Be compassionate, but practical

WITH CIVIL UNREST building consistently in Venezuela and Venezuelans migrating to several countries including TT, President Paula Mae Weekes called for local government branches to be compassionate when dealing with them.

She also advised that while being compassionate toward the Venezuelan migrants, to be practical.

“Our first port of call should be compassion,” Weekes said, “But after compassion comes practicality. Therefore those who are in a position to understand what our systems and our facilities can accommodate if they can act with compassion then we will do as much as we can for our Venezuelan brothers and sisters.”

Weekes made the statement earlier today during the launch of the Citizen True programme at the cottage of the President’s House on Circular Road, St Ann’s.

The Citizen True programme will select 24 students from schools across TT, and engage them in several programmes that would teach social skills, wellness, belief systems and tolerance. Weekes said, the issue of the Venezuelan crisis is a topic that the program will seek to edify the students on.

“Our society – even without the influx of migrants – is such a diverse one, tolerance across the board is necessary,” Weekes said. “We cannot really progress unless we have some kind of common understanding and, at least, a harmonious working relationship.”