Hey everyone, I know it's been a while since I've posted. Things have been really hectic, I must apologize. However, I just stumbled upon a post from the Ministry of Planning's Facebook page, it's an Express article entitled "Don't Stigmatise East Port of Spain" fitting right?
Minister of Planning Dr Bhoe Tewarie hit the nail on the head when he stated "I believe the glory days of East Port of Spain where the ‘Man with the Hammer’ described by David Rudder dwelt, where the first steelpan was tuned, where some of this country’s greatest artists and musicians hailed are not lost. I believe it still exists within all of you but is covered by the negative news we hear and see daily.”
Here is the article:
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Story Created: Oct 27, 2013 at 10:46 PM ECT
Story Updated: Oct 27, 2013 at 10:46 PM ECT
The Minister of Planning and Sustainable Development Bhoe Tewarie said on Friday he believed the glory days of East Port of Spain as the place where the pan was first tuned have not been lost.
Tewarie was speaking at the launch of the Beetham Gardens Community Impact Centre which is a project of the East Port of Spain Development Company Limited.
Tewarie said, “I believe the glory days of East Port of Spain where the ‘Man with the Hammer’ described by David Rudder dwelt, where the first steelpan was tuned, where some of this country’s greatest artists and musicians hailed are not lost. I believe it still exists within all of you but is covered by the negative news we hear and see daily.” He also called on residents to “awaken” the power of East Port of Spain.
Tewarie also said he felt the use of words such as at-risk, hotspots, dangerous were far from what he would use to describe the pockets of communities existing within East Port of Spain.
“These words describe a few of the elements and individuals who show no concern for the lives of others and in many cases their own lives. It is because of the actions of the minority, entire communities live in fear, are stigmatised and in turn are feared. The true potential of residents and the communities are stymied and the full development potential is curtailed. Through the Community Impact Centres Government is playing a part to give citizens ownership of their communities. But the burden does not rest on the back of the government alone. You must play your part to stop the cycle of crime and poverty in your communities and, in your homes. It has to be a continued collaborative process,” he said.
Tewarie said the establishment of the Community Impact Centres was aimed at dealing with the needs of the community in order to reduce the state of stress, conflict and trauma for its residents.
The services provided by these centres include:
A trauma unit — staffed by a grief counsellor to examine and treat with the grief associated with loss through violent crimes, a behavioural change therapist to meet with and counsel persons who live within the community and are associated with gang warfare, prostitution, illegal drug trade and other types of behaviour and are really serious about making a change.
A community broker — A professional trained in law and mediation who can walk through the community working alongside activists, counsellors and community custodians and who can meet with members of the community so as to document concerns which can be appropriately addressed by the State or respective government officials, this is particularly beneficial where there exists the potential for conflict.
A health care professional — To treat with the health concerns of individual members of the community and to assist with community health issues.
An attorney at law — To provide legal advice (this post may be filled by rotating young practitioners together with legal aid attorneys) to assist with the formation and registering of companies.
An accountant/ finance professional — To meet with members of the community to teach financial literacy, saving and the benefits of investing in appreciating assets, to instruct on the formation of cooperatives and other key areas for financial empowerment.
Mentors — Persons willing to volunteer their time to work with young people in the community much like the partnership with mentorship programme of the ministry of National Security. The benefits of the mentor and big brother/ big sister initiatives are well document in other more mature jurisdictions.
A literacy professional — To assist persons who may have learning disabilities.
Sporting and life skills training — To promote sporting activities and life skills in the community.
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This so true, really touching words from Minister Tewarie.
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