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CERLAC News |
Director's
Message
By Viviana Patroni As usual, it is a real pleasure to reach every one of you again with news about CERLAC’s activities and programmes. As this report demonstrates, we have been very hard at work in order to increase our presence here at York, as well as in Canada and the hemisphere. We undertake this task with the conviction that there are critical tools we can contribute to the work that our colleagues in the region carry out in our collective struggles for a more just society. Farewell to a wonderful colleague and friend: Marshall Beck leaves CERLAC Last May Marshall Beck, CERLAC’s Administrative Assistant since 1999, left York to take on a new position as Editor for NACLA’s Report on the Americas. During his years at CERLAC Marshall gained the affection and respect of everyone involved with the Centre. Not only was he always ready to tend and contribute to the many issues and tasks that demanded his attention, but he did this with a kindness and effectiveness that earned him the appreciation of faculty, students, fellows and visitors to CERLAC. It was simply impossible not to feel a special affection for Marshall, and he made CERLAC a truly welcoming place.
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As usual, it is a real pleasure to reach every one of you again with news about CERLAC’s activities and programmes. As this report demonstrates, we have been very hard at work in order to increase our presence here at York, as well as in Canada and the hemisphere. We undertake this task with the conviction that there are critical tools we can contribute to the work that our colleagues in the region carry out in our collective struggles for a more just society. A number of very important events took place at CERLAC during the period covered by this newsletter, effectively strengthening the connections that bring the various countries in the hemisphere together. Our two major conferences were in fact aimed at addressing themes that have been central for the region: international migration and continental economic integration. The two events were very successful in providing the space not only for the presentation of ideas but also for the development of links that will continue to bear fruit into the future. A number of initiatives connected to the growing demands for fair trade were also instrumental in strengthening our links to organizations outside the university working to consolidate progressive alternatives for small producers in the region. I would also like to acknowledge the community presence in the planning and design of the last Jagan-Baptista Lecture, which was instrumental in making it such an unqualified success. With an eager audience, Dr. J. Michael Dash shared insights into the history of Haiti in a way that allowed for an important reflection on the meaning of freedom and its expression through cultural forms. CERLAC also had a leadership role in the formation of the University Consortium on the Global South at York, which was launched in April 2004 with a very successful workshop on “Social Movements and Globalization: Resistance or Engagement” and in the launch of a weekly Colloquium Series on the Global South, which runs most Wednesday afternoons during the academic year. In 2003 we were awarded funding for the development of a major new project in Latin America that will seek to create and strengthen University programmes in human rights education as well as to support the work that several partners within civil society undertake in the protection and extension of rights for marginalized populations in the region. This new project helps to increase our institutional presence in the region, and to add to what several of our projects have been accomplishing over the last several years. Last May we bid farewell to our dear friend and colleague Marshall Beck. While it was difficult to see him go, we are confident his future beyond CERLAC will also bring all the professional rewards he deserves. I am delighted to introduce Shana Yael Shubs, the new Administrator at CERLAC, to all our community. Shana has been successful in securing a seamless transition and in a very short period of time has become fully integrated into all our activities. Her initiative has been central in the development of a number of very successful events both within and outside York. Welcome Shana, we are very happy to have you as part of our team. We were also thrilled to learn about Doris Grinspun’s major achievement in receiving the Order of Ontario. Congratulations Doris, on a much deserved recognition for your invaluable contribution to the community. I was away during the 2003-2004 academic year and during my sabbatical Ricardo Grinspun took on the responsibility of Acting Director, with the critical support of Marshall Beck. Thanks to both of you for a fantastic job! Thanks also to all my colleagues at the Centre who give so generously of their time and energy to make CERLAC the vibrant place it is. The participation of Benjamin Cornejo in the administration of the centre has also been pivotal in making possible the successful implementation of CERLAC’s regional projects. Our activities and programmes could not be possible either without the support of a team of graduate students who every year come to fill the Centre with their enthusiasm and commitment. To all of you my heartfelt appreciation.
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Last May Marshall Beck, CERLAC’s Administrative Assistant since 1999, left York to take on a new position as Editor for NACLA’s Report on the Americas. During his years at CERLAC Marshall gained the affection and respect of everyone involved with the Centre. Not only was he always ready to tend and contribute to the many issues and tasks that demanded his attention, but he did this with a kindness and effectiveness that earned him the appreciation of faculty, students, fellows and visitors to CERLAC. It was simply impossible not to feel a special affection for Marshall, and he made CERLAC a truly welcoming place. As an administrator and active member of our research community, Marshall left a major legacy in the Centre. He was extremely successful and efficient in facilitating the organization of numerous events that increased our visibility within York and beyond. The various activities he coordinated and his particular input in the running of CERLAC’s different programmes and publication series brought a new dynamism to the Centre. In particular, CERLAC’s relationship with the broader community became further consolidated as did the participation of students in the life of the Centre. Marshall was an inspiring supervisor of countless graduate assistants, and has helped many graduates with their career aspirations. He was always willing to share his time, skills and knowledge, and certainly made a difference in the lives of many. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to CERLAC and in light of expectations that he will continue to contribute to research on Latin America and the Caribbean in his new position at NACLA, Marshall was granted CERLAC Fellowship status. The gathering organized by faculty and students to say goodbye to Marshall was a very vivid example of our deep appreciation and warm affection for him. He will remain for always a true friend and wonderful colleague, and we wish him well in his new position. From all of us at CERLAC.
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Remembering Dan Benedict: Solidarity forever Dan! An outspoken advocate for greater social justice, workers’ rights, education, quality public health care, and justice for seniors, and a tireless campaigner in the cause of international solidarity has passed away. Dan Benedict, retired staff representative of the National Automobile, Aerospace, Transportation and General Workers of Canada (Canadian Auto Wokers - CAW), died September 16, 2003 in Ottawa after a courageous battle with cancer. For the members of CERLAC, Dan was one of the most admired, appreciated, and respected individuals associated with the Centre. He collaborated actively with CERLAC's work since the Centre was founded in 1978. Through the years Dan acted as a consultant, advisor, and a friend to CERLAC with respect to contacts in the region, and in efforts to promote new projects. To mention just a few examples, Dan was a key participant in CERLAC's Chile Project as a liaison between academics and labour activists in Canada and Chile, thereby helping to keep socially relevant education and research alive in Chile during the Pinochet military regime. He also co-organized CERLAC's tenth anniversary conference in 1988 on Labour Movements and Social Change in Latin America and the Caribbean. As well, Dan donated a priceless collection of materials on labour and politics in Latin America to CERLAC's Documentation Centre. Dan’s lifelong partner is his beloved Micheline who has remained as passionate as Dan about the fight for greater social justice around the world. He leaves behind two daughters, Marie-Blanche and Francesca; a son, Stephen, and four grandchildren. There is so much more we could say. Suffice, perhaps, to recall how enthused CERLAC was to endorse Dan’s nomination to the Order of Canada in 1988, and our joy when news came that he had received it. We remember him as a brother whose life and work exemplify the best qualities of model citizenship and human solidarity. Solidarity forever, Dan! See CAW’s announcement of Daniel Benedict’s death, on which this one is based in part. |
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CERLAC Fellow Doris Grinspun was among 27 Ontarians invested to The Order of Ontario by Lieutenant-Governor James K. Bartleman at a Queen's Park ceremony on March 31, 2004. The Order of Ontario recognizes and honours those who have enriched the lives of others by attaining the highest standards of excellence and achievement in their respective fields. Doris is CEO of the Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO) and a noted educator, consultant, and tireless advocate of the Canadian Medicare system. As head of RNAO, she has fostered partnerships with governments, health care and other professional organizations and civil society groups to strengthen Medicare, enrich nursing practice and build a strong working environment to support nurses and others in serving Ontarians. A native of Chile, Ms. Grinspun began her nursing career in 1974 in Israel. She has an extensive clinical background working with patients and families in settings ranging from critical to rehabilitative care. She has worked as a staff nurse, clinical nurse specialist, educator, researcher, senior administrator, policy expert and consultant, both in Canada and abroad. A lifelong learner, she is now completing her doctoral studies in sociology at York University. Her research interests include nursing, administration, management and leadership, and she is focusing her studies in Chile, Colombia, Cuba and Ecuador. Currently she is working on a study titled "Desarrollo de Centros de Excellencia en Enfermería Rehabilitativa,” in which the second phase is investigating best practice guidelines for patients in a state of coma, and their families. |
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