radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt
The Presbyterian Church in T&T plans to establish three food banks and convert one of its buildings into a home for battered women.
These were among plans announced at a press conference in San Fernando yesterday to celebrate the church’s 150th anniversary. Moderator Annabell Lalla-Ramkelawan said they include programmes to deal with social ills, including school violence.
“The theme of our celebration is Looking at the Past, Appreciating the Present and Fulfilling the Mission. We are doing this through our outreach programme. Lots of people are losing their jobs, people are in need of food ,so we are launching the food bank at three locations where people can come and get food items for free. We will also develop a programme to deal with school violence,” Lalla-Ramkelawan said.
She said a building has been identified to house battered women and the church council will meet in late January to discuss the issue.
The church hopes to raise $15 million this year to build an administrative centre in Couva. Construction of the three-storey building at Balmain will begin next month and should be completed by December. Tthe top floor will house an auditorium for 300-400 people, while the mid-level will house the synod as well as all boards and committees of the church. There are also plans to acquire television and radio licence.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, there will be a thanksgiving service on Sunday, a wreath laying ceremony next Monday and a cultural show at the San Fernando City Hall auditorium next Wednesday.