Priest calls for respect in society

FATHER Michael Makhan of the Arouca Holy Trinity RC Church made a plea to parents, children, and persons with influence to spread religion, promote respect and act responsibly for the sake of our society.

Makhan was speaking yesterday at an Inter-Faith Service which was held at the church in recognition of the 11th anniversary of the Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation. In attendance were MP for Tunapuna Eddie Hart, Ambassador Jerry Narace, Acting Commissioner of Police Everald Snaggs and senior representatives of the protective services. “The ethos in society now is one of ‘give me’ and ‘what can I get.’ I used to walk down Picton Road and Laventille Road and rap with the brethren, but now all they ask is what I have to offer them. I have to go there with my pockets empty now,” lamented Makhan. He used various examples to highlight the need for the strong spiritual foundation, respect to be shown for one another and a higher level of responsibility to be displayed by both children and adults.

During the celebration heavy rainfall forced officers of the Police Service, Coast Guard, Fire Services, Prison Service, Cadet Force along with several youth groups, who were waiting to march from the church to a nearby park, to retreat to their respective vehicles or huddle under the covered walkways of the church. A large group of keen observers lined the Eastern Main Road, following the culmination of the ceremony and the end of the brief shower, to watch the short parade which ended at approximately midday.