"Forgiveness gives us the capacity to make a new start... And forgiveness is the grace by which you enable the other person to get up, and get up with dignity, to begin anew... In the act of forgiveness we are declaring our faith in the future of a relationship and in the capacity of the wrongdoer to change."
-Archbishop Desmond Tutu,
extract from a speech given at Steve Biko's funeral, Sept 1977
Last Wednesday proved to be a scintillating experience at the St James Police Youth Club in Diego Martin. Commander–in-chief Derrick Sharbodie led his troops, which included the Youth Steel Orchestra, drumology team, dancers, members of the board of management, and Assistant Commissioner of Police Tony Gonzales, in an extraordinary exercise.This involved the visit of the Attorney General, Senator Anand Ramlogan. Most of the stakeholders came to welcome Mr Ramlogan. He was inspired by the young men who testified about their transformation from hopeless to hopeful.
They proved that the support group meetings, the parenting workshops, the cultural activities, the motivational seminars, the career guidance programmes and the spiritual exercises contributed to their success.Six young men inspired the Attorney General and other VIPs. With tears in their eyes, they described the rescue mission which is conducted by this august institution on a daily basis. The drummers punctuated the otherwise tranquil atmosphere with a loud, pulsating welcome as the Attorney General rose to speak.
The audience was motivated by the shocking revelations provided by this significant figure in the Government of T&T. The young people surrounded him as he moved through the audience. He stated that he was expelled five times from the Pleasantville Secondary School. He was even sent to former Minister of Education Clive Pantin for special counselling.Mr Ramlogan worked as a security guard at Sea Lots when he was just 17 years. He hugged the young men as he related his struggles in a manner that captivated the teen-agers. He praised Officer Sharbodie and his miracle-working board of management.
Then he gave the formula for his success: One per cent inspiration and 99 per cent perspiration. He reminded the youth that hard work is the key to success and that they must have the will and the passion to achieve excellence.He advised the adults that they should never give up on the youth of the twin-island republic. He pleaded with parents to help the youth make positive choices so that they could become effective role models. The highlight of his stirring and soul-searching address was when he said that our skills and talents are God's gift to us. However, the adequate use of these resources is our gift to God.
The fabulous children and youth who have been rescued by the Sharbodic magic listened attentively to the words of the Attorney General. They gave him warmth, affection and their love. They appreciated the fact that he left the Senate and rushed down to Diego Martin because he did not wish to disappoint them.These youth will remember this awesome celebration. Of course, the Youth Steel Orchestra performed with distinction. Not even the musical fireworks of Renegades, All Stars, Phase II could match the harmony that this band produced.
The steel orchestra displayed a tantalising clinical proficiency as they played the national anthem and the explosive Pan in A Mi- nor. The grand climax came when the magnificent dancers moved across the lawn of the youth club's headquarters. They exhibited finesse and a skill that was greeted with tumultuous applause.When an Attorney General visits a youth organisation, powerful signals are sent to the psyche of the members. They blushed with pride as he congratulated them for taking a step that reflected a turning of the tide.
He spoke about the tears and efforts of his mother and his family that comprised 17 people. When he mentioned that number, you could hear the oohs and the aahs of the audience. Again they showed him love and responded with affection.Readers would be very interested in the response of the children from St Barb's. You may know that Officer Sharbodie and his wife have played a significant role in the formation of this club. So we can afford to say that the soil at the St James club proved to be very productive so that a new baby was born.
These children demonstrated enormous discipline and a profound level of respect. This is not the first time. The US ambassador and the UK high commissioner visited the youth club and they were warmly received. Perhaps the gangsters who hurled stones outside the Hilton Trinidad during the launch of the Colour Me Orange initiative could learn from these special citizens.Mr Sharbodie must not surrender. He has a fantastic spouse. Her diligence is like the wind beneath his wings. She is like Portia in the Merchant of Venice. She has dignity and a big heart-a golden heart.
Remember that they went to Los Angeles and the Government assisted this marvelous team of youth. This exchange programme between Los Angeles and St James has left an indelible impression on the minds of these youth.T&T, let us pray for all the youth clubs. Let us develop an attitude of gratitude. Let us decide that we would be accountable to God as we seek to transform the nation. The flowers of our nation must be guaranteed our support. Let us teach them the principles of respect and accountability. Let us teach them to love and not to hate. Let us remember that we must display an unprecedented level of maturity if we wish to influence them to move in a positive direction.