National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving 2014

Programme and

Biographies of Awardees

For your selfless cooperation to the IRO in our many initiatives in serving the Nation and your loyal and dedicated service to

The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

Presented at the

Brahma Kumaris Raja Yoga Centre Headquarters,

(Colombo House,)

55 – 57 Pointe a Pierre Road,

San Fernando.

November 23rd, 2014

Greetings from the Inter Religious Organisation of Trinidad and Tobago.

To mark the 50th Anniversary of Independence, the IRO acknowledged the contributions of its Religious and

Spiritual Leaders (charity begins at home) and presented in 62 of these individual plaques of appreciation at a gala

event on June 2013 at the Centre Point Mall in Chaguanas.

In November 2013 our first ever Diwali/Christmas dinner was held with much appreciation.

January 26th, 2014 we started the year with a day of Prayer. In May 2014, we also observed a day of Prayer to

celebrate the International Day of the Family.

On June 19th and 20th, 2014 at the Hyatt Regency in Port of Spain, the IRO in collaboration with the Brahma

Kumaris Raja Yoga Centre, brought 14 local and International Religious and Spiritual Scholars, including Ms Ela

Gandhi, granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi from Durban, South Africa, to share and remind us of "Is Ancient

Wisdom and Spirituality the Answer to Modern Day Issues".

Today we are launching the compilation of the speeches and Action Plan from this conference.

Our monthly outreach activities hosted by our member organizations for the youth, parenting, child development

amongst other activities are achievements worth sharing with the Nation.

Today, one month after Diwali and one month before Christmas, and other members observances we have gathered

to pray, give thanks and acknowledge the high Office holders who have supported the IRO since its inception 44

years ago.

For the past year, the IRO has been a recipient of a small subvention from the government for which we are forever

thankful and especially to the Hon. Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar SC,MP for her keen interest and support

to the IRO.

To all others to whom we have offered our services and have made contributions towards our way forward, I wish to

thank them all. To the many persons who will communicate and encourage us for our participation in the upliftment

and care and welfare of the nation, I say thanks.

As is the saying "It is better to give me a rose when I am alive rather than to place orchids on my coffin" is one of

the inspirations for today’s event.

I wish to thank all members of the IRO for their support over the years and look forward to serving with you.

May the New Year 2015, bring greater success in your life and in the lives of your love ones.

May God Bless us all. May God Bless our Nation Trinidad and Tobago.

Blessings to you once again and thank you.

Sincerely Yours,

Harrypersad Maharaj J.P.

President IRO

Programme

Programme for the IRO National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving to be held on Sunday 23rd

November 2014 at the Brahma Kumaris Raja Yoga Centre Headquarters, San Fernando,

Trinidad and Tobago

Welcome and Opening Remarks By Chairman – Br Harrypersad Maharaj – President

Greetings by Brahma Kumari Sister Hemlata Spiritual Head, Brahma Kumaris Raja

Yoga Centre

Christian Reading - Archbishop Barbara Burke - Shouter Baptist

Christian Prayer - Mother Joan Irish - Spiritual Baptist

Hymn - Albon Dean Daniel and Heavenly Sounds - WIUSBO

Hindu Reading - Pundit Hansraj Persad - Vedic Mission

Hindu Prayer - Pundit Lutchmidath Persad Maharaj - SDMS

Bhajan - Pt Bramdeo Maharaj – Pundits Parishad

Muslim Reading - Br Noble Khan – Trinidad Muslim League

Muslim Prayer - Imam Haji Raffick Mohammed - ASJA

Qaseeda - Haji Abzal Mohammed – ASJA

Bahai Reading and Prayer – Mr Hyatali Ali

Orissa Reading and Prayer - Mother Iya Dolores Dennie

Book Launch “Is Ancient Wisdom and Spirituality the Answer to Modern Day Issues”

Distribution of Awards

Response from Awardee

Vote of Thanks – Albon Dean Daniel – PRO

Dinner

List of Honours

The Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago

Senator the Honourable Timoth Hamel – Smith President of the Senate – Trinidad and Tobago Parliament

The Honourable Wade Mark, MP, Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago

The Rt. Hon. Sir Charles Michael Dennis Byron President of the Caribbean Court of Justice

The Honourable Mr. Justice A. Jamadar J.A. Puisne Judge of the High Court

The Honourable Clifton De Coteau, MP Minister of Gender, Youth and Child Development

His Excellency Gauri Shankar Gupta Indian High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago

Professor Clement K. Sankat Bsc (UWI), Msc (UWI), PhD (Guelph) FIAgrE, CEng, FAPETT

Professor Whitfield Andy Knight Institute of International Relations, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine

Mr Arthur N.R. Robinson (Posthumous) Former Prime Minister and President of The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

Mr. Basdeo Panday Former Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

Dr Linda Baboolal Former President of the Senate

Reverend Daniel Teelucksingh Former Independent Senator

Mr. Ackbar Khan Justice of the Peace

Mr. Sharan Chandradath Singh Director, Office of Institutional Advancement & Internationalisation at U.W.I.

Ms. Leela Ramdeen Chairman - Catholic Commission for Social Justice

Dr. Hans Hanoomansingh Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Heritage Radio 101.7 f.m.

Dr. John Bharath Former Member of Parliament

Mr. Michael Lalbiharie Government Printer

Brahma Kumari Sudesh Sethi Director of European Brahma Kumaris Centres

Maureen Goodman Programme Director of the Brahma Kumaris

Ela Gandhi Social Worker, Editor/Chairperson- Satyagraha

The Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, S.C, M.P. Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

Kamla Persad-Bissessar was born on the 22nd of April, 1952. As a little girl

she was always interested in reading novels and was intrigued by the

developing technologies of the time. Mrs. Persad-Bissessar graduated from

Iere High School and went on to further her studies at the University of the

West Indies, Norwood Technical College (England,) and the Hugh Wooding Law School.

Consequently, she was awarded a B.A. (Hons.), a Diploma in Education, a B.A. of Laws (Hons.)

and a Legal Education Certificate. In 2006 she obtained an Executive Masters in Business

Administration (EMBA) from the Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business, Trinidad.

On completion of her studies, Mrs. Persad-Bissessar entered the teaching profession. Her

career history can be described as people-centered and one that has always focused her energy

within the public’s eye. While in England pursuing studies, she worked as a social worker with

the Church of England Children’s Society of London. She taught at the St. Andrew High School in

Kingston, Jamaica and at the Mona Campus in Jamaica. Later, she taught at the St. Augustine

campus of the University of the West Indies in Trinidad. At the Jamaica College of Insurance she

was also a Consultant Lecturer. Her next step was to lecture at a Tertiary Education institution.

After lecturing for a total of six years, Mrs. Persad-Bissessar then became a full-time Attorney-

at-Law.

In 1987 Mrs. Persad-Bissessar entered the political arena. From 1987 until 1991, Mrs. Persad-

Bissessar served as an alderman for the St. Patrick County Council. Representing the United

National Congress in Opposition, she took the Oath of Allegiance at a sitting of the Senate on

November 1, 1994. Since 1995 she has been the Member of Parliament for Siparia, serving as

Attorney General, Minister of Legal Affairs and Minister of Education between 1995 and 2001.

The United National Congress returned to the Opposition benches in 2002 and on April 26th,

2006, Mrs. Persad-Bissessar was appointed Leader of the Opposition, the first woman to ever

hold that position in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Mrs. Persad-Bissessar was appointed

Leader of the Opposition a second time on February 25, 2010, almost one month after she was

elected political leader of the United National Congress.

On Tuesday, May 26, 2010, two days after a victory at the polls, Mrs. Persad-Bissessar created

history yet again, becoming the first woman to hold the office of Prime Minister of the Republic

of Trinidad and Tobago.

Mrs. Persad-Bissessar is married to Dr. Gregory Bissessar and has one son.

Senator the Honourable Timothy Hamel-Smith President of the Senate – Trinidad and Tobago Parliament

Acting position: Acting President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

Substantive Position: President of the Senate of Trinidad and Tobago

Senator Hamel-Smith graduated from the College of Law, England and was admitted to practice law in 1973. In 1981, Senator Hamel-Smith became a partner in the Hamel-Smith law firm founded by his grandfather in 1909.The practice is described by some commentators in Chambers Global as "the best corporate finance shop in the Caribbean."Hamel-Smith is the Trinidad and Tobago member of Lex Mundi, The World’s Leading Association of Independent Law Firms. Senator Hamel-Smith is currently Partner Emeritus and Head of the Banking and Finance Practice Group of the Hamel-Smith law firm. In Chambers Global, he has been recognised as being "the best corporate finance brain in the region."Senator Hamel-Smith’s Specialty lies in project and bank financing. He has been involved in most financings of world-scale projects within the local energy-based industry, as well as several high profile mergers and acquisitions. Senator Hamel-Smith serves as a member of the board of directors of the ANSA Merchant Bank and Yara Trinidad and is a member of the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Commerce and the American Chamber of Commerce.

Rankings and Accolades:

Chambers Global: The World's Leading Lawyers for Business - The client's guide to the world's best lawyers.

The Chambers Guides have been ranking the best law firms and lawyers since 1990, and now covers 185

jurisdictions throughout the world.

Timothy has been awarded a No 1 Ranking in General Business Law for T&T by The Chambers Global Guide -The

world's leading international legal directory and the gold standard for lawyer reviews internationally.

Timothy is featured in this directory with a No. 1 Ranking (2006-2012) among the corporate/commercial

lawyers in Trinidad & Tobago. A sample of the commentaries reported by Chambers Global include:

Sources have a range of plaudits for Timothy, and praise "his exceptional knowledge and experience in

corporate law." One client also singled him out as "one of the best people in the country for securities law" -

2013

“Has won acclaim for the thoroughness of his work and is considered, both by clients and rivals, to be a first

rate corporate lawyer, hardworking and diligent." 2009

“Is a major draw for clients seeking to finance large energy projects in the country." His “clear and

straightforward commercial perspective delivers results.” -2008

Is regarded as “one of the best brains to provide banking and financial services to international institutions.” -

2007

Is described by clients as “one of the best commercial lawyers around.” “He specializes in project and bank

financing, and is also feted for his work in capital markets.” - 2006

Publications/Presentations:

Senator Hamel-Smith has published articles and presented a number of papers, a sample of which includes:

• Senator Hamel-Smith is the Editor of the guide to ‘Doing business in Trinidad & Tobago’ which can be viewed at www.trinidadlaw.com

• Co-author: “Mergers and Acquisitions in Trinidad and Tobago” published by Wolters Kluwer in 2011 – under the auspices of the Center for International Legal Studies, Salzburg, Austria

The Honourable Wade Mark, MP, Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago

The Honourable Wade Mark, MP, Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Republic of

Trinidad & Tobago has spent over 34 years in service giving back to this country and has

served and continues to serve on many committees and boards.

He obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree majoring in Economics and Politics (Honours) 1979 at

the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine and went on to receive his MBA in Business Administration at the

Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business. His career began at the Registration, Recognition and Certification

board and then on to the Ministry of Health. From 1983-1995, he was the Chairman of Designing, implementation

and facilitation of workers education programmes for the Bank and General Workers Union. He then moved to the

Trinidad & Tobago Labour Congress.

His years at the Trade Union culminated at the National Trade Unions Centre and it was from there he entered the

realm of politics. From 1995-1998 he held the post of Minister of Public Administration and Information and then

again in the year 2000. He has acted as the Minister of National Security, the Minister of Health, Minister of

Agriculture, Lands and Marine Resources and as Minister of Tobago Affairs.

His political portfolio continued to expand to include Chairmanship of the Public Sector Negotiations Committee

and Social Compact Committee comprising of government, Business and Labour. Our Honourable guest’s

professional accomplishments also include the preparation and co-ordination of a number of working papers on

globalization, regional integration and the rights of workers for and on behalf of the International Labour

Organization (ILO) for Labour Conferences of the America, Ottawa, Canada. He has obtained executive education

in Turin Italy where in 1990 he completed the Train the Trainers Course. He was privy to advanced knowledge on

reform in the Public Service, Commonwealth and Strategic Human Resources Management in a contemporary

Public Service organized by the UNDP and the Ministry of Public Administration in 1999.

He is a long-standing member of the Economics Association of Trinidad and Tobago, Parliamentarians for Global

Action (PGA) as well as the Global Organization for Parliamentarians against Corruption (GOPAC. He is also the

Joint President of the Local Chapter of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) and Regional Chairman

of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA).

Ladies and Gentlemen, he is an innovator and champion of transparency, the most recent and noteworthy of

which is his devising and Chairmanship of a Joint Parliamentary Committee to inquire into the operations,

administration and management of Ministries, Statutory Authorities, State Enterprises and Public Utilities

Our Honourable Member is a known Patron of the Marabella Family Crisis Centre as well as a number of charitable

ventures which includes, distribution of food and clothing for the poor/needy, assisting youths throughout the

country as well as providing counseling and advice to the youth. He is deeply interested in Legislative and

Constitutional Reform, Social and Economic policies of various jurisdictions and environmental policies. He is

widely published, and is the Honourable Speaker of the House of Representatives at the Parliament of Trinidad &

Tobago.

The Rt. Hon. Sir Charles Michael Dennis Byron President of the Caribbean Court of Justice

Sir Charles Michael Dennis Byron was born in Basseterre, St. Kitts on July 4, 1943 the

first of four children of Vincent and Pearl Byron. Sir Dennis won the Leeward Islands

Scholarship in 1960 and went on to read law at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge

University from which he graduated with a M.A and an LL.B. In 1965, he was called to the Bar of England and

Wales by the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple. Sir Dennis Byron distinguished himself in private practice as

a Barrister‐at‐Law and Solicitor throughout the Leeward Islands, with Chambers in St. Kitts, Nevis and Anguilla from

1966 to 1982. His judicial career began in 1982 when he was appointed as a High Court Judge of the Eastern

Caribbean Supreme Court. In 1999, he was appointed Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court,

having acted in that position for two years. As Acting Chief Justice, Mr. Justice Byron made the establishment of

the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court Judicial Reform Programme a matter of high priority. In 1997, he launched

the Judicial Education Institute as a Committee of the Chief Justice’s Chambers. The Committee produced a Code

of Ethics for Judges and organized a series of seminars and training programmes providing orientation for Judges,

lawyers and trial Court Registrars. This Programme was a prelude to the modernisation of practice and procedure

in litigation, which was brought to fruition when Mr. Justice Byron introduced the new Civil Procedure Rules 2000,

which came into operation as of 31 December 2000 thereby introducing case flow management to the civil

process. With these reforms, Mr. Justice Byron set a three‐fold objective, namely, the enhancement of public

access to the Court by simplifying procedures, the reduction of the delay in litigation, and the inculcation of a

higher standard of professionalism at the Bar.

In March 2001, Chief Justice Byron as he then was, as a member of an international delegation of jurists travelled

to Zimbabwe on a fact‐finding mission on behalf of the Human Rights Institute of the International Bar Association,

inquiring into reports of abuses against the Rule of Law by the Government. Mr. Justice Byron was subsequently

appointed by the United Nations Secretary General to replace Judge Lloyd George Williams, where he served as a

Judge of the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) from June 2004. He was elected

President of the Tribunal in May 2007, succeeding former President Erik Mose of Norway and was re‐elected for a

second term as President in May 2009. As President of the Tribunal, Mr. Justice Byron was responsible for the

overall management of the Court and for liaising with Member States, as well as the UN Security Council. He led

the implementation of ICTR strategic policies and the management of its external relations. While at the ICTR

Judge Byron has sat on 7 trial benches and served on a number of pre‐trial benches. Sir Dennis Byron has a

particular interest in judicial education activities. He has been President of the Commonwealth Judicial Education

Institute (CJEI) since the year 2000. In 1995, over a five month period, in tandem with Operation Uphold

Democracy, in an initiative of the US National Center for State Courts,Judge Byron, with two other international

Judges and support team, organized judicial education programmes for the Judiciary of Haiti. Judge Byron also

made presentations to the Judiciary of Suriname for another Judicial Education event geared towards the

Independence of the Judiciary in 1999. In 2000, Mr. Justice Byron was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II, and he was

appointed a member of the Privy Council in 2004. Also in 2004, he was appointed an Honorary Bencher of the

Honourable Society of the Inner Temple. Sir Dennis holds the first Yogis & Keddy Chair in Human Rights Law at

Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia Canada. The Right Honourable Sir Dennis Byron took the oath of office as

President of the Caribbean Court of Justice in his home country before His Excellency Sir Cuthbert Sebastian,

Governor-General of Saint Kitts and Nevis. He is married to Lady Norma Byron, and they have six children.

The Honourable Mr. Justice A. Jamadar J.A. Puisne Judge of the High Court

The Honourable Mr. Justice Peter Jamadar was admitted to the Bar of the Republic

of Trinidad and Tobago in 1984 and appointed a Puisne Judge of the High

Court in September, 1997. He was elevated to the Court of Appeal on

October 1, 2008.

Justice Jamadar pursued his Bachelor of Laws at the University of the West Indies, graduating

with honours in 1982. He then graduated from the Hugh Wooding Law School, Trinidad in

1984. Justice Jamadar subsequently completed his Masters degree in Divinity from the

University of Toronto, graduating with honours in 1997. He is a Fellow of the Commonwealth

Judicial Education Institute (2004). He is also a certified Transpersonal Psychologist (2007) and a

certified Mediator (2011).

Justice Jamadar began his legal career in private practice as an Attorney-at-Law in chambers

with his father, Vernon Jamadar, a former Leader of the Opposition and a prominent Trinidad

and Tobago Parliamentarian. He was a partner with Justice Wendell Kangaloo in the law firm

“Jamadar and Kangaloo."

Justice Jamadar is the author of two books, The Mechanics of Democracy: Proportional

Representation vs. First-past-the-Post (1989) and Democracy and Constitution Reform in

Trinidad and Tobago (2008, in conjunction with Dr. Kirk Meighoo). Justice Jamadar serves on

several committees within the Judiciary, including the Rules Committee of the Supreme Court

(2002-), the Bench Bar Committee (2008-) and the Judicial Research Assistants Management

Committee (2010-). He is the fourth and current Chairman of the Trinidad and Tobago Judicial

Education Institute, having been appointed in 2009.

Justice Jamadar also serves on the boards of non-profit organisations. He is the Chairman of

the Board of Directors of St. Andrew’s Theological College (2009-) and a Director on the Board

of the Foundation for Human Development (2005-). Justice Jamadar is married to Shail

Pooransingh-Jamadar, an attorney-at-law, and has two daughters, Serayah and Rebekah

Jamadar.

The Honourable Clifton De Coteau, MP Minister of Gender, Youth and Child Development

Clifton De Coteau joined the political arena in 2003 and served as the Local Government

Representative for the Electoral District of Inverness/Princes Town until 2010. In 2010, he was

elected the Member of Parliament for the constituency of Moruga/Tableland and appointed

Minister in the Ministry of Education. In June 2012 Clifton De Coteau was appointed Minister,

National Diversity and Social Integration. He was then appointed Minister of Gender, Youth and

Child Development in September 2013 where he presently serves the people of Trinidad and

Tobago.

A graduate of the Mausica Teachers’ Training College and later the University of the West Indies with a Masters in Education,

BA in History and Economics, Diploma in Education, Diploma in Public Administration, Certificate in Human Resource

Management and Alternative Dispute Resolution - Advanced Certification. Minister De Coteau has served in education as a

Teacher, Dean, Vice-principal and Principal at his Alma Mater, St. Stephen’s College Princes Town, Barrackpore Senior

Comprehensive School and Princes Town Senior Comprehensive. He later worked as a School Supervisor III in two Districts and

as a Superintendent for Continuation Classes. He is a member of the Joint Select Committee - Government Ministries, Statutory

Authorities and State Enterprises - Group II, Parliament Questions Committee, Finance Committee and National Security

Council.

Minister De Coteau has developed a reputation of pioneering works and has been described as the “Man that gets the Job

done” by those who have worked with him. Under his leadership at Ministry of National Diversity and Social Integration the

Nelson Island project was realized, restoration of Mille Fleurs was championed; the first book on Heritage sites and African Sites

was created; the lists of heritage sites was developed, a requirement by the National Trust as dictated by the National Trust Act;

twenty-five [25] acres of land located in Arima were championed and officially given to the Indigenous Peoples; the “Flag in

Every Home Project” was realized; the creation of the Inter-Sectoral Steering Committee at the Ministry was created; a location

for the new Ministry at Wrightson Road was obtained; the famous tag line “I am, You are, We are Trinbago” remains as a legacy

to the work of Minister Clifton De Coteau all done in eleven months.

Minister De Coteau continued the pioneering work at the Ministry of Gender, Youth and Child Development. In one year the

first National Youth Directory was developed; the first National Youth Commission was constituted. The First Children’s Forum

in Trinidad and Tobago, giving young people a voice to speak out; Operationalization of the Children’s Authority and Children

Protection System, and movement towards the Proclamation of the Children’s Act, and package legislation laid in Parliament,

after being dormant for many years until Minister De Coteau took the obstacles and turned them into stepping stones to get

the job done.

He has served his community of Princes Town and Environs as Chairman of various Committees for development, cultural

interests, national celebrations and activities such as: Carnival, Emancipation Day, Independence Day, Christmas and Easter,

Indian Arrival Day, Boxing Tournaments, Best Village presentations, Lion Clubs, the National Kick Boxing Council of Trinidad and

Tobago and the Scout Association. Former Chief Judge, Best Village Folk Competitions - La Reine Reive, Former Judge - National

Carnival Commission. He is also a professional photographer and was instrumental in the development of the Moruga

Museum.

Clifton De Coteau was a former District Governor of the Lions Club in Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname and Guyana and his

dedication to Lionism is evidenced as can be seen from his service during the following years: 1986-1987 Charter President,

Lions Club of Princes Town, 1987-1988 President Lions, Club of Princes Town 1988-1989 Secretary, Lions Club of Princes Town ,

1990-1991 Zone Chairman Zone 4 B 1991-1992 Region Chairman Region 4;1994-1995 : District Governor 60 All Clubs in

Guyana; Surname and Trinidad and Tobag; 1995-1996 Chairman, Council of Governors Overseeing Activities in Districts 60A and

60B (All Clubs in the Caribbean).

His Excellency Gauri Shankar Gupta Indian High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago

Born in the small town of AJITGARH in the State of Rajasthan, India on July 15,

1956, Mr. Gupta spent his childhood in a rural milieu. He did his schooling from the

local government school. He did well in his academic career and stood first in the

Order of Merit at the Secondary and Higher Secondary School Examinations in the State of Rajasthan

and was awarded gold medals by the State Board. He was also selected for the National Scholarship,

which is awarded to a very few selected students.

In 1973, he moved to Jaipur and joined the University of Rajasthan for his higher studies. He did his

Bachelor of Commerce in 1976 and a Masters in Management in 1978. Once again, he stood first in the

Order of Merit at the University and was awarded Gold Medals both at B. Com. and MBA examinations.

In 2014, Ambassador Gupta was awarded “Ambassador of the club of Budapest” for his work in

promoting sustainability, interconnectedness and non-violence.

Soon after Masters in Management, Mr. Gupta served in a private sector bank for a period of three

years. During this period, he also completed the course of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India

and became a Member of the Institute. In 1980, he appeared for the Indian Civil Services Examinations

and was selected for the Indian Foreign Service in July 1981.

As part of his diplomatic assignment, Mr. Gupta served in the Indian Missions in Belgium, Bangladesh

and Bahrain as Second Secretary/First Secretary. During his posting in Delhi, he served in the Economic

and Finance Divisions of the Ministry of External Affairs as Deputy Secretary. Subsequently, Mr. Gupta

served as Deputy Chief of Mission in Indian Embassy in Mexico, and as Deputy Permanent Delegate of

India to UNESCO, Paris.

During his assignment with the Indian Mission to UNESCO, Mr. Gupta also served as Alternate Member

of India on the Executive Board of UNESCO. Subsequently, he was posted as Minister, Embassy of India,

Manila from January 2001 to April 2003. From June 2003 till September 2006, Mr. Gupta served as

Ambassador of India to Mongolia.

From October 2006 to February 2010, Mr. Gupta served as head of administration in the Ministry of

External Affairs of India

Mr. Gupta served as Ambassador of India in Budapest from April 2010 to August 2013. During this

period, he was also Ambassador of India to Bosnia & Herzegovina. Since October 2013, Mr. Gupta is

currently serving as High Commissioner of India to Trinidad and Tobago, Commonwealth of Dominica,

Montserrat and Grenada.

Professor Clement K. SankatBSc (UWI), MSc (UWI), PhD (Guelph), FIAgrE, CEng, FAPETT

Professor Clement Sankat is a member of the Executive Management Team of The University of the West Indies (UWI) and is currently Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Campus Principal of St. Augustine Campus. As Campus Principal since 2008, he is focused on building the capacity, quality, sustainability and reach of the St. Augustine Campus of the UWI.He is a senior member of the academic staff of the Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering of the Faculty of Engineering, UWI, St. Augustine Campus and is a registered

professional Mechanical/Agricultural Engineer with the Board of Engineering of Trinidad and Tobago. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree (First Class Honours) and Master’s in Mechanical Engineering from The UWI and a Doctorate from the University of Guelph’s School of Engineering (Canada). He is a Chartered Engineer (CEng), a Fellow of the Institution of Agricultural Engineers (FIAgrE) of the UK and a Fellow of the Association of Professional Engineers of Trinidad and Tobago (FAPETT). A graduate of Queen’s College in Georgetown, Guyana, he was the recipient of a Government Scholarship for undergraduate engineering education and was the winner of the Sir Solomon Hochoy Award for best Mechanical Engineering student at the UWI in 1972. He received a UWI postgraduate scholarship for Master’s research, a CIDA scholarship for Ph.D studies in Canada and an NSERC Research Associateship in Food Engineering at Laval University in Quebec, Canada. For more than thirty years, Professor Sankat has been engaged in Departmental, Faculty, Campus and University administration and leadership at the UWI. He is a former Head, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Assistant Dean, and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering (2000-2007), Campus Coordinator for Graduate Studies and Research at St. Augustine, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Graduate Studies and since January 1st 2008, the Campus Principal, UWI, St. Augustine. He has been steadfast in supporting student centeredness, research and development, graduate-level training and in building capacity, promoting quality and accreditation for engineering education at the UWI and in the Americas. His teaching, research and development and professional interests are in the areas of Processing/Storage of Tropical Crops and Food Engineering, Engineering Graphics and Machine Design, and the Management of Innovation. Professor Sankat was the first engineer to be promoted to a Readership in the Faculty of Engineering, UWI and was subsequently promoted to a Personal Chair in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. His research and developmental work in the areas of Caribbean Food and Agro-industrial Development has been published in the leading international and regional journals in the field such as Transactions of the American Society of Agricultural Engineering; Canadian Agricultural Engineering; International Journal of Food Science and Technology; Post Harvest Biology and Technology; Food Research International; West Indian Journal of Engineering; Tropical Agriculture and ASEAN Food Journal. Professor Sankat has more that a hundred published papers to his credit. Much of this has been achieved through his direction of graduate research students at the Masters and Doctoral levels and through external research grants. Some of his work has gone beyond academia and has been extended and applied in the food and agricultural industries. He is committed to bringing technology and innovation to bear on food and agricultural production in the Caribbean. Professor Sankat has for many years been actively involved in the application and promotion of Science and Technology (S&T) for national and regional development. He is a long serving member on the Board of Directors of the Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (CARIRI) and has previously served as the Institute’s Chairman. During his tenure as Chairman of CARIRI Professor Sankat led the drive to re-focus and reengineer the Institute with a strategic vision of business service and self-sufficiency.

Professor Whitfield Andy Knight Institute of International Relations, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine

B.A., McMaster University, Hamilton; M.A., Dalhousie University, Halifax; Ph.D. York University, Toronto.

Research Interests: Peace, Global Governance, Human Security, Migration and the United Nations and Multilateralism.

Professor. W. Andy Knight is Director of the Institute of International Relations (IIR) at The University of the West Indies and Professor and former Chair of the Department of Political Science at the University of Alberta. Based at the UWI St Augustine Campus in Trinidad from January 2013, a Barbadian by birth, Professor Knight has had a distinguished career as an academic and a scholar in Canada, culminating in his head the Department of Political Science at the University of Alberta.

He serves as an Advisory Board Member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Agenda Council on the Welfare of Children and was a Governor of the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) from 2007 to 2012. Professor Knight co-edited Global Governance journal from 2000 to 2005 and was Vice Chair of the Academic Council on the United Nations System (ACUNS).

Knight has written and edited several books, book chapters and journal articles on various aspects of multilateralism, global governance and peace, and United Nations reform. His recent books include The Routledge Handbook of the Responsibility to Protect (with Frazer Egerton) –Routledge, 2012; Towards the Dignity of Difference?: Neither 'end of History' Nor 'clash of Civilizations' (with MojtabaMahdavi) – Ashgate 2012; and Global Politics (with Tom Keating) – Oxford University Press 2010.

His work cuts across international relations, international law and global governance and is known for challenging the embedded orthodoxies of contemporary multilateralism. A much sought-after analyst, Professor Knight has been named a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada – the highest honour afforded to Canadian academics

The Honourable Arthur Napoleon Raymond Robinson TC, OCC, SC (Posthumous) Former Prime Minister and President of The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

Arthur N. R. Robinson was one of the most experienced statesmen in Trinidad and Tobago, the

Caribbean region and the Commonwealth. He has been in public life for over 45 years and was the

only person who has held all three of the highest public offices in Trinidad as well as in Tobago. He

was the Chairman of the Tobago House of Assembly, the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago and President of the Republic

of Trinidad and Tobago.

In 1990, when taken hostage in the Parliament building with other Parliamentarians by a small group of Muslim fanatics in an

attempted coup and called upon at gun point to direct the security forces to withdraw and surrender, he defiantly resisted with

the command to “attack with full force”. By his heroic stand, he inspired others to save the constitutional democracy of

Trinidad and Tobago at the risk of his life.

Mr. Robinson represented his country at many international conferences and at the United Nations(UN). He has been

acknowledged as a visionary and in 1989, during his tenure as Prime Minister, introduced in the General Assembly of the United

Nations, the proposal for the establishing an international criminal court or other international criminal trial mechanisms with

jurisdiction over persons engaged in the most serious violations of international criminal law. Mr. Robinson, with renowned

scholars and Non-Governmental Organisations, pursued this matter relentlessly. Tribunals for the trial of persons who

committed gross violations of international criminal law have since been established in respect of Rwanda and Bosnia-

Herzegovina.

In September 1999, he was elected Honorary Vice President of the International Association of Penal Law (one of the world’s

oldest scholarly association), a distinction conferred upon a highly select group of persons whose contributions to international

criminal justice and human rights are highly recognized. In 1999, Mr. Robinson was nominated by senior officials of

“Parliamentarians for Global Action” for the Nobel Peace Prize. Mr. Robinson’s work and association with the UN and its

agencies has generated new and positive dimensions to relationships between the UN and developing countries.

Mr. Robinson was also at the forefront for fundamental reform in the approach to poverty reduction and eradication

interacting with the United Nations System and other international agencies in order to support a holistic and integrated

response to poverty and equity issues. As a consequence of this intervention, Trinidad and Tobago became the first nation to

access resources from the Poverty Strategies Initiative Fund of the United Nations Development Programme.

Mr. Robinson was instrumental in the development of several regional initiatives, including: a Caribbean Court of Justice; the

West Indian Commission, chaired by Sir ShridathRamphal, appointed in 1989 to chart a future course for the region; the

Caribbean Economic Conference and CARICOM Awards (for distinguished service to the Caribbean region). He spearheaded the

movement for greater participation and power-sharing by the smaller island of Tobago in the Unitary State of Trinidad and

Tobago. He successfully led the movement in Trinidad and Tobago for electoral reform, including abolition of the voting

machines and return of the ballot boxes.

Mr. Robinson provided Dr. Eric Williams in 1956 with the formula of words to be sent through the Governor to the Secretary of

State for the Colonies, The Right Honourable Alan Lennox-Boyd, which the secretary of State used to instruct the Governor. The

formula was “the nominated element must not be used to frustrate the elected majority”. By this means, two Peoples National

Movement legislators, Victor Stollmeyer and W.J. Alexander were nominated to the Unicameral Legislative Council by the

Governor. Thus, Mr. Robinson played a critical role in the appointment of the first and only Chief Minister of Trinidad and

Tobago and the formation of the first Peoples National Movement Government.

Mr. Basdeo Panday Former Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

Basdeo Panday was born in St Julien Village, which is a rural community

some four miles east of Princes Town, to poor peasant parents on the 25th

May 1933. As a child, he went to the St Julien C.M. School, which was some four miles from his

home. Not having any shoes he walked barefooted along a gravel road to get to and from

school.

At twelve years his grand uncle who lived in San Fernando took the young Basdeo to live with

him and sent him to Presentation College.

After leaving College at the age of seventeen he worked as a cane-weigher for Caroni Ltd., for

one crop season, then as a primary school teacher for three years and later as a clerk in the San

Fernando Magistrates” Courts. He was the court note-taker to Magistrate Noor Hassanali who

later became a Judge of the Supreme Court than the President of our country, Errol

Roopnarine, who later became Solicitor General, Churchill Johnson, the most feared

Magistrate, to name a few.

In 1957 at the age of 24, Mr. Panday left for England, where he studied Drama, Law and

Economics. He became a member of the Trinidad Bar in 1962. In 1965, he was awarded a

Commonwealth scholarship to do post graduate studies at Delhi University. On his was in India

from London, he came home to Trinidad to visit his parents. He got involved in politics, gave up

his scholarship and began to practice law. He became the lawyer for several trade unions,

including the Oilfields workers trade Union. As Editor of the Union’s newspaper, the Vanguard,

he was arrested and charged for criminal libel for publishing an article on Justice Hyatali, then

President of the Industrial Court. He became personally involved in the labour struggles which

taking place at the time, which landed him in jail on several occasions.

In 1972, following upon the death of Bhadase Sagan Maharaj, he became leader of the All

Trinidad Sugar Estates and Factories Trade Union (as it was called then). From which he fought

many battles to lift the sugar workers out of grinding poverty. He became a Member of

Parliament in 1976 as the Member for the Couva North Constituency, which he represented in

Parliament continuously for thirty-four years.

During his political career, he served as Leader of the Opposition, Minister of Foreign Affairs,

Minister of National Security and Prime Minister. Mr. Panday has four daughters and now lives

in San Fernando.

Dr Linda Baboolal Former President of the Senate

Dr Linda Savitri Baboolal was born on January 31st 1941. She attended St

George’s College, Barataria.

She then went to Manitoba University, Canada and later entered the Royal

College of Surgeons in Dublin, Ireland. She graduated in 1973 as L.R.C.P.I, L.R.C.S.I, L.M.

[Licenciate of Royal College of Physicians and Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland, Lincen. Of

Midwifery]. In 1973 Dr Baboolal entered the Port of Spain General Hospital and worked for two

(2) years as House Officer and Staff Doctor. In 1976, she went to General Practice and worked

with many alcoholics in her practice. In 1985, Dr Baboolal assisted in establishing New Life

Ministries Rehabilitation Center.

She then went to Mt. Sinai Hospital, Miami to do a Diploma in Addictionology with the support

of the Rotary Club of Port of Spain.

Continued voluntary work with the New Life Ministries on her return as:

1. Doctor in charge of clients

2. Lecturer to clients on Drugs and Alcohol

3. Lecturer to family members

4. Member of the Board of NLM Rehab and member of screening

committee.

5. Lectured throughout Trinidad to schools and groups on Drug

Addiction.

6. Lectured to Alcoholic Unanimous groups.

7. Lectured for 2 years to fourth year Medical Students on Substance

Abuse.

1991 Became a Minister of Government in The Ministry of Social Development.

Had the responsibility for NADDAP that is the agency responsible for Drug

Prevention.

1994 Became Minister of Health

1996 Elected as Chairman of the Peoples National Movement (the then ruling

political party)

Feb 2002 – Dec 2008 President of the Senate of Trinidad and Tobago

Acted as President of the Republic of Trinidad& Tobago.

2008 Returned to General Practice to Present.

Rev. Daniel Teelucksingh

Rev. Daniel Teelucksingh has served the Presbyterian Church of T&T for

approximately 50 years. He has a wife and three children. He received his

primary school education at the Riversdale Presbyterian Primary School and

later served as a pupil teacher at this school.

He completed his undergraduate degree in Theological studies at the United School of

Theology in Jamaica and later completed a Masters degree in Theology at the United

Theological Seminary in New York. He was ordained as a Minister of Religion in 1967 and has

served such regions as Tunapuna, Siparia, Couva, San Juan, Chaguanas, Woodbrook and

Curepe. He served as an Independent Senator in Parliament (1991-2001) and was vociferous on

issues as vagrancy, transparency, corruption.

Rev. Teelucksingh is a motivational and dynamic speaker who has spoken to numerous social,

religious and cultural bodies and NGOs. He is recognized as a promoter of peace and religious

harmony.

In 2014, he was awarded the Medal of Merit for his contribution to community service and

religion.

He was recently appointed to serve on the Mediation Board.

Mr. Ackbar Khan - Justice of the Peace

List of Awards

1998

Recipient of Long Service Award to the Judiciary and People of T and T

2005

Recipient of Icons (History Makers) Award

Recipient of Recognition and Appreciation Award from Samuel 'Brigo', Abraham

2006

Recipient of First Capital Award for Outstanding Contribution in the Field of Public Service

2007-2008

Recipient of Recognition Award from the Rotary Club Maracas

Recipient of Recognition and Appreciation Award from MastanaBahar Productions

2009

Recipient of Membership Growth Award from the Rotary Club Maracas

2010

Honoured at GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago. Awarded for forty-seven (47) years of Service as

Justice of the Peace

Recipient of a special award from JOPATT (Justice of Peace Association of Trinidad and

Tobago)

Recipient of the President's Award from the San Juan Business Association

Recipient of Appreciation Award from the First Capital Committee, for his sterling

contribution to the Tree Lighting and Parang in St. Joseph

Recipient of President's Appreciation Award from the Rotary Club Maracas

Presented with an Honour Award by Mr. Learie Joseph on behalf of Randy Glasgow Productions,

for Crowning the Calypso King of 1968, Mighty Duke with the prize of a vehicle.

2011

Presented with Vision with Mission Special Award from Century 21

2012

Recipient of Trinidad and Tobago National Award- Humming Birds Medal - Gold, in the field of

Public Service.

Mr. Sharan Chandradath Singh Director, Office of Institutional Advancement & Internationalisation at UWI

BSc (Whittier), MIBA (Nova Southeastern), MA (University of Miami)

Mr. Sharan Chandradath Singh is the Director of the new office of Office of

Institutional Advancement & Internationalisation at the UWI, St. Augustine Campus. This office, which

was established in early 2012, was built upon the existing International Office, and it was developed to

establish new capacity for the UWI St. Augustine in fundraising, alumni affairs, commercialisation of

assets and major transformational projects. Its primary purpose is to secure a competitive future for the

institution via new and innovative collaborations with its wide range of external stakeholders.

Mr. Chandradath Singh re-joined the UWI in 2009, having previously been a Business Development

Manager with the institution from 2002 to 2006. During his time away from the UWI, he was a senior

consultant (strategy) with PricewaterhouseCoopers Management Consultants Limited in Trinidad, where

he worked primarily on transformational projects in the local public sector.

Prior to retiring to Trinidad in 2002, Mr. Singh has lived and worked in England, Canada, India and the

United States. He holds a Bachelors degree in International Relations with minors in Spanish, and

Business Administration as well as Masters degrees in International Business Administration and

International Administration, all of the North American universities.

Ms. Leela Ramdeen

Leela Ramdeen is an Attorney-at-Law, Education Consultant and Episcopal

Delegate/Chair of the Catholic Commission for Social Justice, Trinidad and Tobago (TT),

West Indies. She was born in Trinidad on 16 June, 1950 and migrated with her parents

and siblings to the UK in 1967. She obtained her B.Ed., M.Ed., C.P.E. and LPC in London and her LEC in

TT. She had a varied career in the UK as an Executive Officer in Local Government, a teacher, Inspector

of Schools, Deputy Director of Education/Head of Quality Assurance.

Leela has a broad range of knowledge, skills and experience and is committed to volunteer work, e.g. for

11 years in the UK she was Vice-Chair of the late Cardinal Basil Hume’s Committee for the Caribbean

Community (the Cardinal was the Chair). She was also Co-Chair of Britain’s Anti-Racist Alliance. Mr. Ken

Livingstone, former Mayor of London, was the other Co-Chair.

She returned to live in Trinidad in 1998, and her voluntary work continues. As well as her work with

CCSJ, she is: a Director of the Archdiocese’s Catholic Religious Education Development Institute (CREDI);

a Director of Credo Foundation for Justice – a Catholic organisation – 4 homes run by the Holy Faith

Sisters for socially displaced children; a Board Member of the Faith Based Organisation for National

Action, TT - addressing issues relating to health and family life in TT; a Director of the Social Justice

Foundation – working with youths at risk – developing their proficiency in communication technology;

Chair of TT’s Education Discussion Group; a Facilitator of the Archdiocese’s VIRTUS Programme:

Protecting God’s Children; and the regional Chair of the Greater Caribbean for Life – an organisation that

is working to abolish the Death Penalty.

Inter alia, she was appointed by TT’s President as a member of the Police Service Commission for 4 years

(2003 – 2007). She was also a member of the Cabinet appointed Parole Introduction Committee (2004 –

2007).

For more than 5 years she wrote a column in Trinidad Guardian. Currently, she writes a weekly column

in TT”s Catholic News on social justice issues. Leela is the author of numerous articles/chapters in books

e.g. ‘The Rising Tide’, ‘Contemporary Issues in Catholic Education,’ ‘Catholics in Public Life’. She is a

competent public speaker and is often invited to deliver the feature address at various events both in TT

and abroad.

She is the recipient of a number of awards, for example: Catholic Woman of the Year (1994) in the UK; a

Papal Medal for representing the Holy See at a UNAIDS Conference in Jamaica in 2005; and an

Archbishop Anthony Pantin Award (2012) in the category of Social Work and Community Development.

Dr. Hans Hanoomansingh Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Heritage Radio 101.7

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Heritage Radio 101.7 FM, the nation’s only multi-religious, multi-cultural station that celebrates our diversity through ongoing and dynamic programming, and outside

broadcasts. Hans Hanoomansingh has been a radio broadcaster for 53 years and also spent many years as a News Anchor in the early years of Television. He has produced many biographies on outstanding citizens and documentaries on our festivals. Hans Hanoomansingh is a highly regarded broadcasting pioneer and icon and is best known for his significant role in the propagation of Indian culture on the airwaves. In 2009 Hans Hanoomansingh received the Media in Excellence Award from the Trinidad and Tobago Broadcasters and Publishers Association (TTPBA). In 2001, he was awarded the Doctor of Laws Degree Honoris Causa for his work in broadcasting and culture. He is also the recipient of the Humming Birds Gold Medal, the third highest national award. Hans Hanoomansingh has received numerous other awards and citations. He served for twenty-five years as President of the National Council of Indian Culture and during this period conceptualized and managed Diwali Nagar, the first Hindu theme park in the world. Hans Hanoomansingh was elected to the second parliament of Independent Trinidad and Tobago at age 24 then the youngest MP in the commonwealth. Hans Hanoomansingh is married to Myrna and has three sons, Peter, Kurt and Ravi, daughter-in-law Anipa and granddaughter Rania.

Dr. John Bharath Former Member of Parliament

Dr John Bharath was born in Tunapuna in the year 1927.

Attended St Mary’s College in 1940

University of Chicago – Bloomington

University of Bombay from 1950 to 1957

University of Bristol from 1955 to 1957

Practised his profession in Tunapuna

Became a member of Parliament from 1966 to 1971

Chairman of the public accounts committee for two terms

Father of four children who he educated in the Trinidad and the UK.

Member of the Caribbean Hindu Society as trustee and Board Member

Migrated to the UK and return to Trinidad in 1981 to practice surgery on his own at

Valpark, Valsayn

Committee Member of the Sanatan Maha Sabha Board

President Parent Teacher Association for Tunapuna Hindu school and Latchmi Girls

Hindu College

Chairman Social Services Board under Minister Manohar Ramsaran

PRO El Scorro Hindu Mandir

Consultant at the Ministry of Health

Awarded a Plaque from GOPIO for his services to the Hindu and Indian Diaspora.

Mr. Michael Lalbiharie Government Printer

Michael Lalbiharie joined the Government Printery on the 8th

August, 1972

as an apprentice Compositor. Coming from a humble background, he

continued his education at the former John S Donaldson Technical Institute,

where he pursued twelve (12) years of technical education in all the printing

disciplines. He continued his education at an academic level pursuing Undergraduate and Post

Graduate studies at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus. Over forty-two

(42) years of service and the only place he has ever worked his entire working life, he has passed

through all the top ranks of the Government Printery rising to the top position as Government

Printer in 1999.

He is the only Government Printer that was trained locally and the only one who has moved from

an apprentice position and attained the rank of Government Printer in the history of the

Government Printery which is over one hundred and forty one (141) years old. He is also one of

the longest serving Government Printers directing the Government Printery over fifteen (15)

years. He was responsible for transforming the Government Printery using movable types via the

molten lead system to a fully computerized printing establishment with some of the latest

technology being introduced.

He has also seen the relocation of the Government Printery from Victoria Avenue Port-of-Spain

to ETeck Park Caroni. The transformation from using molten lead and the relocation of the

Government Printery was discussed as far back as 1972 when he joined the Government Printery

as an apprentice Compositor. This became a reality under his stewardship as Government

Printer. He has interfaced with former President’s of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and

even our present President his Excellency Anthony , who came to visit him in his office.

He has served on many committees for national and international Government Conferences held

in Trinidad and Tobago and has attended many Government Printers Conferences and High

Security Printing Conferences one which was held this year in Chile. He also visited the United

Kingdom to view the restructuring of the former “Her Majesty Stationary Office” (Government

Printery of the United Kingdom), and held discussions with the Comptroller to the Queens

Printer (Government Printer of the United Kingdom) and visited the House of Commons and the

House of Lords. This was in an effort to restructure the Government Printery in Trinidad, a

process that is still ongoing. He is due to retire officially on the 7th

May, 2015 a service of forty-

two (42) years and nine (9) months a service to the Government and people of Trinidad and

Tobago and this is the only place he has worked in his entire life.

Mr Kamaluddin Mohammed

Mr Kamaluddin Mohammed was born in April 1927 and were the fifth of

thirteen children. He became the youngest Imam at the Jama Masjid in Queens Street

in Port of Spain. In 1940, he travelled throughout Trinidad and Tobago to promote

Indian Culture through the medium of live orchestras and started programmes on East

Indian music and culture the same year and in 26th September 1947, he started the

famous radio programme Indian Talent on Parade where he promoted Indian artist on his

programmes and always started the programme with prayers from the different religions. He

is known as the father of Indian culture for T&T. In addition, he was a foundation member of

the Tackvietulle Islamia Association

In 1970, he played a major role in the formation of the Inter Religious Organisation

He worked tirelessly for the development of religion and religious bodies and the

denominational schools

In 1956 at the Dilbahar restaurant on 55 Queen Street, Port of Spain, he met with the late Dr

Eric Williams which saw the formation of the PNM and is currently the only founding

member alive

Became a Government Minister in 1956 and have served as Minister of Health, Public

Utilities, Foreign Affairs, West Indian Affairs and Local Government.

As Minister of health he was responsible for the construction of the Mt Hope Maternity

Hospital, the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, and 41 health Centers from 1972 to

1981

In 1978, he became the first black person to be appointed at the World Health Organisation

He was described as Mr CARIFTA as he worked for the development of CARICOM

Acted as Prime Minister on many occasions and was Leader of Government business in the

house of representative

In 2000, he was appointed by Hon Basdeo Panday as Caricom Ambassador where he played

a major role in the establishment of the Single Market and the Economy

In 2010, he was awarded by the Peoples Partnership Government lead by the Hon Kamla

Persad Bissessar the Order of Trinidad and Tobago

In 2010, he was awarded an honorary doctorate at the University of the West Indies in St

Augustine

In 2012, at the recommendation of the Hon Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar and

Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Surujrattan Rambachan at the Caricom meeting in Suriname,

he was recommended to receive the “ Order of Caricom” which his son Aleem Mohammed

received on his behalf in St Lucia

He has received awards from the governments of Venezuela, Brazil and Senigal.

This is the brief story of a man who has served religion, culture, and politics and has dine

with kings, Prime Ministers, Presidents, but never lost his simple touch.

He is the father of six children.

Brahma Kumari Sudesh Sethi Director of European Brahma Kumaris Centres

Didi Sudesh, born in 1942, has been interested in social service since

the days of her childhood. Raised in a spiritual family, she was educated

in all the scriptures of India and went on to attain her Bachelor of Arts

Degree in Political Science at Punjab University in Delhi. During this

time, (at the tender age of 16), Didi also completed a short term post as

Head Mistress of a Girls School. Motivated by the feeling to always do more, and to not be of

service on merely a gross level, Didi ultimately encountered The Brahma Kumaris World

Spiritual University (BKWSU), in 1957. Following the inspirations she received there, she

realised that her true desire was to serve humanity as a spiritual, social worker.

It wasn’t long after this that Didi became an instrument to open many BKWSU sub-Centers and

spiritual museums in Delhi and surrounding areas. She moved on to become an instrument for

conducting Teachers Training at the Centers in Delhi, as well as the Headquarters of the

institution in Mt. Abu, Rajasthan. A deeply inspiring and articulate speaker, she also began

participating in a wide variety of public programs, conferences and seminars - an agenda that

took her on extensive tours around the whole of India.

In 1974, Didi was sent to England, becoming part of the small group of founding members of

western service. Shortly after her arrival, she became Director of the BKWSU service outreach

within the United Kingdom, a duty which thoroughly acknowledges her ability to transfer to the

West, the profound spiritual experience of the East. Since then, she has travelled to over 85

countries, lecturing extensively on all facets of spirituality and its practical application in

everyday life. The proliferation of BKWSU centres around the world is, in part, a testimony to

the benefit that people from all cultures have derived from the teachings she shares so

tirelessly.

Transferred to Germany in 1996, Didi was currently acting as Director of all the BKWSU Centers

there and in Europe. A Yogini of over 50 years, Didi is a living demonstration of the spirituality

she strives to impart; a powerful inspiration to all who meet her.

Maureen Goodman Programme Director of the Brahma Kumaris UK

Maureen Goodman is the Programme Director of the Brahma Kumaris in the UK and also

travels widely giving workshops and lectures on themes related to spiritual development. She

has worked with a variety of community groups, developing the University’s outreach work in

the UK in prisons, healthcare, education, youth and women’s issues and interfaith dialogue.

Maureen is also the University’s representative at the United Nations, Vienna. In 2000,

Maureen was the worldwide co-ordinator of Brahma Kumaris projects for the United Nations International Year for

the Culture of Peace.Maureen’s concern for environmental issues focuses on understanding the deep connection

between awareness, attitude, values and lifestyle. In 2012, she was part of the BK delegation to the UN

Convention on Biological Diversity in Hyderabad, India and presented at the Earth Charter event at the Parliament

of the World’s Religions in Melbourne in 2009. In 2008, she addressed the World Environment Day Conference in

Oman. In 2007, she was a key presenter at the conference, ‘Bridge to the Future – Reality or Dreamed’ in The

Netherlands, on the theme of ‘Violence and Climate Change.'Working in the area of inter-religious dialogue

nationally and internationally for over 30 years, Maureen serves on several committees including the World

Congress of Faiths.She was a member of the advisory committee of ‘Respect – it’s about time,'an initiative

launched by HRH the Prince of Wales to bringing together young people in Britain’s faith communities.

Maureen has represented the University in inter-religious dialogue worldwide, including the World Council of

Religious Leaders in Bangkok, 2004, the Board of the Elijah Interfaith Institute in Taiwan, 2005 and Germany 2013,

and the Middle East-Asia Dialogue, Beirut, 2006. She was the international co-ordinator of The Inner Voice – a

dialogue of religious and spiritual leaders held in Mt Abu, Rajasthan in October 2005 and at the Global Retreat

Centre near Oxford, UK in 2011.Maureen is a member of the Executive Board of the Steering Committee of the

Spirit of Humanity Forum, bringing together leaders from across the world to explore the role of higher human

values and spirituality in empowering effective decision-making at personal, community, national and international

levels.The theme of the second Forum in Reykjavik, Iceland, 2013, was Love and Compassion in Governance. As

part of the international co-ordinating team for BK Youth Activities, from 2003 to 2011, Maureen co-convened the

annual International Youth forum at the Brahma Kumaris Spiritual Headquarters in Mt Abu, India. The Forum

attracts youth from around 50 countries.

Maureen contributed towards developing the Principles of Responsibility for Rights and Humanity, an organisation

promoting respect for human rights as a foundation for global economic and social justice and human

development and was a member of the Advisory Board, Women, Working Towards Excellence: The Our Lives

Project, UK, an initiative to capture the voice of Muslim women.

Recent presentations include:

Spirituality for a World in Crisis, London, UK, June 2013 Eleventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, CEPA Fair,

Awakening Biodiversity Consciousness, Hyderabad, India, October 2012 United Nations International Day of Nonviolence, Muscat, Oman, October 2012 World Peace Festival, Celebrating the 31

st UN International Day of Peace, Dublin, Ireland, September 2012

Ela Gandhi Social Worker, Editor/Chairperson- Satyagraha

Ela Gandhi – Grand daughter of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. Born at the Phoenix

Settlement in Inanda. Primary schooling in the Inanda state Aided Primary School and

secondary at the Durban Indian Girls High school.

Academic: B.A. (Social Science) Honours Post graduate diploma in Adult Education

Personal: 5 children, One son were assassinated on 16th

December 1993 at age of 29. 2 grandchildren. Divorced

and single.

Work History: Social worker from 1965- 1970 at Durban Indian Child Welfare Society and 1979 to 1989 at the

Verulam Child Welfare Society (to the best of my recollection). My contribution to the profession was to look at a

holistic approach to social work. I worked on an incomplete manuscript on this.

Education Information manager from 1989-1993 is looking at careers and the reality of unemployment, of choice,

of subjects at school level to be able to gain entry into careers of choice.

Member of Code one and two, and negotiation forum and then the Transitional Executive Council before joining

the Parliament. Oversaw process to the elections. ANC Member of S.A. Parliament, National Assembly from 1994-

2003 and Served as a member of the following portfolio committees: -Justice, Public Enterprises, Joint Monitoring

Committee on the status of Youth, Children and Disabled, Social Development, Arts, Culture, Science and

Technology, Education, and Ad Hoc Committee on Surrogate Motherhood, Resigned in 2003

Presently serves in an honorary capacity as:

Editor/Chairperson- Satyagraha 1999-present,

Trustee Gandhi Development Trust- and manager of the programmes of the organisation- 2002- present

Annual Salt march, Annual Essay and speech festivals, annual Mahatma Gandhi International Award for

Reconciliation and Peace, annual Mahatma Gandhi Lecture, and conferences organised by the Trust.

Chancellor Durban University of Technology 2007-2012

Founder and Board member International Centre of Nonviolence (ICON)

Was a member of the ANC’s Commission on Religious Affairs

Vice President of World Council of Religions for Peace (WCRP)

Patron -Hurley Centre

Political incarceration:

Served with banning and house arrest orders from August 1973 to April 1982

Literary work:

Presented papers at various conferences and seminars:

Some articles and speeches have been published in various journals.

Awards:

Recipient of several awards from community organizations and governments, both local and international.

Br. Harrypersad Maharaj President, Inter Religious Organisation

Harrypersad Maharaj affectionately known as Brother Harry was born in Irene Village,

Princes Town. He received his early education at the Iere Village primary school. He later

successfully completed his secondary education at the Renown College, San Fernando, He

pursued his technical education at the San Fernando Technical Institute, and John S

Donaldson Technical Institute in Port of Spain as a student in Mechanical Engineering.

Brother Harry is a certified Television Broadcaster, Family Counsellor, Certified Civil and Family Mediator. He was

appointed as a Justice of the Peace by His Excellency the President since November 2000. He has also attained

certification in courses including HIV – Aids Counsellor, Drug Addiction and Self Management Leadership

Brother Harry joined the Brahma Kumaris in 1977 and has travelled extensively representing this country in several

international events.. After working in the public service for many years, he then dedicated his life completely to

the service of humanity at a much higher level. He is one of the longest serving members of the IRO and has held

Offices more than any other member of the IRO. He has been a resident of the Raja Yoga Centre local

headquarters in San Fernando for the past 37 years. His hobbies include gardening, meeting people, sentimental

songs and music, photography, making people smile, and sports. Some of his areas of service include:

Justice of the Peace.-J.P. Appointed by His Excellency the President of T. & T in November 2000. (Min. of the Attorney General)

Certified Family and Civil Mediator and registered with the Mediation Board of Trinidad and Tobago

Chairman of the committee in 1998 to review the Concordat of 1961 for improving the relationship between the Government and the denominational boards of education. (Ministry of Education)

Member of the Task Force for the establishment of a Youth Policy for Trinidad & Tobago 1998/99.(Ministry of Youth)

Member of the Standing Committee on Crime 1998 for 3 years.(Ministry of National Security)

Member of the Civic Council on Social Equity, 1997/2000. ( Ministry of Social Development)

Member of the San Fernando Regional Social and Human Development Counsel (RSHDC) 2009 (M.S.D.)

Member of the Advisory Committee for Child Development. (Ministry of Gender, Youth and Child Development)

Member of the Inter-Ministerial Committee for Observing the Year of the Family. (MGYCD)

Member of the Youth Training Council. ( Ministry of Justice)

Member of the Inter-Sectoral Committee on Patriotism (Ministry of National Diversity and Social Integration)

Member of the Media Complaints Council. (Trinidad and Tobago Publishers and Broadcasters Association)

Secretary of the San Fernando Business Association Arthur N R Robinson Poverty Reduction Fund.

Member of a committee with the Bureau of Standards on advertising. (Ministry of Trade and Industry)

Lead a mediating team to restore a functioning Parliament and relationship between then President Arthur N R Robinson and Prime Minister Basdeo Panday in February 2000 after a dispute between both.

President of the Inter Religious Organisation of Trinidad and Tobago (IRO) 1997 to 2000 and June 2012 to present (Youngest President in its 44 years of existence).Secretary IRO 1995 to 1997, 2003 to 2006 and 2010 to 2012.

Initiative a radio and TV programme for the IRO from 1997 to 2009. “United for a Common Purpose , and WE Believe currently on Talk City 91.1 fm every Tuesday from 11.00 a.m.to 12 noon."Lead a team of IRO members to prayer for Dr Wayne Kublalsingh.

Professor George Maxwell Richards Former President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

Hon. Patrick Augustus Mervyn Manning Former Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

Former First Lady Zalayhar Hassanali

Membership of the Inter Religious Organization of Trinidad and Tobago

· Arya Pritinidhi Sabha.

· Brahma Kumaris Raja Yoga Centre of Trinidad and Tobago Inc

· Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha

· Shiva Dharam Sabha

· Swaha Incorporated

· Vedic Mission

· Trinidad Academy of Hindusim

· Trinidad &Tobago Pandits Parishad

· Kabir Panth Association

· Divine Life Society of Trinidad and Tobago Inc.

· Anjuman Sunatul Jamaat Association

· Trinidad Muslim League

· Tackveeyatul Islamic Association

· Catholic Church

· Anglican Church

· Ethiopian Orthodox Church

· Mount Olivet Spiritual Baptist Church

· Presbyterian Church

· The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

· Triune Spiritual Baptist

· Council of Elders Spiritual Shouter Baptist

· West Indian United Spiritual Baptist Sacred Order

· Unity of Trinidad and Tobago

· Baha’i Faith

· The Council of Orisha Elders of Trinidad and Tobago

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· Members of the Inter-Religious Organisation of Trinidad and Tobago

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· A publication of the Inter Religious organization of Trinidad and Tobago

· For further information, please contact Br. Harrypersad Maharaj

· At Tel: 1-868-768-7481 / 868 - 325-1410 or e-mail: brotherharry@tstt.net.tt

· For further information, please visit the IRO Website: www.iro.co.tt

· https://www.facebook.com/iro.co.tt