BEYOND THE BOUNDARIES OF TOLERANCE
By Deosaran Bisnath,
President, GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago
GopioTT@gmail.com
http://gopiott.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=95276888363
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000062834937
http://hindustt.blogspot.com/
"I have given to the nation as its watch words DISCIPLINE, PRODUCTION, TOLERANCE; they apply as much as to you the young people as to your parents.….You learn to live together in peace or you fight it out and destroy one another. The second alternative makes no sense and is sheer barbarism. The first alternative is civilised and is simple common sense.…"
Dr Eric Williams, First Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, on the occasion of the Independence Youth Rally at the Queen's Park Oval on August 30th, 1962
What is tolerance? UNESCO's Declaration of Principles on Tolerance defines tolerance as "respect, acceptance and appreciation of the rich diversity of our world's cultures, our forms of expression and ways of being human. It is fostered by knowledge, openness, communication, and freedom of thought, conscience and belief. Tolerance is harmony in difference."
Tolerance refers to an attitude of openness and respect for the differences that exist among people. Although originally used to refer to ethnic and religious differences, the concepts of diversity, tolerance, and acceptance can also be applied to gender, people with physical and intellectual disabilities, and other differences, too. Tolerance means respecting and learning from others, valuing differences, bridging cultural gaps, rejecting unfair stereotypes, discovering common ground, and creating new bonds, so that we belong to a people "living together in peace", as Dr. Williams said in 1962. Tolerance, in many ways, is the opposite of prejudice.
But does tolerance mean that all behaviors have to be accepted? No. Behaviors that disrespect or hurt others or behaviors that break social rules should not be tolerated. Tolerance is about accepting people for who they are — not about accepting bad behavior. Tolerance also means treating others the way you would like to be treated. Tolerance not only includes gritting one's teeth and putting up with other people and their opinions, but rather demands the acceptance if not of the opinion itself, then at least of the other person. Tolerance requires, as a further prize for the renunciation of the unconditional implementation of one's own claims to well-being and happiness, a guarantee of participation, of the unswerving chance to be able to contribute to the community according to one's own beliefs
Tolerance and Acceptance are used interchangeably, and in many cases, erroneously. True acceptance means possessing both tolerance and social comfort for a particular group of people. The social aspect of acceptance is just as crucial as tolerance. Even with in the midst of unbounded tolerance, social isolation is painful for those who are not truly accepted. Acceptance, requires true understanding, recognition that the obvious difference - the race, religion, color of skin, lifestyle - are mere decoration on the person beneath. It is a meeting of peoples that delves under the surface to knowledge of the full humanity of the other. Acceptance is one of our greatest sources of Power.
Building tolerance, acceptance, and trust in diverse communities takes time and commitment. Social, community, business, political, and religious leaders bear a heavy responsibility for promoting tolerance and acceptance of all people of diverse faiths, cultures, and countries. They must teach this generation that unity and tolerance cannot be promoted simply by treaties and diplomatic understandings, by symposiums and debates. We must learn to love each other in our social and individual lives. The cost of intolerance is too heavy to ignore. Pastors and Priests, Pandits and Swamis, Imams and monks, and religious leaders of all faiths must emphatically put forward before the public that love and compassion are the basic bonds of humanity.
Hatred is conquered by love, ignorance by knowledge, and superstition by right thinking. Each one of us is called upon to promote these values not only for our social and community welfare, but also for our individual peace, happiness, and prosperity. It is by transforming ourselves that we transform the world. The key to transformation is the transformation of the soul. When we work together, we can certainly create a better world by understanding the purpose of the universe and identifying ourselves with it.
Sectarianism, bigotry, and its horrible descendant, fanaticism, have long possessed this beautiful earth. They have filled the earth with violence, drenched it often and often with human blood, destroyed civilization, and sent whole nations to despair. The call for unity and love and tolerance is the voice of the prophets, saints, and seers of all traditions. If we fail to heed this call, our civilization is doomed to destruction. This is the merciless law of history. Dr. Williams asked to "learn to live together in peace"; President Kennedy urged us to "live together with mutual tolerance":
"World peace, like community peace, does not require that each man love his neighbor -- it requires only that they live together with mutual tolerance, submitting their disputes to a just and peaceful settlement."
~ John F. Kennedy
The human family is very diverse, with many different beliefs and cultures and ways of life. Many conflicts in our world are caused when people are intolerant of the ways that others see the world. Learning tolerance is an important cornerstone to creating a better world. Teaching tolerance is important not just because it is part of our heritage, but because the person who learns to be open to differences will have more opportunities in education, business, and many other aspects of life. Success in today's world — and tomorrow's — depends on being able to understand, appreciate, and work with others.
Like all attitudes, tolerance is often taught in subtle ways. Even before they can speak, children closely watch — and imitate — their parents. Children of all ages develop their own values, in great part, by mirroring the values and attitudes of those they care about. Parents can teach tolerance by example — and in other ways, too. Talking together about tolerance and respect helps children learn more about the values you want them to have. Giving them opportunities to play and work with others is important as well. We should be aware of the way we talk about people who are different from ourselves: avoid jokes that perpetuate stereotypes. Although some of these may seem to be harmless fun, they can undo attitudes of tolerance and respect.
Educators can no longer assume that children will learn tolerance, empathy, and responsibility in the home. Some educators might argue that they are being asked to fix a problem that is beyond the scope of what they teach in school. Although schools are a microcosm of the larger society and teachers alone cannot eliminate intolerance, educators certainly can make significant contributions to decreasing racism, religious bigotry, and gender inequalities. Within the classroom, a teacher's attitude toward diversity is the most significant factor in a student's development of sensitivity toward cultural and ethnic concerns.
As we celebrate the 47th Anniversary of the Independence of Trinidad and Tobago, we need to move beyond just celebrating diversity to acknowledging, and then in time celebrating, our commonality. We need to identify the core values that bind us - things that are part of the foundation we want for our society: democracy, freedom of speech, equality of opportunity, rights for individuals, decency, and fairness.
We need a society that moves beyond tolerance. We need to move to a society that is not just about acceptance, but mutual acceptance. This is based on interacting, on interfacing, on creating a common understanding, and on truly becoming a society at ease with its diversity. This is something much more meaningful, much deeper and much more sustainable.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
BEYOND THE BOUNDARIES OF TOLERANCE
BEYOND THE BOUNDARIES OF TOLERANCE
By Deosaran Bisnath,
President, GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago
GopioTT@gmail.com
http://gopiott.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=95276888363
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000062834937
http://hindustt.blogspot.com/
"I have given to the nation as its watch words DISCIPLINE, PRODUCTION, TOLERANCE; they apply as much as to you the young people as to your parents.….You learn to live together in peace or you fight it out and destroy one another. The second alternative makes no sense and is sheer barbarism. The first alternative is civilised and is simple common sense.…"
Dr Eric Williams, First Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, on the occasion of the Independence Youth Rally at the Queen's Park Oval on August 30th, 1962
What is tolerance? UNESCO's Declaration of Principles on Tolerance defines tolerance as "respect, acceptance and appreciation of the rich diversity of our world's cultures, our forms of expression and ways of being human. It is fostered by knowledge, openness, communication, and freedom of thought, conscience and belief. Tolerance is harmony in difference."
Tolerance refers to an attitude of openness and respect for the differences that exist among people. Although originally used to refer to ethnic and religious differences, the concepts of diversity, tolerance, and acceptance can also be applied to gender, people with physical and intellectual disabilities, and other differences, too. Tolerance means respecting and learning from others, valuing differences, bridging cultural gaps, rejecting unfair stereotypes, discovering common ground, and creating new bonds, so that we belong to a people "living together in peace", as Dr. Williams said in 1962. Tolerance, in many ways, is the opposite of prejudice.
But does tolerance mean that all behaviors have to be accepted? No. Behaviors that disrespect or hurt others or behaviors that break social rules should not be tolerated. Tolerance is about accepting people for who they are — not about accepting bad behavior. Tolerance also means treating others the way you would like to be treated. Tolerance not only includes gritting one's teeth and putting up with other people and their opinions, but rather demands the acceptance if not of the opinion itself, then at least of the other person. Tolerance requires, as a further prize for the renunciation of the unconditional implementation of one's own claims to well-being and happiness, a guarantee of participation, of the unswerving chance to be able to contribute to the community according to one's own beliefs
Tolerance and Acceptance are used interchangeably, and in many cases, erroneously. True acceptance means possessing both tolerance and social comfort for a particular group of people. The social aspect of acceptance is just as crucial as tolerance. Even with in the midst of unbounded tolerance, social isolation is painful for those who are not truly accepted. Acceptance, requires true understanding, recognition that the obvious difference - the race, religion, color of skin, lifestyle - are mere decoration on the person beneath. It is a meeting of peoples that delves under the surface to knowledge of the full humanity of the other. Acceptance is one of our greatest sources of Power.
Building tolerance, acceptance, and trust in diverse communities takes time and commitment. Social, community, business, political, and religious leaders bear a heavy responsibility for promoting tolerance and acceptance of all people of diverse faiths, cultures, and countries. They must teach this generation that unity and tolerance cannot be promoted simply by treaties and diplomatic understandings, by symposiums and debates. We must learn to love each other in our social and individual lives. The cost of intolerance is too heavy to ignore. Pastors and Priests, Pandits and Swamis, Imams and monks, and religious leaders of all faiths must emphatically put forward before the public that love and compassion are the basic bonds of humanity.
Hatred is conquered by love, ignorance by knowledge, and superstition by right thinking. Each one of us is called upon to promote these values not only for our social and community welfare, but also for our individual peace, happiness, and prosperity. It is by transforming ourselves that we transform the world. The key to transformation is the transformation of the soul. When we work together, we can certainly create a better world by understanding the purpose of the universe and identifying ourselves with it.
Sectarianism, bigotry, and its horrible descendant, fanaticism, have long possessed this beautiful earth. They have filled the earth with violence, drenched it often and often with human blood, destroyed civilization, and sent whole nations to despair. The call for unity and love and tolerance is the voice of the prophets, saints, and seers of all traditions. If we fail to heed this call, our civilization is doomed to destruction. This is the merciless law of history. Dr. Williams asked to "learn to live together in peace"; President Kennedy urged us to "live together with mutual tolerance":
"World peace, like community peace, does not require that each man love his neighbor -- it requires only that they live together with mutual tolerance, submitting their disputes to a just and peaceful settlement."
~ John F. Kennedy
The human family is very diverse, with many different beliefs and cultures and ways of life. Many conflicts in our world are caused when people are intolerant of the ways that others see the world. Learning tolerance is an important cornerstone to creating a better world. Teaching tolerance is important not just because it is part of our heritage, but because the person who learns to be open to differences will have more opportunities in education, business, and many other aspects of life. Success in today's world — and tomorrow's — depends on being able to understand, appreciate, and work with others.
Like all attitudes, tolerance is often taught in subtle ways. Even before they can speak, children closely watch — and imitate — their parents. Children of all ages develop their own values, in great part, by mirroring the values and attitudes of those they care about. Parents can teach tolerance by example — and in other ways, too. Talking together about tolerance and respect helps children learn more about the values you want them to have. Giving them opportunities to play and work with others is important as well. We should be aware of the way we talk about people who are different from ourselves: avoid jokes that perpetuate stereotypes. Although some of these may seem to be harmless fun, they can undo attitudes of tolerance and respect.
Educators can no longer assume that children will learn tolerance, empathy, and responsibility in the home. Some educators might argue that they are being asked to fix a problem that is beyond the scope of what they teach in school. Although schools are a microcosm of the larger society and teachers alone cannot eliminate intolerance, educators certainly can make significant contributions to decreasing racism, religious bigotry, and gender inequalities. Within the classroom, a teacher's attitude toward diversity is the most significant factor in a student's development of sensitivity toward cultural and ethnic concerns.
As we celebrate the 47th Anniversary of the Independence of Trinidad and Tobago, we need to move beyond just celebrating diversity to acknowledging, and then in time celebrating, our commonality. We need to identify the core values that bind us - things that are part of the foundation we want for our society: democracy, freedom of speech, equality of opportunity, rights for individuals, decency, and fairness.
We need a society that moves beyond tolerance. We need to move to a society that is not just about acceptance, but mutual acceptance. This is based on interacting, on interfacing, on creating a common understanding, and on truly becoming a society at ease with its diversity. This is something much more meaningful, much deeper and much more sustainable.
By Deosaran Bisnath,
President, GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago
GopioTT@gmail.com
http://gopiott.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=95276888363
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000062834937
http://hindustt.blogspot.com/
"I have given to the nation as its watch words DISCIPLINE, PRODUCTION, TOLERANCE; they apply as much as to you the young people as to your parents.….You learn to live together in peace or you fight it out and destroy one another. The second alternative makes no sense and is sheer barbarism. The first alternative is civilised and is simple common sense.…"
Dr Eric Williams, First Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, on the occasion of the Independence Youth Rally at the Queen's Park Oval on August 30th, 1962
What is tolerance? UNESCO's Declaration of Principles on Tolerance defines tolerance as "respect, acceptance and appreciation of the rich diversity of our world's cultures, our forms of expression and ways of being human. It is fostered by knowledge, openness, communication, and freedom of thought, conscience and belief. Tolerance is harmony in difference."
Tolerance refers to an attitude of openness and respect for the differences that exist among people. Although originally used to refer to ethnic and religious differences, the concepts of diversity, tolerance, and acceptance can also be applied to gender, people with physical and intellectual disabilities, and other differences, too. Tolerance means respecting and learning from others, valuing differences, bridging cultural gaps, rejecting unfair stereotypes, discovering common ground, and creating new bonds, so that we belong to a people "living together in peace", as Dr. Williams said in 1962. Tolerance, in many ways, is the opposite of prejudice.
But does tolerance mean that all behaviors have to be accepted? No. Behaviors that disrespect or hurt others or behaviors that break social rules should not be tolerated. Tolerance is about accepting people for who they are — not about accepting bad behavior. Tolerance also means treating others the way you would like to be treated. Tolerance not only includes gritting one's teeth and putting up with other people and their opinions, but rather demands the acceptance if not of the opinion itself, then at least of the other person. Tolerance requires, as a further prize for the renunciation of the unconditional implementation of one's own claims to well-being and happiness, a guarantee of participation, of the unswerving chance to be able to contribute to the community according to one's own beliefs
Tolerance and Acceptance are used interchangeably, and in many cases, erroneously. True acceptance means possessing both tolerance and social comfort for a particular group of people. The social aspect of acceptance is just as crucial as tolerance. Even with in the midst of unbounded tolerance, social isolation is painful for those who are not truly accepted. Acceptance, requires true understanding, recognition that the obvious difference - the race, religion, color of skin, lifestyle - are mere decoration on the person beneath. It is a meeting of peoples that delves under the surface to knowledge of the full humanity of the other. Acceptance is one of our greatest sources of Power.
Building tolerance, acceptance, and trust in diverse communities takes time and commitment. Social, community, business, political, and religious leaders bear a heavy responsibility for promoting tolerance and acceptance of all people of diverse faiths, cultures, and countries. They must teach this generation that unity and tolerance cannot be promoted simply by treaties and diplomatic understandings, by symposiums and debates. We must learn to love each other in our social and individual lives. The cost of intolerance is too heavy to ignore. Pastors and Priests, Pandits and Swamis, Imams and monks, and religious leaders of all faiths must emphatically put forward before the public that love and compassion are the basic bonds of humanity.
Hatred is conquered by love, ignorance by knowledge, and superstition by right thinking. Each one of us is called upon to promote these values not only for our social and community welfare, but also for our individual peace, happiness, and prosperity. It is by transforming ourselves that we transform the world. The key to transformation is the transformation of the soul. When we work together, we can certainly create a better world by understanding the purpose of the universe and identifying ourselves with it.
Sectarianism, bigotry, and its horrible descendant, fanaticism, have long possessed this beautiful earth. They have filled the earth with violence, drenched it often and often with human blood, destroyed civilization, and sent whole nations to despair. The call for unity and love and tolerance is the voice of the prophets, saints, and seers of all traditions. If we fail to heed this call, our civilization is doomed to destruction. This is the merciless law of history. Dr. Williams asked to "learn to live together in peace"; President Kennedy urged us to "live together with mutual tolerance":
"World peace, like community peace, does not require that each man love his neighbor -- it requires only that they live together with mutual tolerance, submitting their disputes to a just and peaceful settlement."
~ John F. Kennedy
The human family is very diverse, with many different beliefs and cultures and ways of life. Many conflicts in our world are caused when people are intolerant of the ways that others see the world. Learning tolerance is an important cornerstone to creating a better world. Teaching tolerance is important not just because it is part of our heritage, but because the person who learns to be open to differences will have more opportunities in education, business, and many other aspects of life. Success in today's world — and tomorrow's — depends on being able to understand, appreciate, and work with others.
Like all attitudes, tolerance is often taught in subtle ways. Even before they can speak, children closely watch — and imitate — their parents. Children of all ages develop their own values, in great part, by mirroring the values and attitudes of those they care about. Parents can teach tolerance by example — and in other ways, too. Talking together about tolerance and respect helps children learn more about the values you want them to have. Giving them opportunities to play and work with others is important as well. We should be aware of the way we talk about people who are different from ourselves: avoid jokes that perpetuate stereotypes. Although some of these may seem to be harmless fun, they can undo attitudes of tolerance and respect.
Educators can no longer assume that children will learn tolerance, empathy, and responsibility in the home. Some educators might argue that they are being asked to fix a problem that is beyond the scope of what they teach in school. Although schools are a microcosm of the larger society and teachers alone cannot eliminate intolerance, educators certainly can make significant contributions to decreasing racism, religious bigotry, and gender inequalities. Within the classroom, a teacher's attitude toward diversity is the most significant factor in a student's development of sensitivity toward cultural and ethnic concerns.
As we celebrate the 47th Anniversary of the Independence of Trinidad and Tobago, we need to move beyond just celebrating diversity to acknowledging, and then in time celebrating, our commonality. We need to identify the core values that bind us - things that are part of the foundation we want for our society: democracy, freedom of speech, equality of opportunity, rights for individuals, decency, and fairness.
We need a society that moves beyond tolerance. We need to move to a society that is not just about acceptance, but mutual acceptance. This is based on interacting, on interfacing, on creating a common understanding, and on truly becoming a society at ease with its diversity. This is something much more meaningful, much deeper and much more sustainable.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
PM Manmohan Singh praises GOPIO
Subject: Fwd: PM Manmohan Singh praises GOPIO (Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) for promoting the interests of the overseas Indian community
Bonds between diaspora and motherland precious
GOPIO TRINIDAD & TOBAGO FACEBOOK GROUP
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=95276888363
GOPIO T&T BLOG
http://gopiott.blogspot.com
New Delhi: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has lauded the role of the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) for promoting the interests of the overseas Indian community.
"GOPIO has emerged as a leading organisation providing a unique platform to the vast Indian overseas community for promoting their interests and realising their aspirations," Manmohan Singh said in a message on the 20th anniversary celebrations of GOPIO being held in New York Aug 20-23.
"It has contributed significantly in the process of engagement between the government of India and the Indian diaspora. The bonds between the motherland and people of Indian origin across the globe are valuable and precious. It is my hope that through such events, they will continue to flourish," the prime minister added.
GOPIO International was founded at the Global Convention of People of Indian Origin in New York in 1989. It is now a global organisation engaged in promoting the interests of people of Indian origin (PIOs).
As part of its 20th anniversary celebrations, GOPIO is organising a convention on the theme - People of Indian Origin: Strengthening Global Connections - Aug 21.
A GOPIO statement issued from New York said, among those who will attend the conference, are leader of the opposition and former prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Basdeo Pandey, Sri Lanka's Minister of Community Development and Social Inequity Eradication P. Chandrasegaran, speaker of the Karnataka assembly Jagdish Shetter, joint secretary in the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) D.N. Srivastava, GOPIO executive vice-president and member of Briain's House of Lords Diljit Rana, deputy speaker of the New Jersey state assembly Upendra Chivukula and other Indian American political leaders.
Former US ambassador to India Frank Wisner will be the keynote speaker at the conference. Deputy consul general of India in New York Ajay Gondane will also be a speaker.
The three-day celebrations will start with a reception Aug 20 at the World Fair Marina venue followed by an interactive session with some of the diaspora community's political leaders.
Apart from the convention, GOPIO is also organising a pre-convention conference Aug 21 titled - India and the Indian Diaspora in the Context of Global Economic Challenges and Development.
Another full-day diaspora conference will be held Aug 22 on the theme The Indian Diaspora: Challenges and Opportunities in the New Millennium.
There will also be a session on The Living Pioneers - Global Perspective of Indian Elders Aug 22 morning. A networking session titled The Next Generation will also be held the same day in the afternoon.
GOPIO TRINIDAD & TOBAGO FACEBOOK GROUP
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=95276888363
GOPIO T&T BLOG
http://gopiott.blogspot.com
Bonds between diaspora and motherland precious
GOPIO TRINIDAD & TOBAGO FACEBOOK GROUP
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=95276888363
GOPIO T&T BLOG
http://gopiott.blogspot.com
New Delhi: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has lauded the role of the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) for promoting the interests of the overseas Indian community.
"GOPIO has emerged as a leading organisation providing a unique platform to the vast Indian overseas community for promoting their interests and realising their aspirations," Manmohan Singh said in a message on the 20th anniversary celebrations of GOPIO being held in New York Aug 20-23.
"It has contributed significantly in the process of engagement between the government of India and the Indian diaspora. The bonds between the motherland and people of Indian origin across the globe are valuable and precious. It is my hope that through such events, they will continue to flourish," the prime minister added.
GOPIO International was founded at the Global Convention of People of Indian Origin in New York in 1989. It is now a global organisation engaged in promoting the interests of people of Indian origin (PIOs).
As part of its 20th anniversary celebrations, GOPIO is organising a convention on the theme - People of Indian Origin: Strengthening Global Connections - Aug 21.
A GOPIO statement issued from New York said, among those who will attend the conference, are leader of the opposition and former prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Basdeo Pandey, Sri Lanka's Minister of Community Development and Social Inequity Eradication P. Chandrasegaran, speaker of the Karnataka assembly Jagdish Shetter, joint secretary in the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) D.N. Srivastava, GOPIO executive vice-president and member of Briain's House of Lords Diljit Rana, deputy speaker of the New Jersey state assembly Upendra Chivukula and other Indian American political leaders.
Former US ambassador to India Frank Wisner will be the keynote speaker at the conference. Deputy consul general of India in New York Ajay Gondane will also be a speaker.
The three-day celebrations will start with a reception Aug 20 at the World Fair Marina venue followed by an interactive session with some of the diaspora community's political leaders.
Apart from the convention, GOPIO is also organising a pre-convention conference Aug 21 titled - India and the Indian Diaspora in the Context of Global Economic Challenges and Development.
Another full-day diaspora conference will be held Aug 22 on the theme The Indian Diaspora: Challenges and Opportunities in the New Millennium.
There will also be a session on The Living Pioneers - Global Perspective of Indian Elders Aug 22 morning. A networking session titled The Next Generation will also be held the same day in the afternoon.
GOPIO TRINIDAD & TOBAGO FACEBOOK GROUP
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=95276888363
GOPIO T&T BLOG
http://gopiott.blogspot.com
Monday, August 3, 2009
Launching of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2010 in T&T
GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago
a Chapter of GOPIO INTERNATIONAL
Gaston Court, Gaston Street, Chaguanas PO BOX 2286, Chaguanas
687-7529 GopioTT@gmail.com
Deosaran Bisnath, President Ena Maraj, PRO Varsha Maharaj, Secretary Oscar Ramoutar, Treasurer
Directors: Niranjan Bhaggan Robert Ramsamooj Jaganath Seeram-Maharaj Ackbar Khan
____________________________________________________________________________________
The media and members of the public are invited to this event. RSVP 687-7529, 662-7159
August 3rd, 2009
Launching of
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2010
in Trinidad and Tobago
Gaston Court, Gaston Street, Lange Park, Chaguanas.
August 17th, 2009, from 12:30 to 2:00 pm
PROGRAMME
12:30 – 12:35 Welcome and Opening remarks by Mr. Deosaran Bisnath,
President, GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago.
12:35 – 12:45 Presentation by His Excellency Shri Malay Mishra,
High Commissioner of India
12:45 – 13:00 Multimedia presentation
13:00 – 13:45 Presentation by His Excellency Shri K. Mohandas,
Secretary, Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, India.
13:45 – 14:00 Open session for Questions/discussions
___________________________________________________________________________________
GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago is a registered Non-Profit, secular, non-partisan, civic and community service organization. GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago is not associated with any political party or religious group.
--
Gopio Trinidad & Tobago GopioTT@gmail.com 868 687-7529
a Chapter of GOPIO INTERNATIONAL
Gaston Court, Gaston Street, Chaguanas PO BOX 2286, Chaguanas
687-7529 GopioTT@gmail.com
Deosaran Bisnath, President Ena Maraj, PRO Varsha Maharaj, Secretary Oscar Ramoutar, Treasurer
Directors: Niranjan Bhaggan Robert Ramsamooj Jaganath Seeram-Maharaj Ackbar Khan
____________________________________________________________________________________
The media and members of the public are invited to this event. RSVP 687-7529, 662-7159
August 3rd, 2009
Launching of
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2010
in Trinidad and Tobago
Gaston Court, Gaston Street, Lange Park, Chaguanas.
August 17th, 2009, from 12:30 to 2:00 pm
PROGRAMME
12:30 – 12:35 Welcome and Opening remarks by Mr. Deosaran Bisnath,
President, GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago.
12:35 – 12:45 Presentation by His Excellency Shri Malay Mishra,
High Commissioner of India
12:45 – 13:00 Multimedia presentation
13:00 – 13:45 Presentation by His Excellency Shri K. Mohandas,
Secretary, Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, India.
13:45 – 14:00 Open session for Questions/discussions
___________________________________________________________________________________
GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago is a registered Non-Profit, secular, non-partisan, civic and community service organization. GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago is not associated with any political party or religious group.
--
Gopio Trinidad & Tobago GopioTT@gmail.com 868 687-7529
Saturday, July 4, 2009
GOPIO PICS JUNE 2009
Mr. Deosaran Bisnath,
President,
GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago
Professor Vijay Naraynsingh; Ms. Ena Maraj, GOPIO T&T PRO; Mr. Deosaran Bisnath, President GOPIO T&T; at reception for the Indian Business Delegation, held by H.E. Manideo Persad, High Commissioner of T&T To India, on June 25th 2009, Port of Spain, Trinidad.
Mrs. Madan Sharma; r. Madan Sharma, Director, Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Cultural Cooperation, Trinidad; Mr. Deosaran Bisnath, President GOPIo T&T; Mr. Oscar Ramoutar, GOPIO T&T Treasurer; at reception for the Indian Business Delegation, held by H.E. Manideo Persad, High Commissioner of T&T To India, on June 25th 2009, Port of Spain, Trinidad.
Ms. Ena Maraj, GOPIO T&T PRO; Mr. Deosaran Bisnath, GOPIO T&T President; Mr. Madan Sharma, Director, Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Cultural Cooperation, Trinidad at reception for the Indian Business Delegation, held by H.E. Manideo Persad, High Commissioner of T&T To India, on June 25th 2009, Port of Spain, Trinidad.
Deosaran Bisnath, President GOPIO T&T; Ena Maraj, PRO GOPIO T&T; H.E. Manideo Persad, High Commissioner of T&T to India, June 25th, 2009 reception for Indian Business Delegation, Port of Spain, Trinidad.
Ms. Ena Maraj, GOPIO T&T PRO; H.E. Manideo Persad High Commissioner of T&T to India
H.E. Manideo Persad, Mrs. Persad, and Oscar Ramoutar, GOPIO T&T Treasurer
Oscar Ramoutar, Treasurer, GOPIo T&T; H.E. Malay Mishra, HIgh Commissioner of India; Deosaran Bisnath, President GOPIO T&T
Anthony Maharaj, Indar Kanhai, Deosaran Bisnath, Ena Maraj at reception for
Indian Business Delegation, June 25th, 2009, held by H.E. Manideo Persad T&T High Commissioner to India
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
GOPIO attends YesTT reception @ Obama Terrace, Hilton Trinidad
Left to Right: Deosaran Bisnath, President GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago; Ena Maraj, PRO GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago; Stephen Cadiz, President of YesTT, at a cocktail reception for Professor Mads Qvortrup, University of London, world-renowned expert on Referendum & Recall; Obama Terrace, Hilton Trinidad, June 29th 2009
Left to Right: Deosaran Bisnath, President GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago; Professor Tomothy M. Shaw, UWI; Ena Maraj, PRO GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago; at a cocktail reception for Professor Mads Qvortrup, University of London, world-renowned expert on Referendum & Recall; Obama Terrace, Hilton Trinidad, June 29th 2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009
GOPIO PICS JUNE 2009
Dinner/Cultural Programme for the Indian Business Delegation, Port of Spain, Trinidad, June 27th, 2009
Mrs. Sharma; Mr. Sharma, Director of Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Cultural Cooperation; Mr. Deosaran Bisnath, President, GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago; Mr. Oscar
Ramoutar, Treasurer, GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago
Left to Right: Oscar Ramoutar, GOPIO T&T Treasurer; H.E. Manideo Persad, T&T High Commissioner to India; Deosaran Bisnath, GOPIO T&T President, Dinner/Cultural Programme for the Indian Business Delegation, Port of Spain, Trinidad, June 27th, 2009
Eating Indian Food on Sohari Leaf: Left to Right - Pundit Mukram Sirjoo; Deosaran Bisnath; Dr. Dev Ramoutar, at Dinner/Cultural Programme for the Indian Business Delegation, Port of Spain, Trinidad, June 27th, 2009
Professor Vijay Naraynsingh; Ena Maraj, GOPIO T&T PRO; Deosaran Bisnath, GOPIO T&T President, at Dinner/Cultural Programme for the Indian Business Delegation, Port of Spain, Trinidad, June 27th, 2009
Mrs. Sharma; Mr. Sharma, Director of Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Cultural Cooperation; Mr. Deosaran Bisnath, President, GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago; Mr. Oscar
Ramoutar, Treasurer, GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago
Left to Right: Oscar Ramoutar, GOPIO T&T Treasurer; H.E. Manideo Persad, T&T High Commissioner to India; Deosaran Bisnath, GOPIO T&T President, Dinner/Cultural Programme for the Indian Business Delegation, Port of Spain, Trinidad, June 27th, 2009
Eating Indian Food on Sohari Leaf: Left to Right - Pundit Mukram Sirjoo; Deosaran Bisnath; Dr. Dev Ramoutar, at Dinner/Cultural Programme for the Indian Business Delegation, Port of Spain, Trinidad, June 27th, 2009
Professor Vijay Naraynsingh; Ena Maraj, GOPIO T&T PRO; Deosaran Bisnath, GOPIO T&T President, at Dinner/Cultural Programme for the Indian Business Delegation, Port of Spain, Trinidad, June 27th, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
GOPIO at India-Caribbean Conclave at Hyatt Regency, Port-of-Spain, June 25, 2009
Left to Right: Sayantan Chakravarty, Editor of India Empire magazine; Deosaran Bisnath, President of GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago; Dr. Yesu Persaud, Chairman of GOPIO Guyana; Ashook Ramsaran, Secretary-General of GOPIO International at India-Caribbean Conclave at the Hyatt Regency, Port-of-Spain, June 25, 2009. The conference was hosted by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)
Left to Right: Deosaran Bisnath, President of GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago; Dr. Yesu Persaud, Chairman of GOPIO Guyana; Ashook Ramsaran, Secretary-General of GOPIO International at India-Caribbean Conclave at the Hyatt Regency, Port-of-Spain, June 25, 2009. The conference was hosted by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)
Monday, June 1, 2009
GOPIO knocks Govt over $5,000 Arrival 'pittance'
GOPIO knocks Govt over $5,000 Arrival 'pittance'
Kim Boodram
Monday, June 1st 2009
SPECIAL AWARD: Makandal Daaga, left, congratulates Sri Ravindra Nath Maharaj after he received an award for his contribution to Indian culture during GOPIO's Indian Arrival Day observance and National Chutney Awards ceremony at Gaston Courts, Chaguanas, last Thursday. -Photo: TREVOR WATSON
The local chapter of the Global Organisation for Indian People (GOPIO) announced on Thursday that it intended to "follow up" on what it considers poor funding from the Government to those celebrating Indian Arrival Day this year.
The announcement was made by GOPIO head, Deosaran Bisnath, in the presence of President George Maxwell Richards, the patron of this year's GOPIO Indian Arrival Day Observance and Awards Ceremony and National Chutney Awards 2009.
The joint venture was held at Gaston Courts in Chaguanas and was attended by the cream of the chutney industry, as well as former prime minister and United National Congress (UNC) political leader Basdeo Panday.
Richards was initially scheduled to deliver the feature address but declined to speak, in light of an address to the nation that was planned for Friday night.
In his opening address, Bisnath revealed that GOPIO had received $5,000 from the Government to aid in Indian Arrival Day celebrations, the sum of which was then placed in an envelope for return to the sender.
"It reeks of tokenism," said Bisnath of the "paltry amount".
Though he did not call names, Bisnath remarked on statements by Chaguanas West MP and UNC Deputy Political Leader, Jack Warner, that Indian groups should stop begging for a pittance from the Government.
"I want to make it clear that we are not begging for a pittance, we are simply asking for what is due to us as citizens of Trinidad and Tobago," Bisnath said, adding later on that Indian culture was still not being treated as part of national culture.
He also listed several other issues that GOPIO wants to see resolved immediately, among them the firing of columnist Kevin Baldeosingh by Newsday, shortly after Baldeosingh publicly levelled charges of plagiarism against Fr Henry Charles, who used to have a column in the Guardian newspaper.
It was after this accusation that Fr Charles stepped down from his appointment as head of the Integrity Commission - an appointment that was made by Richards. Charles, however, resigned because the appointment was against the Catholic Church's laws.
On Thursday night, the Head of State remained passive during Bisnath's statements. Bisnath also called for the installation of the Equal Opportunities Tribunal and for ex-workers of Caroni (1975) Ltd to be given their lands.
Chutney awards were also given to a 41 local artistes. A presentation was also made by the Sundar Popo Monument Committee.
A spokesman for the committee said that a statue of Popo has been completed and will soon be erected in Barrackpore. The monument will honour the memory of the late singer, who pioneered chutney soca music locally and abroad.
A GOPIO award was also presented to Chayman Ramlagan Sawh, better known as "Prabhu". Sawh, a sculptor by profession, built the statue of Siewdass Sadhoo which stands near the Temple in the Sea at Waterloo, Carapichaima. He has also carved the statue of Popo.
-Reporting by
Ariti Jankie
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_news?id=161484758
Kim Boodram
Monday, June 1st 2009
SPECIAL AWARD: Makandal Daaga, left, congratulates Sri Ravindra Nath Maharaj after he received an award for his contribution to Indian culture during GOPIO's Indian Arrival Day observance and National Chutney Awards ceremony at Gaston Courts, Chaguanas, last Thursday. -Photo: TREVOR WATSON
The local chapter of the Global Organisation for Indian People (GOPIO) announced on Thursday that it intended to "follow up" on what it considers poor funding from the Government to those celebrating Indian Arrival Day this year.
The announcement was made by GOPIO head, Deosaran Bisnath, in the presence of President George Maxwell Richards, the patron of this year's GOPIO Indian Arrival Day Observance and Awards Ceremony and National Chutney Awards 2009.
The joint venture was held at Gaston Courts in Chaguanas and was attended by the cream of the chutney industry, as well as former prime minister and United National Congress (UNC) political leader Basdeo Panday.
Richards was initially scheduled to deliver the feature address but declined to speak, in light of an address to the nation that was planned for Friday night.
In his opening address, Bisnath revealed that GOPIO had received $5,000 from the Government to aid in Indian Arrival Day celebrations, the sum of which was then placed in an envelope for return to the sender.
"It reeks of tokenism," said Bisnath of the "paltry amount".
Though he did not call names, Bisnath remarked on statements by Chaguanas West MP and UNC Deputy Political Leader, Jack Warner, that Indian groups should stop begging for a pittance from the Government.
"I want to make it clear that we are not begging for a pittance, we are simply asking for what is due to us as citizens of Trinidad and Tobago," Bisnath said, adding later on that Indian culture was still not being treated as part of national culture.
He also listed several other issues that GOPIO wants to see resolved immediately, among them the firing of columnist Kevin Baldeosingh by Newsday, shortly after Baldeosingh publicly levelled charges of plagiarism against Fr Henry Charles, who used to have a column in the Guardian newspaper.
It was after this accusation that Fr Charles stepped down from his appointment as head of the Integrity Commission - an appointment that was made by Richards. Charles, however, resigned because the appointment was against the Catholic Church's laws.
On Thursday night, the Head of State remained passive during Bisnath's statements. Bisnath also called for the installation of the Equal Opportunities Tribunal and for ex-workers of Caroni (1975) Ltd to be given their lands.
Chutney awards were also given to a 41 local artistes. A presentation was also made by the Sundar Popo Monument Committee.
A spokesman for the committee said that a statue of Popo has been completed and will soon be erected in Barrackpore. The monument will honour the memory of the late singer, who pioneered chutney soca music locally and abroad.
A GOPIO award was also presented to Chayman Ramlagan Sawh, better known as "Prabhu". Sawh, a sculptor by profession, built the statue of Siewdass Sadhoo which stands near the Temple in the Sea at Waterloo, Carapichaima. He has also carved the statue of Popo.
-Reporting by
Ariti Jankie
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_news?id=161484758
Saturday, May 30, 2009
GOPIO TT Indian Arrival Day Observance and Awards Ceremony
Professor George Maxwell Richards, President of Trinidad & Tobago; Shri Malay Mishra, High Commissioner of India, and Mrs. Mishra, at GOPIO's Indian Arrival Observance and Awards Ceremony on Thursday May 28th at Gaston Court, Chaguanas, TRINIDAD
Left to Right: Mr. Deosaran Bisnath, President, GOPIO Trinidad & Tobgao; Professor George Maxwell Richards, President of Trinidad & Tobago; and Dr. Vijay Ramlal Rai, President of the National Chutney Foundation of Trinidad & Tobago, at GOPIO's Indian Arrival Observance and Awards Ceremony on Thursday May 28th at Gaston Court, Chaguanas, TRINIDAD
Ms. Shoba Bedasie, GOPIO awardee, and guests at GOPIO's Indian Arrival Observance and Awards Ceremony on Thursday May 28th at Gaston Court, Chaguanas, TRINIDAD
Ms. Sacha Mahabal, Assistant Secretary & Youth Officer of GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago
at GOPIO's Indian Arrival Observance and Awards Ceremony on Thursday May 28th
at Gaston Court, Chaguanas, TRINIDAD
Left to Right: Mr. Deosaran Bisnath, President, GOPIO Trinidad & Tobgao; Professor George Maxwell Richards, President of Trinidad & Tobago; and Dr. Vijay Ramlal Rai, President of the National Chutney Foundation of Trinidad & Tobago
GOPIO's Indian Arrival Observance and Awards Ceremony on Thursday May 28th
at Gaston Court, Chaguanas, TRINIDAD
Left to Right: Mr. Deosaran Bisnath, President, GOPIO Trinidad & Tobgao; Professor George Maxwell Richards, President of Trinidad & Tobago; and Dr. Vijay Ramlal Rai, President of the National Chutney Foundation of Trinidad & Tobago
Mr. Prakash Ramadhar, Political Leader, Congress of the People, with
GOPIO member Ms. Sandy Mahabal
Mr. Basdeo Panday, Leader of the Opposition with
GOPIO member, Ms. Sandy Mahabal
Children at the Jaya Lakshmni Home, Longdenville, Chaguanas
Children at the entrance of the Jaya Lakshmi Home, Longdenville Trinidad
On May 30th, 2009, on the 164th Anniversary of Indian Arrival Day in Trinidad, GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago's President Mr. Deosaran Bisnath and Assistant Secretary, Ms. Sacha Mahabal, visited the JAYA LAKSHMI CHILDREN HOME in Longdenville, Trinidad to donate food, sweets, and drinks
to the children. The GOPIO executive officers presented the items to Ms. Routie
Sonnylal at the Home. GOPIO encourages all to help these disadvantaged children at this and other Children Homes, as well as Senior Citizens' Institutions throughout the country.
GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago's President Mr. Deosaran Bisnath with Ms. Routie
Sonnylal of the JAYA LAKSHMI Children home.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
GOPIO CALLS ON GOVERNMENT TO INCREASE INDIAN ARRIVAL GRANTS
GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago
a Chapter of GOPIO INTERNATIONAL
PO BOX 2286, Chaguanas 687-7529 Fax: 665-5984 GopioTT@gmail. com
Deosaran Bisnath, President Ena Maraj, PRO Varsha Maharaj, Secretary Oscar Ramoutar, Treasurer
Directors: Niranjan Bhaggan, Robert Ramsamooj, Jaganath Seeram-Maharaj
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 22nd, 2009
GOPIO CALLS ON GOVERNMENT TO INCREASE INDIAN ARRIVAL GRANTS
&nbs p; GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago wishes to express our disappointment with the grants allocated by the Ministry of Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs, earlier today (May 22nd, 2009), for the observance and celebration of Indian Arrival Day, 2009..
GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago, a national organization, was allocated a mere $5,000 to defray expenses for activities to mark the 164th Anniversary of the Arrival of East Indians in Trinidad and Tobago. This sum can’t even cover the cost of a PA system and venue preparation; surely, the Ministry is aware that this is a mere token amount compared with the expenses incurred in staging events in this country. GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago has requested an additional grant or else we shall return the $5,000 cheque to the Ministry.
At the cheque distribution event this morning, GOPIO Trinidad and Trinidad and others were informed that a TOTAL amount of approximately $750,000 was distributed to 56 organizations throughout Trinidad and Tobago. GOPIO contends that a total grant of ¾ million dollars of Indian Arrival Day events is grossly inadequate, as well as embarrassingly unrealistic and unfair.
GOPIO is requesting the following: a larger total grant should be distributed to more organizations throughout the country; these groups throughout the country are in dire need of financial assistance to cover expenses incurred in activities marking this important occasion - important not only for Indo-Trinidadians, but for all citizens, as was enunciated by some speakers at the Ministry’s function this morning.
GOPIO looks forward to a favorable response from the Ministry in regard to our request for additional funds to cover the expenses for our activities for Indian Arrival Day 2009, and the allocation of a larger grant to be distributed to more organizations for other events during 2009, and in the future.
GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago, a chapter of GOPIO International, is a secular, non-partisan, registered non-profit and Non-Governmental Organization that is not associated with any political party or religious organization
Deosaran Bisnath, President,
GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago, a Chapter of GOPIO International.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
GOPIO CONDEMNS RELIGIOUS INTOLERANCE AND HATE SPEECH
GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago
a Chapter of GOPIO INTERNATIONAL
PO BOX 2286, Chaguanas, 687-7529 Fax: 665-5984 GopioTT@gmail.com
Deosaran Bisnath, President Ena Maraj, PRO Varsha Maharaj, Secretary Oscar Ramoutar, Treasurer
Directors: Niranjan Bhaggan Robert Ramsamooj Jaganath Seeram-Maharaj
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 19, 2009
GOPIO CONDEMNS RELIGIOUS INTOLERANCE AND HATE SPEECH
_____________________________________________________________________________
Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) Trinidad and Tobago strongly condemns what we regard as religious intolerance and hate speech contained in the article by Kenneth Assee, titled “Weak Criticisms by Baldeosingh”, in the Guardian newspaper, on Sunday May 10, 2009.
Specifically, reference is made to Assee’s statement:
“This is why religions like Hinduism and Islam continue to exist despite rational criticism of the cruelties they sanction. Their followers choose to believe.”
http://guardian.co.tt/commentary/columnist/2009/05/09/weak-criticisms-baldeosingh
GOPIO categorically rejects Assee’s claim that Hinduism and Islam sanction “cruelties”, and the characterization that Hindus and Muslims “choose to believe.”
While Hindus and Muslims may be tempted to respond with the long list of cruelties perpetrated in the name of religion throughout the past two millenniums, we caution against descending to such low levels of behavior; instead, we urge everyone in our multi-religious rainbow nation to practise tolerance of all religious communities, acceptance of every citizen, and inclusion of all, as we seek to develop a peaceful and harmonious society.
GOPIO notes that this is not the first time a letter writer with the name “Kenneth Assee” has attempted to cast aspersions on Hinduism and Islam.
In the Guardian on Friday July 29th, 2005, a column titled “Towards a True Emancipation,” by “Kenneth Assee, a Reader from Port of Spain”, included the following”
“Our aspirations for the future must recognise that Hindutva and Islamic fundamentalism will present themselves in beguiling guises with seductive arguments. But their overall objective, explicit or implicit, is the same, to derail our society.”
http://library2.nalis.gov.tt/infofiles/collect/news3/index/assoc/HASH011a/8b62dcfb.dir/5662.jpg
GOPIO cautions against dangerous and harmful generalizations that may portray Hindus, Muslims, and Christians as extremists and enemies of our nation who seek to destroy our society.
In the Guardian on Sunday 12th October, 2008, one “Kenneth Assee“ writes as follows:
“Would Balkissoon consider paying some form of compensation to the victim’s relatives as an appropriate moral act for his crime? Or is this kind of morality beyond the doctrinal tenets of his Hinduism? ….The victim is now but a bunch of bones in his grave, but Balkissoon, his killer, will be able to enjoy the company of his relatives, celebrate and dance at Hindu festivals, and eat his roti and doubles while bemoaning how bad prison life was. Did he expect it to be a Hindu retreat?
Kenneth Assee Port-of-Spain “
http://legacy.guardian.co.tt/archives/2008-10-12/letters.html
GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago exhorts all to heed the advice of Pope Benedict XVI, who during a visit to Nazareth on May 13th, 2009, urged all to “work to build bridges and find the way to a peaceful coexistence. Let everyone reject the destructive power of hatred and prejudice, which kills men's souls before it kills their bodies!"
In addition, GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago exhorts all to heed the advice of President Obama, contained in his National Day of Prayer proclamation, on May 7, 2009:
”Let us also use this day to come together in a moment of peace and goodwill. Our world grows smaller by the day, and our varied beliefs can bring us together to feed the hungry and comfort the afflicted; to make peace where there is strife; and to lift up those who have fallen on hard times. As we observe this day of prayer, we remember the one law that binds all great religions together: the Golden Rule, and its call to love one another; to understand one another; and to treat with dignity and respect those with whom we share a brief moment on this Earth.”
GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago reminds all that bigotry, intolerance, sectarianism, and fanaticism have resulted in nothing but violence, death, despair, and destruction. GOPIO believes we must develop a society that moves beyond tolerance, to mutual acceptance, with the core values of community and individual responsibility; equality of opportunity; and respect for freedom of rights, including freedom of speech but refraining from hate speech that discredits and denigrates fellow citizens.
GOPIO Trinidad has requested, and is requesting the Guardian to publish this response.
Deosaran Bisnath
……………………….
Deosaran Bisnath, President, GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago
________________________________________________________________________________________________
GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago, a chapter of GOPIO International, is a secular, non-partisan, registered non-profit and Non-Governmental Organization that is not associated with any political party or religious organization.
Monday, May 4, 2009
GOPIO TnT WELCOMES SRI MALAY MISHRA, INDIA's NEW HC TO TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
GOPIO TnT WELCOMES SRI MALAY MISHRA, INDIA's NEW HC TO TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
GOPIO TnT WELCOMES SRI MALAY MISHRA, INDIA's NEW HC TO TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago held a gala welcome reception for the new High Commissioner of India to Trinidad and Tobago, Mr. Malay Mishra. Prominent members of the PIO community in Trinidad were present at Gaston Court, Chaguanas, on Tuesday March 24th, 2009 to greet and welcome Hich Commissioner Mishra and members of the Indian High Commission.
A traditional welcome with garland and Tassa music, which was then followed by an address by GOPIO T&T President Deosaran Bisnath and poetry recitation by Dr. Rajandaye Ramkissoon-Chen, author of four volumes of poetry. Mr. Bisnath described the special relationship between India and Trinidad and Tobago and reminded all of the contributions of People of Indian Origin, and the important role of the High Commissioner and the Indian High Commission, as well as the Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Culture and Cooperation (MGICC), in developing and nurturing that relationship. Mr. Bisnath also welcomed the new Director of the MGICC, Shri Madan Mohan Sharma.
Also greeting and welcoming Shri Mishra were Swami Prakashanandaji, Spiritual Leader of Chinmaya Mission, Trinidad & Tobago; Haji Kamal Hosein, Vice-President of ASJA Trinidad & Tobago; and Mr. Basdeo Panday, Leader of the Opposition in the Trinidad and Tobago Parliament.
In his response, Shri Mishra extended greetings to the PIO community in Trinidad and Tobago, and the Caribbean, and described his recent visit to Tobago and plans by the Indian High Commission to assist the Tobago PIOs in development of culture in the sister isle. Shri Mishra spoke glowingly of the PIOs in Trinidad and Tobago with special reference on his observations during a recent tour of several villages and towns in Trinidad and Tobago. He was extremely impressed with the progress, achievements, and lifestyle of PIOs in Trinidad and Tobago, and their ways of worship in temples and he praised them for treasuring and practicing their cultural and religious heritage.
The new High Commissioner gave a detailed description of the cultural diversity of his homeland and emphasized that India had high regards for the people of Indian origin and Indians living throughout the International Indian Diaspora. Shri Mishra pointed out that overseas Indians contribute $27 billion to the Indian economy by way of remittances and noted that some states in India are heavily dependent on these funds. He added: "You can take an Indian out of India but you cannot take India out of an Indian," and then elaborated on the love and appreciation of Indian culture and heritage that has followed 25 million Indians who now form part of the global Indian diaspora.
Shri Mishra's speech was followed by Indian dance; Chutney music from Mr. Ramdeen Falco Maharaj; and Poetry from Ms. Madeline Coopsammy, author of Prairie Journey.
The reception concluded with gift presentations to Shri Malay Mishra from Mr. Ramdeen Falco Maharaj from the National Chutney Foundation; Mr. Lenny Kumar from the Tassa Association of Trinidad and Tobago; and Mr. Deosaran Bisnath from GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago. Guests were served Indo-Trinidadian cuisine while also enjoying pulsating Tassa and Chutney music in the background.
GOPIO TnT WELCOMES SRI MALAY MISHRA, INDIA's NEW HC TO TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago held a gala welcome reception for the new High Commissioner of India to Trinidad and Tobago, Mr. Malay Mishra. Prominent members of the PIO community in Trinidad were present at Gaston Court, Chaguanas, on Tuesday March 24th, 2009 to greet and welcome Hich Commissioner Mishra and members of the Indian High Commission.
A traditional welcome with garland and Tassa music, which was then followed by an address by GOPIO T&T President Deosaran Bisnath and poetry recitation by Dr. Rajandaye Ramkissoon-Chen, author of four volumes of poetry. Mr. Bisnath described the special relationship between India and Trinidad and Tobago and reminded all of the contributions of People of Indian Origin, and the important role of the High Commissioner and the Indian High Commission, as well as the Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Culture and Cooperation (MGICC), in developing and nurturing that relationship. Mr. Bisnath also welcomed the new Director of the MGICC, Shri Madan Mohan Sharma.
Also greeting and welcoming Shri Mishra were Swami Prakashanandaji, Spiritual Leader of Chinmaya Mission, Trinidad & Tobago; Haji Kamal Hosein, Vice-President of ASJA Trinidad & Tobago; and Mr. Basdeo Panday, Leader of the Opposition in the Trinidad and Tobago Parliament.
In his response, Shri Mishra extended greetings to the PIO community in Trinidad and Tobago, and the Caribbean, and described his recent visit to Tobago and plans by the Indian High Commission to assist the Tobago PIOs in development of culture in the sister isle. Shri Mishra spoke glowingly of the PIOs in Trinidad and Tobago with special reference on his observations during a recent tour of several villages and towns in Trinidad and Tobago. He was extremely impressed with the progress, achievements, and lifestyle of PIOs in Trinidad and Tobago, and their ways of worship in temples and he praised them for treasuring and practicing their cultural and religious heritage.
The new High Commissioner gave a detailed description of the cultural diversity of his homeland and emphasized that India had high regards for the people of Indian origin and Indians living throughout the International Indian Diaspora. Shri Mishra pointed out that overseas Indians contribute $27 billion to the Indian economy by way of remittances and noted that some states in India are heavily dependent on these funds. He added: "You can take an Indian out of India but you cannot take India out of an Indian," and then elaborated on the love and appreciation of Indian culture and heritage that has followed 25 million Indians who now form part of the global Indian diaspora.
Shri Mishra's speech was followed by Indian dance; Chutney music from Mr. Ramdeen Falco Maharaj; and Poetry from Ms. Madeline Coopsammy, author of Prairie Journey.
The reception concluded with gift presentations to Shri Malay Mishra from Mr. Ramdeen Falco Maharaj from the National Chutney Foundation; Mr. Lenny Kumar from the Tassa Association of Trinidad and Tobago; and Mr. Deosaran Bisnath from GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago. Guests were served Indo-Trinidadian cuisine while also enjoying pulsating Tassa and Chutney music in the background.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
EARTH DAY, APRIL 22: GOPIO CALLS ON GOVERNMENT PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND TO IMPLEMENT EFFICIENT ENERGY USAGE
GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago
a Chapter of GOPIO INTERNATIONAL
PO BOX 2286, Chaguanas, 687-7529 Fax: 665-5984 GopioTT@gmail.com
Deosaran Bisnath, President Ena Maraj, PRO Varsha Maharaj, Secretary Oscar Ramoutar, Treasurer
Directors: Niranjan Bhaggan Robert Ramsamooj Jaganath Seeram-Maharaj
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE APRIL 22, 2009
EARTH DAY, APRIL 22: GOPIO CALLS ON GOVERNMENT PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND TO IMPLEMENT EFFICIENT ENERGY USAGE.
Earth Day, celebrated April 22, is a day designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth’s environment. Earth Day is a time to celebrate gains we have made and create new visions to accelerate environmental progress.
GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago urges the Government to fulfill its commitment in the Final Declaration of Port of Spain, at the Fifth Summit of the Americas, Port of Spain, on April 19, 2009, with specific reference to promotion of environmental sustainability; the development of cleaner, more affordable and sustainable energy systems; promoting access to energy and energy efficient technologies and practices in all sectors; diversify our energy matrices by increasing the contribution of renewable energy sources; encouraging cleaner, more efficient use of fossil fuels and other fuels.
GOPIO offers these specific recommendations to be implemented during the next 3 years:
- To promote usage of Solar Energy as an energy efficient source of energy and a reduction in conventional energy usage: Installation of Solar panels in at least 25 % of all Government buildings by end of 2010, and in at least 50% of all Government buildings by the end of 2011.
- In keeping with the above objective, provide incentives for the usage of Solar Panels in existing and new homes, e.g. tax deductions, and promote Solar Energy usage with programs such as 1BLOG - “one block off the grid”, a reference to the goal of rounding up groups of homeowners willing to install solar-power systems on their houses — removing the rough equivalent of one block from the national electrical grid.
- Conduct an analysis to determine the feasibility of manufacturing Solar Panels and other Solar Energy equipment in this country, with the objective of Trinidad and Tobago being the leading supplier of these items to the Caribbean, Central, and South America.
- To promote the usage of energy-efficient vehicles: increase the usage of hybrid and natural gas vehicles in the Public sector, with a near term objective of at least 25% of all Government vehicles being hybrid and natural gas by end of 2010, and 50% by the end of 2012.
- In keeping with the objective above: provide incentives to encourage use of hybrid vehicles throughout the country, e.g. by reducing motor vehicle duties and taxes on these vehicles.
- Conduct an analysis to determining the feasibility of manufacturing Hybrid vehicles in this country, with the objective of Trinidad & Tobago being the leading supplier of these vehicles in the Caribbean, Central, and Latin America.
- Cease, immediately – by denying building permits and approval - the construction of buildings in environmentally fragile and sensitive areas e.g. on or near hills, important watercourses, nature reserves, and swamplands.
- Stringent and Rigorous implementation of the Litter Act, with prosecution of offenders, even for minor offences.
_____________________________________________________________________________
GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago, a chapter of GOPIO International, is a secular, non-partisan, registered non-profit and Non-Governmental Organization that is not associated with any political party or religious organization.
--
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
GOPIO CALLS ON GOVERNMENT TO INCLUDE MORE INDO-TRINIDADIAN CULTURAL ELEMENTS IN FIFTH SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS CEREMONIES
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
GOPIO CALLS ON GOVERNMENT TO INCLUDE MORE INDO-TRINIDADIAN CULTURAL ELEMENTS IN FIFTH SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS CEREMONIES
GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago
a Chapter of GOPIO INTERNATIONAL
PO BOX 2286 , Chaguanas. 687-7529 Fax: 665-5984 GopioTT@gmail.com
Deosaran Bisnath, President Varsha Maharaj, Secretary Ena Maraj, PRO Oscar Ramoutar, Treasurer
Directors: Niranjan Bhaggan, Robert Ramsamooj, Jaganath Seeram-Maharaj
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 6th, 2009
GOPIO CALLS ON GOVERNMENT TO INCLUDE MORE INDO-TRINIDADIAN CULTURAL ELEMENTS IN FIFTH SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS CEREMONIES
GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago is calling on the Government of Trinidad & Tobago to modify the opening, closing, and cultural programmes at the Fifth Summit of the Americas to include more facets of our Indo-Trinidadian culture and heritage.
GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago is extremely concerned with the disproportionate quantity of items pertaining to Indo-Trinidadian song, music, dance, and other art forms in the opening and closing ceremonies, the Summit Village, and the Prime Minister's Official Summit Dinner and Cultural Show. It appears to us that no one in the Indo-Trinidadian community was consulted about the showcasing of Indo-Trinidadian Culture. Furthermore, GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago is disappointed about the lack of consultation between the organizers of the Summit and the Indo-Trinidadian community.
GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago reminds the Government and the national community that Indo-Trinidadian culture is also National culture; thus it should be recognized and treated as an important component of the culture of Trinidad & Tobago, and not as a token inclusion in programmes and events that are touted as National. One Tassa and one Indian dance item is not a true reflection of the Indo-Trinidadian contribution to our National Culture.
GOPIO suggests to the Government that it is not too late to include other artistes and cultural items that would demonstrate an appreciation and recognition of the totality of Indo-Trinidadian culture, e.g. harmonium, sitar, tabla, chowtal, Indian and folk classical singing, chutney, Hindu and Islamic items at the Village, and artistes such as Mungal Patasar, The Mohipps, Rooplal G, Felicity Chowtal group, Lily Ramcharan, The Yankarans, and many others.
GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago suggests that the dignitaries should also visit notable areas and sites that represent important components of our multicultural and multi-religious rainbow nation, e.g. Temple on the Sea, Dattareya Mandir, Felicity, Charlieville, Divali Nagar, Debe, Chinmaya Mission, Lion House in Chaguanas, and Paschim Kaashi Mandir in St. James. GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago can provide more information, if necessary.
GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago, a chapter of GOPIO International, is a secular, non-partisan, registered non-profit and non-governmental organization (NGO).
Deosaran Bisnath
…………………………………
Deosaran Bisnath, President, GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago, a Chapter of GOPIO International.
GOPIO CALLS ON GOVERNMENT TO INCLUDE MORE INDO-TRINIDADIAN CULTURAL ELEMENTS IN FIFTH SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS CEREMONIES
GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago
a Chapter of GOPIO INTERNATIONAL
PO BOX 2286 , Chaguanas. 687-7529 Fax: 665-5984 GopioTT@gmail.com
Deosaran Bisnath, President Varsha Maharaj, Secretary Ena Maraj, PRO Oscar Ramoutar, Treasurer
Directors: Niranjan Bhaggan, Robert Ramsamooj, Jaganath Seeram-Maharaj
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 6th, 2009
GOPIO CALLS ON GOVERNMENT TO INCLUDE MORE INDO-TRINIDADIAN CULTURAL ELEMENTS IN FIFTH SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS CEREMONIES
GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago is calling on the Government of Trinidad & Tobago to modify the opening, closing, and cultural programmes at the Fifth Summit of the Americas to include more facets of our Indo-Trinidadian culture and heritage.
GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago is extremely concerned with the disproportionate quantity of items pertaining to Indo-Trinidadian song, music, dance, and other art forms in the opening and closing ceremonies, the Summit Village, and the Prime Minister's Official Summit Dinner and Cultural Show. It appears to us that no one in the Indo-Trinidadian community was consulted about the showcasing of Indo-Trinidadian Culture. Furthermore, GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago is disappointed about the lack of consultation between the organizers of the Summit and the Indo-Trinidadian community.
GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago reminds the Government and the national community that Indo-Trinidadian culture is also National culture; thus it should be recognized and treated as an important component of the culture of Trinidad & Tobago, and not as a token inclusion in programmes and events that are touted as National. One Tassa and one Indian dance item is not a true reflection of the Indo-Trinidadian contribution to our National Culture.
GOPIO suggests to the Government that it is not too late to include other artistes and cultural items that would demonstrate an appreciation and recognition of the totality of Indo-Trinidadian culture, e.g. harmonium, sitar, tabla, chowtal, Indian and folk classical singing, chutney, Hindu and Islamic items at the Village, and artistes such as Mungal Patasar, The Mohipps, Rooplal G, Felicity Chowtal group, Lily Ramcharan, The Yankarans, and many others.
GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago suggests that the dignitaries should also visit notable areas and sites that represent important components of our multicultural and multi-religious rainbow nation, e.g. Temple on the Sea, Dattareya Mandir, Felicity, Charlieville, Divali Nagar, Debe, Chinmaya Mission, Lion House in Chaguanas, and Paschim Kaashi Mandir in St. James. GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago can provide more information, if necessary.
GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago, a chapter of GOPIO International, is a secular, non-partisan, registered non-profit and non-governmental organization (NGO).
Deosaran Bisnath
…………………………………
Deosaran Bisnath, President, GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago, a Chapter of GOPIO International.
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