THE community legal aid clinic is heading to Tunapuna next month.
In an interview with Newsday, the clinic’s legal administrative team said they would partner with the Tunapuna Open Bible Church for the next clinic on September 14 from 9 am-2 pm.
After Tunapuna, the clinic will head for Gasparillo as team member attorney Stacy Ann Ramkhelawan-Ragoonath was born and raised there and would like to give back to her community.
The previous legal aid clinic was held at In God’s Grace Ministries in Cunupia, on August 3.
Ramkhelawan-Ragoonath said the clinic included a total of 16 in-person consultations and two virtual consultations.
While many participants pre-registered, the event also welcomed several walk-ins.
“The event was an outstanding success, surpassing all expectations. The turnout exceeded our predictions, and those attending left enriched with valuable knowledge and information they might not have had chance to access otherwise.
“Our very first attendee travelled all the way from Manzanilla after spotting the clinic featured in the Newsday.”
She said those attending expressed their sincere thanks to the team, and some said without the clinic, they would not have been able to afford a legal consultation.
Toni Ellis, a member of the legal administrative support team, said, “We are really pleased with the response received from the community. Persons were relaxed and given enough time to consult with attorneys.
“One person even expressed his gratitude to the church for using their resources to assist the community.”
The legal administrative support team is excited about upcoming clinics and looks forward to serving with churches in various communities.
Ramkhelawan-Ragoonath expressed her gratitude for the outcome of the clinic.
“The overwhelming positive response has already inspired us to plan the next legal aid clinic.”
She anticipates future collaboration with Pastor Solomon and In God’s Grace Ministries.
Solomon said, “In God’s Grace Ministries is open to future partnerships with the legal aid clinic. The clinic was a genuine attempt to both facilitate and assist the needs of the community through the church and the legal aid clinic.”
He said it would be a good step if the government would also collaborate with the church in various programmes and various communities, also including agriculture and sporting programmes.
“Avenues need to be explored and implemented through the church.”
Ragoonath proposed several other initiatives she is interested in hosting, including mentorship programmes, career-development workshops, and networking opportunities for young men and women interested in becoming lawyers.
Those attending upcoming clinics must bring a valid form of ID and any supporting documents. Pre-registration is required.
For more information call or WhatsApp: 495-7840.
The post Legal aid clinics heading to Tunapuna, Gasparillo appeared first on Trinidad and Tobago Newsday.
