Centre for Racial Solidarity launched

STJCSD is a non-governmental organisation which was initiated in November 2004 by a small group of citizens in the St Joseph area who embraced the vision of enhancing and enriching the lives of citizens through education. The project (STJCSD) was initiated by psychologist and Secretariat for the Implementation of Spanish Dr Sharon-Ann Gopaul-Mc Nichol, board chairman Kurt Francis, Sat Baboolal and others.

As part of its programme, STJCSD has established several units which include the Centre for Racial Solidarity, the Academy of Arts and the Academy of Sports, computer literacy internet cafe, adult/child literacy reading, the Spanish cafe, counselling centre, vocational training centre and the St Joseph Community Skills Bank.

According to Francis, these units were necessary to "ensure every resident irrespective of party affiliation, socio-economic and educational level, race and religion that they have an equal opportunity to benefit from the resources of the community in a fair and objective manner."

The vocational training centre encourages participants to become micro-entrepreneurs and already, 13 small businesses have been started. STJCSD has also secured three acres of land in Tamana to assist farmers and has plans of constructing a three-building dormitory for members of the programme.

"Imagine a Trinidad and Tobago where all of its citizens’ abilities are recognised and accepted, where there is intellectual equity. There is no difference between the genius of a surgeon and that of a seamstress. Both jobs require the same amount of precision and skill to accomplish...and this is what we are highlighting at STJCSD," Gopaul-Mc Nichol said.

Gopaul-Mc Nichol took the opportunity to launch her book entitled: "Contributions of Political Parties to the Socio-Political, Educational and Economic Development of Trinidad and Tobago."

Over 100 students received certificates in computer literacy and remedial reading.