Parish priest visits Chief Secretary

THA Chief Secretary Orville London (right) welcomes Father Stephen Duncan to his office on Tuesday. (11th June 2013)
Head of the Scarborough Apostolic Vicariate of the Catholic Church in Tobago, Father Stephen Duncan paid a courtesy call on THA Chief Secretary Orville London on Tuesday. (June 11 2013)

During their 30-minute meeting at the Calder Hall Administrative Complex Father Duncan who assumed duties as Parish Priest of St Joseph in Scarborough in October brought London up to date on the work of the Parish including the $1.5 million restoration of the Ark, a building which served as the first residence of the parish priest and also the first convent on the island.

The Ark is one of five historic buildings being restored in Scarborough with the assistance of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA). Father Duncan disclosed that the Assembly had pledged $1 million towards the $1.5 million project. He added that while the Assembly has released most of its commitment, the Catholic Church has so far contributed $400,000.

He thanked London for the Assembly’s assistance in the restoration project and said the activities to be carried out when the building was complete would serve as a beacon of unity in the island.

Father Duncan also took the opportunity to invite London a free concert at the Goodwood High School on Sunday starting at 5 p.m. during which a contribution will be collected.

Father Duncan said Scarborough which was one of six vicariates created by the Church from April 1 2013 has brought the parish into its decision-making process.