By Sue-Ann Wayow
THE development of Trinidad and Tobago cannot be done by one segment of society working alone and must involve all sectors.
This is according to Minister of Social Development and Family Services Donna Cox.
Cox on Sunday, delivered remarks at the Curepe Pentecostal Empowerment Ministries International (CPEMI) as it celebrated 75 years in existence.
Cox attended on behalf of Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, a release from the ministry on Monday stated.
The church is a member of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the West Indies (PAWI).
In her remarks, Cox told attendees, “The exponential growth you have experienced over the 75 years of your existence, has not only been in terms of your physical assets, but more importantly, in your membership and in the thousands of persons to whom you minister on a daily basis. From the pioneer days of 1947 with approximately 40 members, to a congregation of over 1,500 today, which represents an approximate 5000% increase; the church has grown phenomenally over the years and has been impacting lives and households, locally, regionally and internationally.”
She also acknowledged that during the pandemic, CPEMI also ensured that the hungry were fed, the naked clothed, the sick visited and even those in prison benefitted from their service to society.
Cox said, “The Government seeks to encourage and facilitate the participation of Curepe Pentecostal Empowerment Ministries International and other faith-based organizations, in the growth and development of the people of our beloved Republic. The state sector and faith-based organisations have been partners long before we gained political independence 60 years ago, and we continue to collaborate to the present day, pouring resources into schools, residential care facilities for children and young adults, halfway houses, and even homes for the aged – all operated by faith-based organisations.”
She further emphasised that the challenges facing the nation and the world today were not one-dimensional, they are complex and intractable and cannot be resolved by a single approach or by only one segment of society working towards a solution.
The minister encouraged the members of CPEMI, and other similar non-government organisations, faith-based organisations and civil society organisations, to continue to partner with the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services.
Also in attendance were Member of Parliament for Laventille West and Minister of National Security, Fitzgerald Hinds, Member of Parliament for St. Augustine, Khadijah Amen, PAWI’s General Bishop of the Reverend Sonny Williams, Assistant Bishop of PAWI (Trinidad and Tobago) Revered Anthony Roberts and Reverend Dr Melch Pope.
