Earl Romaine: A commitment to personal delivery

We feature those unheralded persons in the parishes committed to selling this publication. We appreciate all who have contributed to this ministry over the years, helping to deliver this paper into the hands of the people in the pews.

WE SALUTE YOU Earl Romain, Church of the Resurrection, La Horquetta/Cumuto and Carapo Cluster, Arima

Q: How long have you been involved in selling the paper?

I have been selling The Catholic News for quite some time, that I cannot concretely recall so at present that is what I am known for amongst other things.

Q: Why did you get involved?

A few years ago, I received a phone call from a representative of The Catholic News enquiring if I would consider becoming the newspaper distributor for the cluster. I am sure Fr Mahdoosingh had something to do with that. They were aware that I did sales previously but specifically for Santa Rosa parish. I was responsible for collecting it to distribute to the various parishes for subsequent dissemination.

Following the telephone conversation, I went to the office in Port of Spain to make the necessary arrangements to become a registered sales representative of The Catholic News.

There, I met the acquaintance of Ms Lucille Nathu, Ms Mary Pitman, and others. The former has left, but the latter is still there; and let me tell you they are very lovely people to work with. They are gems in God’s treasure, that to this day, it is one of the reasons that I continue to sell the newspaper in my assigned parish. When Ms Nathu left, Ms Charmaine Meloney became her replacement/new member of staff and her professional attitude towards her job exceeds expectation, as most times I would deliver the money collected from The Catholic News’ sales to her.

Q: What is your approach to encourage people to buy or read the paper in your parish?

When the Covid-19 pandemic hit and the country went on lockdown and movement was restricted, I would get the newspaper to parishioners by use of my personal transportation. I still operate in this manner. My customers appreciate the effort to come to them personally, we chat and catch up. It’s almost as if I’ve become a part of their family.

Sometimes, many just need a listening ear. Their response is great. If I forget anyone, they will call me and ask, “Where is my News? I did not get any this week.” I could be as tired as ever, but once I have the newspaper, I deliver it to them.

Q: How do you think the paper can be better promoted to Catholic faithful?

I am enjoying this aspect of my life tremendously. The Catholic News is a very good paper to read with a lot of informative bits to all aspects of our development, spiritual and holistic that enhances our well-being. I would advise anyone and more people to read it as there is something within its pages that will speak to you; “Bonus” that you can read from regional to international news.

The many people who assisted me from La Horquetta, Ms Agnus Mitchell, Ms Marilyn Vialvia from Carapo and Ms Brigitte Ignatius from Cumuto; mention must also be made to Mr Headley who also used to sell on a Sunday morning at La Horquetta.

I want to say to the Management and Staff of CAMSEL “Thank You” for giving me the opportunity to have a voice on your new ‘Sellers’ Column.