal was discovered at a level of excavation that dates it to roughly the 11th century BC, when Israelite tribes had moved into the area after Joshua's conquest of Canaan. It was a time when the Jews were led by ad hoc leaders known as judges, one of whom was Samson.

The location of the find, close to the River Sorek that marked the boundary between the Israelites and their Philistine foes, also indicates that the figure on the seal could represent Samson, according to Israeli archaeologists.

Alternatively, it suggests that tales of a hero strong enough to fight a lion circulated at the time of the judges, one that then morphed into the story of Samson.

Israeli scholars claim possible evidence of Samson

rd 2012 linden enquiry should address right to life ... · the incident. in a statement issued on...

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