Tutu calls for help in poverty fight

Archbishop Desmond Tutu yesterday thanked the people of TT for supporting the fight to end  apartheid in his homeland, South Africa, and appealed for assistance in a new fight — against poverty. “Fighting apartheid was perhaps the easier part. Now the tough part begins. The tough part is eradicating poverty in our land, to keep every one of our people enjoying the fruits of freedom,” Tutu told the large congregation in his sermon at Holy Trinity Cathedral.

}Using biblical analogy, he said far too many South Africans are still in the wilderness “And we want to see them cross the Jordan into the promised land, where they too will have jobs, not go to bed hungry and have decent homes.” Tutu appealed for TT not to abandon SA and used the opportunity to put in a plug for support of his country’s bid to host the 2010 World Cup. Tutu said he came on behalf of millions and millions of people to say thank you to the people of TT. He wanted to express his thanks with applause, but did not want anyone to think he was crazy. So with a wave of his hand “like a magic wand,” Tutu made the congregation honorary South Africans. He invited all to clap the people of TT. “I think we should give the people of Trinidad a standing ovation.” The congregation obeyed the instruction. Tutu continued his profuse thanks to the country for helping South Africans to be free of their shackles and to walk upright and free.  “We are striving to be the rainbow people as you in this country have become so magnificently.”

From as early as 8.30 am, people began assembling to see the former Archbishop of Cape Town and 1984 Nobel Peace Prize winner. It was not his first visit to TT or the church as he has been here twice before —  in 1976 and 1987. While the church could seat 800 people, 300 additional seats were added to accommodate the many people who wanted to see and hear Tutu. His arrival was eagerly anticipated and members of the congregation and media kept looking at the Abercromby Street entrance to the church for Tutu. His arrival at the Trinity Cathedral at 11.20 am evoked spontaneous applause from the congregation. Just a few seconds earlier, former President Arthur NR Robinson strode toward the front of the church, accompanied by his bodyguards. Prime Minister Patrick Manning; National Security Minister Martin Joseph and Port-of-Spain Mayor Murchison Brown also attended the Mass.

The congregation was engrossed throughout Tutu’s 23-minute sermon in which he provided quips, anecdotes and a “before and after” picture of his homeland. Several times there was spontaneous applause. Tutu said “before” it was a land of vicious racism with Afrikaaners and natives divided. Public signs said “Natives and dogs not allowed” and “Drive carefully natives crossing.” Tutu said a small majority enjoyed the benefits of their white skin and affluence, while the vast majority of natives were living in ghettos, deprivation, poverty. The minority enjoyed the best education, health and jobs, while their black counterparts had a “travesty of education” which educated them for servitude. Tutu said children were taught enough English and Afrikaaner to understand instructions from their white employer. “It was a land where nearly three million people were uprooted from their homes because they were in the wrong spot and dumped like they were rubbish in poverty.”

Tutu said God intervened and on April 27, 1994, a miracle unfolded. He said people who were previously “at each other’s throats” were now standing in line waiting to vote. Tutu said he voted for the first time at the age of 62 and his compatriot Nelson Mandela also voted for the first time, at the age of 76. The experience transformed the country to a place of peace and stability. He said South Africa is now welcomed with open arms in culture, sport and every conceivable way. That country could also boast of having the world’s most admired statesman — Mandela. Tutu highlighted the improvements in living conditions of his people, following the end of apartheid and said the victory scored would not have been possible without the support of the international community. He made mention of the people who prayed, demonstrated and were ready to be arrested. Tutu concelebrated Mass with Bishops Clive Abdullah, Rawle Douglin and Dean Knolly Clarke. Bishop Clive Bess is out of the country. Asked his impression of Tutu’s sermon, former President Arthur NR Robinson said he was moved by Tutu’s appeal for the eradication of poverty in South Africa. Tutu was scheduled to leave the country yesterday.