2015 Caribbean News Archive 2015 Caribbean News Archive

Table of Content

Suriname Servie News - February 2015

10 March 2015

Youth Program

On the 7th of February 2015 the BK Youth Group in Suriname was invited to a one day youth camp organized by the High School OS Tamanredjo in the district Commewijne. The chosen theme was The Key to Success. There were 35 students present between the 17-23 year old. The aim of this day was to motivate the students who were preparing for their final exams.

Shivratri Celebrations

Flag hoisting and shivratri celebrations were held at several Geeta Patshala's in Suriname. There was also a public program with the theme In God's Heart. In this program there were several dialogues about our love for God and how we make God part of our life. Br. Sean Taylor and Brother Bhola Narain shared that the relationship with God is a secret, special and sweet relationship where there is no room for any form of pressure. The basis for this is a clean Heart. Being thankful to God and experiencing everyday as a gift was shared  in the second Dialogue with Sr. Liesbeth Piroti en Sila Kisoensingh. They shared that asking God for anything is not necessary, He gives you everything as long as you open your heart. In the third dialogue Sr. Miguella Tilburg en Sr. Loes shared the importance of God in our life besides our daily activities and other successes. Happiness experienced from God is the only true happiness because He doesn't expect anything back from you. 

During the program there were also cultural items and meditation sessions which contributed to an evening filled with peace an silence. 

 

2015 Shivratri Celebrations in Trinidad and Tobago - Service News with Photographs

3 March 2015

The first BK Shivratri event in Trinidad & Tobago for the year 2015 was held on Sunday 8th February from 5 – 7.30 pm at 14 Milkman Trace, Sobo Extension, La Brea in Trinidad at a Gita Pathshala run by Brother Ramdeo. Read here for more report.

 

 

Br. Ramprakash Visits Haiti - Service News with Photos

17 Febuary 2015

Haiti this week (4-6 February) was the most recent host to 7 Billion Acts of Goodness initiative which saw bro Ram Praksh travel to several Caribbean countries. The Haiti leg of the tour was most unique as it included a seminar with over 100 troops of the Indian Military Police regiment stationed in Haiti as part of the ongoing UN peace keeping mission. The troops, including their commanding officer, listened in rapt attention as bro Ram outlined the aims and objectives of the program which has so captured the attention since its launch in 2009.......Read here for the detailed report.

 

 

7 Billion Acts of Goodness - Caribbean Island of Grenada

11 February 2015

On Thursday January 29, 2015 at 6:45 am Brahma Kumar Ramparkash Singal arrived in Grenada . A very tiny island with a population of almost 100,000, very well known throughout the world as "the isle of spice." We consider ourselves very fortunate that a yogi of over forty-one years has placed his footsteps here.

 

His first interview at 9:00am was with (MTV) Meaningful Television. He was told only five minutes but the interviewer went on and on with her questions so he spoke for about forty-five minutes.

 

By 10:00 am his second interview was with the main national radio station, he was told only fifteen minutes. The interviewer asked him question after question, he spoke for almost one hour. The rest of Thursday was spent meeting people individually. He also met with the founder of (GARP) Grenada Association of Retired Persons, Carol Vasquez. She responded very positively and promised to enlighten every member of her organization with this international project. She said a project of this nature will have a domino effect not only here on this tiny island but throughout the entire world, as everyone is looking for their goodness. She said this project will help them to look inside and not out.

 

Friday January 30 began with a courtesy call on the Prime Minister of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique at 7:15 am. The Right Honorable Dr. Keith Mitchell welcomed Ramparkashbhai and commended him for making him and this nation aware of such a meaningful and most needed project not only here in Grenada but all over our troubled world.

 

Rambhai also met with advisor to the Minister of Health, Mrs. Ann David-Antione, Sen. the Hon. Brenda Hood, Minister of Culture & Heritage and several other dignitaries without appointments. This was possible because the Prime Minister's Office and all Ministries are housed in one building known as "The Ministerial Complex."

 

Rambhai thinks that Grenada is such a beautiful island. He was told by (GIS) Government Information Service, the government television that his stay was too short and he must come again. He happily flew off to Barbados his next place of service.

 

 

 

Service News from Suriname - Br. Ramprakash's Visit, 7 Billion Acts of Goodness and More.......

5 Febuary 2015

From January 23th to 25th, 2015 Brother Ramprakash visited Suriname. It was a short but very effective visit. The main purpose of his visit was the launch of the7 Billion Acts of Goodness project. After several successes in other parts of the world, this program was launched in the Caribbean. He visited many people and many programs were held together with media coverage. This project was also introduced to the Minister of Education of Suriname, Mr. Ashwin Adhin. The Minister acknowledged the importance of values in the education system and the importance of the involvement of our Youth in this. He was very enthusiastic about this concept and offered to integrate this project in the education system......Read here for detailed report with photos.

 

 

7 Billion Acts Of Goodness - Service News from Barbados

5 Febuary 2015

BK.Ram Singal spent less than 24 hours with us in Barbados and with his enthusiasm, experience, easy and practical manner, he was able to ignite the sparks of goodness in the hearts and minds of those who attended the programme at the centre. About 40 persons attended the session which was advertised as "Dealing with ‘All of a Sudden' situation."... 

Click here for detailed report with photos.

 

 

Shivratri letter to the Region

2 Febuary 2015

Dear Bapdada's Serviceable Instruments:

We are at the end of January, the avyakt month where we paid a lot of attention of creating the avyakt stage, and reinforcing our commitment to Amritvela.  We are also privileged to have the presence of our dearly beloved Dadi Janki with us in London.  Her classes given in London have not only transmitted the wonder of her amazing spiritual journey, but the wonder of her pure and clean intellect and her ever-flowing bhavna take us into the very depths of Baba's love leaves us in awe of who really Dadi is.

Now we are moving into the celebration of Shivratri and we are lucky to have been blessed with such love from Bapdada, the Dadi's, and the family.  I am sure that you are all preparing to celebrate this very auspicious festival with the will to reveal Shiv Baba.

As promised we have uploaded the Shivratri materials created in English on the following website:

http://onelink.brahmakumaris.org/shiv-jayanti

No log-in is required to access these materials. They are available to one and all.

The materials available are as below with name followed by a description:

  • In God's Heart Flyer Template - Customizable Flyer

  • In God's Heart Blessings Template (12Up) - Add your own blessing text to this template. There are 12 to a page.

  • In God's Heart Blessings Template (8Up) - Add your own blessing text to this template. There are 8 to a page.

  • In God's Heart Customizable Press Release - This Press Release is from Harmony House, but it can be customized to announce your local program.

  • Maha Shivratri: Ancient Festival Has Relevance Today - 500 word Article in pdf format by Sister Kiran

  • Shivratri: The Dawn Confluence of Light and Darkness - 1000 word Article in pdf format by Sister Kanishta Agarwal, PhD

  • 79th Shiv Jayanti Folio in Hindi p1, 79th Shiv Jayanti Folio in Hindi p2 - Colorful Hindi double-sided folio. Pages 1 and 2 are meant to be printed back-to-back.

I would like to wish you all a very, very happy Shiv Jayanti and as we celebrate Baba's birthday, we will also celebrate the newness that is being born in us every moment spent in Baba's remembrance.

With love in Baba's remembrance

Sister Mohini

 

 

Br Ram Prakash's Visit to Trinidad and Tobago

2 February 2015

Launching of 7 BILLION ACTS OF GOODNESS - 26th-28th January, 2015

When Baba speak about the Omens of Jupiter, no doubts that his children who are born under this auspicious sign are worthy. Sis. Hemlata, Br Ram Parkash and Br Harry spend time sharing their

experiences with others and each other.

 

At 8:00am, they visited the President Sir Dennis Byron and other Judges of the Caribbean Court of Justice and members of staff. As Br Harry had a schedule event with the CCJ, he took the opportunity to invite Br Ram Prakash to share the news about the 7 Billons Acts of goodness which was well received. They were accompanied by Sister Hemlata.

 

After having breakfast in the car and a cool sweet coconut around the Savannah, they then paid a friendly visit to HE Archbishop Nicola Girasoli - Apostolic Nuncio - Ambassador of

Trinidad and Tobago before going to Talk City Radio 91.1 FM for a one hour long live radio programme from 11 to 12 noon - a weekly programme of the IRO – Inter Religious Organization

 

At 12.30 p.m. they paid a courtesy call on HE Gauri Shankar Gupta, High Commissioner of India to Trinidad and Tobago.

 

At 2.00 p.m. at the Parliament, Br Ramprakash was privilege to meet and share with Minister in the Ministry of Youth, Gender and Child Development Mrs Razia Ahmed about the 7 Billion Acts of

goodness. He also met with Minister Marlene Coudray, Minister of Local government, Hon Gary Griffith, Minister of National Security and Hon Minister Embau Mohini.

 

After lunch at around 3.00 p.m. he then went to the Cruise Ship Complex later in the evening where he addressed the gathering at a programme organized by the BK in Port of Spain.

 

It was an enjoyable day under the bright tropical sunshine demonstrating what Acts of goodness means.

Om Shanti 

 

 

Celebrating the 47th Death Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi

2 February 2015 - Trinidad and Tobago

The High Commissioner of India, the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Cultural Co- operation, the Gandhi Seva Sangh and the Brahma Kumaris Raja Yoga Centre came together and hosted the 47th death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

 

The programme started with the garlanding and wreath laying of the statue of the Mahatma at Harris Promenade in San Fernando. This statue is said to be the first to be erected outside India and one out of three in Trinidad.

   

This was followed by a formal programme at the Raja Yoga Centre was attended by about 150 persons, many of whom are professionals from the Indian community from India who are domicile here. The wife of His Excellency was also present along with other dignitaries.

 

Sister Hemlata welcomed all to the Centre and conducted meditation, creating a very peaceful and powerful spiritual atmosphere for the proceeding to follow.

  

His Excellency Gauri Shankar Gupta, High Commissioner of India welcomed all and shared his experiences of Gandhiji, and how he had impacted his own life. He drew references of few of the occurrences in the life of the Mahatma both in South Africa and India. He spoke of the struggles and successes until an Independent India.

 

Councilor Phillip Montano represented the Mayor of the city of San Fernando, and Dr Carrington represented the University of Trinidad and Tobago. They both and Mr Mahadeo Bissoon a thinker of Gandhi philosophy brought brief greetings.

 

Former Independent Senator and Mediation Board Member, Rev Daniel Teelucksingh gave a very inspiring message in which he identified some of the main issues affecting the country and the relevance of the life and teachings of Gandhi to its resolve. 

 

Dr Hans Hanoomansingh, having just returned from the Pravasi in Ahmedabad, spoke about the historic aspects of the Mahatma in Trinidad, and how his life and teachings has impacted the lives of so many very prominent Trinidadians. His keynote address traced from the installation of the first statue at Harris Promenade in San Fernando, the naming of the village after the Mahatma, Gandhi Village, and the formation of the Gandhi Seva Sangh by the late Mr Bisram Gopie.

 

The event was chaired by President of the Inter Religious Organization Br Harrypersad Maharaj, who shared many quotes of the mahatma, and the inspirations he have had from the mahatma even to the extent of becoming a member of the Brahma Kumaris.

 

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by the Director of the Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Cultural co-operations, Mr J P Arya. 

 

Everyone was then treated to patriotic songs and the Bhajans of Mahatma Gandhi organized by the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Cultural Co- operation followed by a sumptuous dinner.

 

 

Br Ram Prakash (NY) Promotes Seven Billion Acts of Goodness in Guyana

1 Febuary 2015

Pioneer of "7 Billion Acts of Goodness," Br Ram Prakash of New York, spent four days in Guyana from Sunday, 18th to Thursday, 22nd January promoting the initiative.  It started with a launch on Monday and culminated with a training session for BK's and contacts on Wednesday.  The time in between was spent promoting the initiative mainly through radio, television and newspapers, as these were the most effective means to promote it in a short period.  There were two interviews on radio, three on television and at least three newspaper articles (all at no cost).

The response was a wave of interest and enthusiasm, which seemed to be due mainly to the simplicity of the concept, the simplicity of implementation, and the fact that just about anyone can find a refreshing goodness in it.  With the interest in the training given and promotional materials offered, indications are that a powerful seed has been planted.

Attached are a few shots of events.

The Guyana family

Sister Mohini's Inspirations for Celebrating Shivratri

22 January 2015

 
Dear Sisters and Brothers:
 
2015 is the year of newness at many different levels. One of the ways in which newness can emerge is in the celebration of the various events that we observe. Newness emerges when we look for deeper significance in the observance of something meaningful; zeal and enthusiasm get generated bringing vigor and vitality into the celebration.
 
The 18 of January is special to all Brahma Kumaris and Kumars, as it touches in us the subtle efforts in embodying the angelic stage and in following the father's footsteps. It puts the focus on "mansa-seva," the subtle service that Brahma Baba is doing at present, and reminding us that this is the type of service that will have maximum impact on the world. The Amritology initiative renewed in us what is foundational to our constant remembrance of Baba. Also the special homework to experience the avyakt stage in the avaykt month is a practical way to stay connected to Baba in the subtle region.
 
Shivratri is coming up in the month of February and Baba is very clear and specific when He says " you have found the Father, the One who wins your heart, the One who grants salvation to all, the One who removes your sorrow and bestows happiness on you." The Being with ONE Initiative was very inspiring to many, many Brahmins around the world, and so Shivratri is the time to be lost in the love of the Ocean of Love and to share His introduction with our brothers and sisters who are thirsty for a drop of love from the Ocean.
 
We would like to share with you some of the ways we are planning to celebrate Shivratri in New York and the Tristate area. The motivation is to create a ripple effect in our zeal, enthusiasm in fulfilling Baba's hopes in us. Seeing that Shivratri falls close to the time of Valentine's Day, we have chosen the theme of "In God's Heart."
 
We are focusing on 4 specific areas:
 
A simple and beautiful card featuring "Feel in your heart, the gaze of God's Eye" is being printed. This card is intended to give an introduction to Baba in a ‘loving' and ‘personal' way, and goes beyond the celebration of Shivratri and can be used as a general hand-out on God.
 
Media-Outreach on the significance of Shivratri and importance of time -- this would include getting articles, particularly in the ethnic newspapers, internet outlets, BK center's Blog and Facebook pages and other forms of social media. Also public service announcements on radio that could offer thoughts for today, giving tips on how to connect to God and the benefits. Interviews on radio, tv, etc.
 
Visiting the Hindu temples and distributing the cards, and perhaps the opportunity to give Baba's message.
 
A public event at Harmony House on Shivratri. Using creative talents and performing arts to develop an experiential evening that could serve to open people's hearts to receive Baba's love in a profound way. The theme of "In God's Heart" will be the core of the experience and Brother Anthony Strano's poetry from his book of the same name and Sister Sigrun's artwork will be threads weaving through the evening.
 
We plan to make available to you all the templates that we have created on or before February 2.
 
The places you can access them are: The Onelink Portal, The Being with ONE website. You can also request these templates by email by contacting Erik on newyork@brahmakumaris.org
 
With love in Bapdada's remembrance
Sister Mohini