Republic of Congo update

Fr Joachim Lelo gives us an update on his work in Pointe Noire, the "Ocean Port of Central Africa"

Fr Joachim Lelo

"AOS Congo is working closely with the National Committee for the Welfare of Seafarers in the Congo to achieve a better world in the service of seafarers. To put it another way, we are working in solidarity with seafarers as witnesses of hope through Word, Liturgy and Service according to the resolution of the XXII AOS world congress in Gdynia in 2007.

In pursuit of that goal, we are working on a detailed study of developing AOS services in countries where we do not yet have a presence. These include the enclave of Cabinda and also Matadi in the Democratic Republic of Congo (former Zaire) where an important Central African port is located.

We are also working to create opportunities for exchange and twinning with other committees and associations for itinerant people. Finally, we are planning to make International Maritime Day an occasion for close co-operation with people of other religious beliefs according to the spirit of ICMA".

Snapshot of actitivities in the port of Pointe Noire

Fr Lelo and his pastoral team have a regular programme of ship visiting in Pointe Noire. This extract from Fr Lelo's report on activities gives us a picture of life in the port.

• Crew lists show that 235 seafarers visited the port of Pointe Noire between April and June 2008. AOS offers visiting seafarers transport to the town centre. This is necessary for shopping, money changing, to visit the cybercafé for Internet access and telephones, for hospital attention, and postal services.
  
  
• A Filipino seafarer confides in Fr Lelo that the crew of his ship do not have enough to eat or drink. Fr Lelo visits the ship but finds the crew afraid to talk about their situation. On the same ship, there is also a problem with salaries. A Sri Lankan seafarer complains that the captain has not respected his contract. Then the Filipino seafarer who spoke out becomes ill and is rushed to hospital where he remains for 48 hours. Fr Lelo attends him there.
  
  
• A fishing boat is towed into port. It has mechanical problems with its main engine. The crew of ten deepsea fishers are from Angola. They feel abandoned as they wait in Pointe Noire for a response from the ship owner in Angola. AOS contacts the Angolan consul on their behalf and also contacts the owner.
  
  
• A sick seafarer comes into port. He is a Jehovah's Witness and refuses a blood tranfusion. As a result, he dies. Fr Lelo and his pastoral team are shocked but they understand the importance of accepting cultural and religious differences.

click here to read more about AOS in the Republic of Congo