Symposium scheduled to discuss Race Relations

Now, is a time for healing!

This Sunday (August 30), there will be a free virtual symposium on racism titled A Time for Healing— Understanding and Reconciling Race Relations in Trinidad and Tobago. It begins from 1 p.m. and access is through the UWI, St Augustine Facebook page

The event is a collaboration between the Catholic Commission for Social Justice (CCSJ), and the Faculty of Law, The University of the West Indies.

In a press release, Professor Rose-Marie Belle Antoine, Dean, Faculty of Law, UWI said that in recent times, “we have witnessed a display of race hostilities that enveloped Trinidad and Tobago during the election period and is continuing. It is certain that these incidences of racist conduct have deep underpinnings in our diverse society.”

She said if the situation is not managed properly, “racial tensions could deteriorate and have far-reaching, damaging impact on our pluralistic society”.

Professor Antoine said a national conversation, “focussing on understanding and healing, is sorely needed…”.

The symposium will bring together scholars and thought-leaders on the subject of race. CCSJ Chair, Leela Ramdeen will serve as moderator.

Panellists include Prof Rhoda Reddock, UN CEDAW Committee; Justice Donna Prowell-Raphael of the Equal Opportunity Tribunal; Kwasi Mutema, Chair, National Joint Action Committee; Dr Bishnu Ragoonath, UWI, Council for Responsible Political Behaviour; David Abdullah, activist and trade unionist; Dr Raymond Ramcharitar, writer and cultural historian; Dr Sheila Rampersad, journalist; and Dr Kadija Khan, psychologist.

Members of the public were invited to make contributions before the event using this web-link: CLICK HERE

Various faith communities will participate through prayer.