As part of its mission to function as an engine of development, to engage the public in issues of importance to the wider society and to undertake public education, The University of the West Indies will host a conference on the “Principles of Fairness” on Saturday July 30, from 9.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. at the Learning Resource Centre, at the St. Augustine Campus.

Presentations on the theme of the Principles of Fairness will be made by a number of individuals from the wider society as well as from within the University. There will be a number of moderated sessions that will allow those attending to debate issues relating to governance that are of concern to Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean.

The “Principles of Fairness” outlines eight principles that are designed to provide guidance to citizens in their conduct towards each other as well as for those individuals and organizations responsible for the governance of Trinidad and Tobago. A considerable number of organizations representative of a wide variety of interests have signed the Principles of Fairness.

1. We are committed to building T&T as a united nation, with its people, though of different ethnic origins, having common hopes and aspirations.

2. We reject discrimination, on whatever grounds, in all its forms and will promote and support only such policies and practices which enable all members of our society to enjoy equality of treatment from government and all its agencies, as well as the private sector. In particular, we must work for the elimination of discrimination in the following fields of activity:

• Employment
• Education, health and security
• Access to all facilities provided, including the supply of goods and services
• All development and poverty relief programmes provided by government at all levels
• Allocation of housing
• The award of contracts, concessions or licences

3. We are committed to establishing a society in which citizens enjoy reward in accordance with their individual effort and achievement. Where special circumstances exist requiring the undertaking of special programmes, these will be addressed on a non-partisan basis.

4. Our cultural and religious differences are an important asset, and the various communities that comprise our population must be free to engage in their cultural and religious practices without hindrance, provided that in doing so they respect the rights and freedoms of others.

5. All persons holding responsible positions in our country must endeavour to promote racial harmony in our society, and avoid making public statements which may tend to have a disruptive effect.

6. The press as a powerful instrument for the moulding of public opinion, while having the right to publish in exercise of its constitutional freedom, should likewise make every effort to promote racial harmony in our society, and exercise great care in the publication of material which may adversely affect race relations in the country.

7. It is important that those entrusted with the governance of the country and all leaders in the public and private sectors make every effort to ensure that our economic and political systems operate in such a manner as to produce a cohesive society in which equity and fairplay are the guiding principles.

8. Our republican Constitution, which was established more than 25 years ago, must now be reviewed as a matter of urgency in order to address the constitutional problems that have arisen over the year.