MESSAGES FOR THE TIMES - SEE PAGE 14 - GOOD FRIDAY SPECIAL EDITION
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FRIDAY 2ND APRIL 2021 | ISSUE 211 | WWW.POINTVILLE.AG
GOOD FRIDAY SPECIAL EDITION
MESSAGES
FOR THE
TIMES
SEE PAGE 14
THE NEXT EDITION OF POINTEXPEESS NEWSPAPER IS ON
WEDNESDAY APRIL 07, 2021
PAGE 2 FRIDAY 2ND APRIL 2021
EDITORIAL
MESSAGES FOR
TROUBLED TIMES
For the second year She worked tirelessly One year ago, no one tion, the region and the
running, PointeXpress to coordinate the mes- thought that twelve world to those among
Newspaper has seen it sages from the over- months later we would us who are having se-
fit to produce a Good seas based pastors. still be in the firm grasp vere economic difficul-
Friday Special Edition, One year ago, Antigua of this pandemic. The ties because of the im-
through which we ask and Barbuda had just beaches have been pact of the pandemic;
leaders of the Church instituted the lock- closed, church services those who are feeling
to prepare messages down as the country have resumed but with lonely; those who are
for their flock and the recorded its first three limited worshippers in depressed and those
nation at large to bring COVID-19 cases and attendance. There are who are adrift spiritu-
some solace for these first COVID-related still limits placed on ally. It is our hope that
troubled times. death. The country was personal movements this intervention will
Once again, the church in a panic! This was between 8:00 p.m. and go some way in provid-
leaders have all re- a new experience for 5:00 a.m. Social gather- ing even a glimmer of
sponded positively to all. Our personal liber- ings are strictly forbid- hope in these troubled
our request for mes- ties were curtailed and den. One year into the times.
sages without hesita- everyone obeyed the pandemic, the ques- Our thanks to Rev. Al-
tion. We had to limit regulations of the State tion of when will it be gernon Lewis of the
the number of messag- of Emergency with no over is on everybody’s Moravian Church;
es due to space con- questions asked. lips. Bishop Nigel Hen-
cerns. Five church Entering the new The Ministry of Health ry of the Pentecostal
leaders from Antigua COVID-era just two has posted a set of pro- Church; Bishop Clau-
and Barbuda are fea- weeks prior to the Eas- tocols to help curb the dette Toby Greene of
tured in today’s Special ter Holidays and with spread of the virus, yet the Sacred Choice of
Edition. Additional- church services placed last weekend there was Heaven, Mt. Leba-
ly, we have two other on hold, the Easter a major social event non Spiritual Baptist
religious leaders: one period is the holiest at one of the country’s Church, Republic of
from Trinidad and To- time on the Christian popular beaches. Such Trinidad and Tobago;
bago and the other an church’s calendar full actions go against Bishop Olson Daniel of
Apostle based in the of traditions and refer- all the exultation of the Wesleyan Holiness
United States, but who ence. In 2020, this was the ministry; they go Church; Dr. Carson
has Trinidad and To- not to be. It was against against the very calls, Greene of the Seventh
bago roots. In one fell this background, that even by those in atten- Day Adventist Church;
swoop, we have gone we at PointeXpress felt dance, for the country Rev. Derek Browne of
regional and interna- that it was our duty to to return to normality. the Methodist Church;
tional. Thanks to the produce a special Good The request for the and Apostle Joseph
kind assistance and co- Friday edition with the religious leaders this Attzs of the Mantle of
ordination of Suzette messages of hope for year is to offer words Christ International
Baptiste from Trinidad. the nation last year. of comfort to the na- Ministries.
FRIDAY 2ND APRIL 2021 LOCAL NEWS PAGE 3
NO RETREAT FROM
GOVERNMENT’S
COMMITMENT TO
BARBUDA
The Barbuda People’s Nicholas confirmed which have hardened opment and commer-
Movement (BPM) elec- that the elections were in more recent times,” cial activities on Barbu-
toral victory in local discussed at Wednes- he opined. da.
government elections day’s Cabinet meeting He explained that the “We expect that by the
on Monday will have with a general agree- government has re- end of the year, the air-
little or no impact on ment that there will peatedly made known port will be completed;
the government’s com- not be any change in its development prior- there will be an FBO
mitment to further the course in regards to the ities for the island. He service established to
development on the government’s plans for added that he has been facilitate jet plane op-
sister isle. the island. to Barbuda within the erations in and out of
That is the assessment “The general consen- last month to oversee Codrington. The Anti-
of Information Minis- sus at the Cabinet as arrangements to have gua and Barbuda Air-
ter Melford Nicholas, far as the develop- a land registry estab- port Authority will have
commenting on the mental thrust of the lished on the island. to staff the facilities
BPM’s clean sweep of government is that While there, the minis- there which, again, will
the elections ahead of the elections were in- ter reported that he has spin-off economic ben-
the candidates put for- consequential. We held discussions with efits and opportunities
ward by the Barbuda understand that the the principals of the that are not going to be
branch of the Antigua (outcome) is based Barbuda Ocean Club Council-dependent,”
and Barbuda Labour on attitudes that have which he anticipates he further explained.
Party (ABLP). formed over time and will spur further devel- Nicholas takes the view
Cont’d on pg 4
PAGE 4 LOCAL NEWS FRIDAY 2ND APRIL 2021
that any development he declared. the people of the sister when they are able to
of Barbuda must start The information min- island feel included in see economic prog-
with the economic real- ister indicated that the the country’s economic ress and that the island
ity where there are over focus of the govern- imperatives. is not being margin-
seven hundred em- ment is to ensure that “We are not going to alised. Each ministry
ployees of the Council development comes persuade Barbudans also has an obligation
depending on a subsi- to Barbuda; that the with rhetoric; but we to ensure its plans also
dy from the Treasury. standard of living for will persuade them include Barbuda going
“This is unsustainable!” islanders improve and over the longer term forward,” he stated.
REOPENING OF SCHOOLS
RESTRICTED TO CERTAIN CLASSES
By Shelton Daniel 5 and students of the during the course of According to the
Antigua State College this year and next year. post-Cabinet briefing
There will not be an will return to physical This was disclosed notes, that decision
across-the-board re- classrooms for face- during the weekly was taken after con-
opening of all schools to-face instructions as post-Cabinet commu- sultation with Direc-
on 12th April for the of Monday 12th April nications on Thursday, tor of Education Clare
third term as an- 2021. which explained that Browne and Chief
nounced last week. The returning stu- students of the lower Medical Officer Dr.
Instead, only Pri- dents/classes have forms and grades will Rhonda Sealy-Thom-
mary School Grades been so selected be- continue to be taught as. Director Browne is
5 and6, Secondary cause they are due from home via remote said to have advised
School Forms 4 and to sit examinations tutoring. Cabinet that returning
Cont’d on pg 5
FRIDAY 2ND APRIL 2021 LOCAL NEWS PAGE 5 to the shift system and mer of 2021 … full The Cabinet agreed to Director Clare Browne a day-on/day-off sys- face-to-face classes move forward on this concurred, saying, tem would be difficult. can then resume in proposal. The Minister “We are definitely in He also explained that September 2021.” [Nicholas] will coordi- for the long haul where students due to sit ex- Meanwhile, the State- nate with the Ministry this education chan- ams in June would be owned Antigua and of Education [and] he nel is concerned … In disadvantaged with- Barbuda Broadcast- will report to Cabinet addition to the remote out the benefit of class- ing Services (ABS) will at the next session.” learning environment room instructions. help provide greater Asked whether the ed- where our students “We, like the entire technological capacity ucation channel was are going to be man- country, would like to the increased need only for the pandem- aged by their teachers, nothing else than to for remote tutoring. ic, Nicholas told the the Ministry of Educa- have all our students During Thursday’s post-Cabinet briefing tion intends to use the return to in-person post-Cabinet media that, “The intent is to television station and instruction – face- briefing, Informa- make it a permanent Facebook and so on – to-face school – as of tion and Broadcast- feature. We are still at a the Internet – to reach 12th April. But we can ing Minister Melford point of learning from out and supplement only bring all the stu- Nicholas elaborated the pilot that was done what our children and dents back when it is on a proposal he has last year. It was well young people would safe to do so,” Browne made to Cabinet con- received.” Education be receiving.” told the live post-Cab- cerning this innova- inet media briefing on tion. Nicholas – who is Thursday morning. the Minister responsi- He said the Ministry of ble for Telecommuni- Education has always cations and Informa- been guided by the ad- tion Technology wants vice of health experts – ABS TV to add one as to whether or when more broadcast chan- it is safe to return stu- nel to the cable tele- dents to classrooms. vision system for the Browne noted that be- exclusive use of edu- cause schools are like cation classes. giant social gather- “Four channels are ings, they could easily available to ABS TV, turn into COVID su- though only two are per-spreaders. utilised at this time,” “I’m not sure that we the notes state. “That are in a position to added education claim that everything channel would fea- is under full control,” ture a multiplicity of he added. classes being taught According to the by trained teachers at post-Cabinet notes, different levels, and “There is every pos- would operate [simi- sibility that herd im- lar] to the GIS Chan- munity is likely to be nel that continuous- achieved by the sum- ly broadcasts daily.
PAGE 6 LOCAL NEWS FRIDAY 2ND APRIL 2021
MINISTER’S RESPONSE TO
QUESTIONS ABOUT ‘INTERNAL
QUARANTINE FACILITY’ AT PRISON
By Shelton Daniel the Attorney General – antine facility within placed there in order
did indicate to Cabinet the St. John’s prison it- to prevent any who are
Information Minister yesterday that anyone self where they will be infected from passing
Melford Nicholas dis- who has been assigned put in quarantine and on the virus to others,
closed on Thursday by the courts for a pris- would obviously [un- Nicholas responded
that, “There was an is- on term would first dergo] the fourteen-day that he had not visited
sue [with] implement- have to be evaluated, evaluation before they the prison in the last
ing one of the Cabinet would first have to get are allowed to be joined two years.
decisions, in that any a PCR test; and while up with the rest of the “The Minister of Health
persons who have been they are awaiting the prison population … has been involved in
assigned to prison by result for that test, they All those measures are the discussion … with
the court were required would be held in a fa- put in place to ensure the Minister with re-
to be tested before they cility at the US Air Force there [are] no more sponsibility for the
entered the prison pop- Base. infections within the prison … I am satisfied
ulation.” “Should they prove prison itself … So, that there are health officials
Minister Nicholas was positive, then there is situation which was af- inside the prison. There
responding to a report- another facility at the fecting the prison has is the doctor that is on
er’s questions during Crabbs Peninsula that been brought under retained staff at the
the weekly post-Cabi- has just been rehabili- control.” prison. There are nurs-
net media briefing. He tated, where prisoners Asked whether the es and there is over-
added, “There were fa- who have come down quarantine facility at sight by the Ministry of
cilities that needed to with COVID [are] iso- the prison was struc- Health. I am satisfied
be put in place, and the lated. If, however, they tured to provide ad- that all those permuta-
Minster with responsi- have proven negative, equate separation tions would have been
bility for the prisons – there is a further quar- between individuals looked at, and both
Cont’d on pg 7
FRIDAY 2ND APRIL 2021 LOCAL NEWS PAGE 7
the Minister of Health
and the Minister with
YIDA GROUP SIGNS MAJOR
responsibility for the
prison did indicate that
INVESTMENT CONTRACT
they were at consensus Prime Minister Gaston ised medical testing fa- provide employment
in terms of … ensuring Browne on Wednesday cility that will not only for thousands of Anti-
that persons are filtered witnessed the signing serve Antigua and Bar- guans and Barbudans.
for COVID before they of a Memorandum buda but the region.
enter the prison sys- of Agreement (MoA) Prime Minister
tem. between Yida Interna- Yida, who is now a cit- Browne, who wit-
“Those who are already tional Investment Anti- izen of Antigua and nessed the signing of
clinically determined to gua Limited and West- Barbuda, said that he the MoA, said that this
be infected with COVID ern Imperial Capital is committed to his ad- new development is
are being isolated at the Limited for the estab- opted home and will evidence that Yida’s vi-
Crabbs Peninsula facil- lishment of an offshore continue to work to sion for the econom-
ity. And where persons medical university, a ensure that the proj- ic zone is beginning
have gone through the hotel, and a financial ects earmarked for the to bear fruit. “Prior to
initial facility – even centre on one hundred property at Crabbs are 2021, the project was
though their tests have acres of land in the realised. He said the de- tied up in litigation,
shown negative – at the special economic zone velopments at Crabbs and there was actual-
point of them being situated at Crabbs. within the special eco- ly a restriction on the
incorporated into the nomic zone will reap sale of property within
prison system, they are The MoA was signed by significant benefits the zone. Those restric-
quarantined within the Yida Zhang of Yida In- for the economy and tions were lifted a cou-
prison compound itself ternational Investment
before they are allowed Antigua Limited and
to mix with the general Vijender Singh, CEO of
population. Western Imperial Cap-
“That was the brief we ital Limited and Charit
had from both minis- Mathur, Director of
ters yesterday … I can- Western Imperial Cap-
not go any further be- ital.
cause I would not have
gone into the prison to Speaking at the sign-
satisfy you whether or ing, Singh said that the
not they have individ- company will establish
ual cells in the quaran- not only an interna-
tine facility; but only to tional medical school
say that the fact Minis- and hotels, but they are
ter Joseph would have committed to the suc-
given his thumbs-up cess of the project and
on approval for that will also work towards
programme, it would attracting additional
mean that he would investors to Antigua
have satisfied himself and Barbuda. He not-
[about] those condi- ed that his company
tions as well.” will also work towards
establishing a special-
Cont’d on pg 8
PAGE 8 LOCAL NEWS FRIDAY 2ND APRIL 2021
ple of months ago, creating the investments,” said Prime Minis- tainable careers as we seek to re-
opportunity now for Yida to pro- ter Browne. cover our country from COVID
mote his special economic zone. The country’s leader also indi- to make sure that we continue
Yida has assured me that he has cated that his government be- to attract investments so that we
had a lot of interest in the zone lieves that the Yida project still can accelerate the recovery and
and that within the upcoming has the capacity to generate put the people of Antigua and
months, the additional investors hundreds of millions of dollars Barbuda back to work,” he said.
will travel to Antigua and Barbu- in investments and creating Western Imperial Capital Lim-
da to negotiate various projects. much opportunities for Anti- ited said that it is committed to
And the sixteen-hundred-acre guans and Barbudans. “There is spending over one hundred mil-
property, over a period of time is an abundance of opportunities lion US dollars over a period of
estimated to generate in the re- for employment, for entrepre- two years on the new projects at
gion of three billion US dollars in neurship, opportunities for sus- Crabbs.
POLICE SERVICE COMMISSION’S
APPLICATION FOR A STAY IN
JUDGMENT DENIED
son filed a constitutional motion that he is entitled to administrative
challenging his termination, but in orders.
November of that same year, the It led the PSC to apply for a stay,
Police Service Commission filed an which was denied on Wednesday.
application seeking to have the con- This paves the way for an assess-
By Phil George stitutional motion struck out on the ment of damages, which is set for
ground that section 105 of the Con- 30th April 2021. It also means Com-
High Court Judge Ann-Marie Smith stitution does not vest any rights in a missioner of Police Atlee Rodney’s
has denied the Police Service Com- Commissioner of Police. appointment as top cop remains
mission’s (PSC) application for a stay Last month, Justice Smith heard ar- unlawful, null and void and that
of the court’s judgment and order guments on the Police Service Com- Wendel Robinson remains the Com-
and a stay of proceedings in the case mission’s application to strike out missioner of Police and is entitled
involving the PSC and dismissed the constitutional motion brought to the salary, allowances and other
former Commissioner of Police by Robinson and argument that the benefits that come with the post.
Wendel Robinson. In her ruling on matter should proceed to summary Last week, Kelvin John stated Justice
Wednesday, Justice Smith said the trial on the ground that no defence Smith had agreed with the conten-
court’s judgment is declaratory in had yet been filed by the Police Ser- tion of the Police Service Commis-
nature and the Police Service Com- vice Commission. The Judge pro- sion that the constitutional motion
mission has no right to a stay. nounced that the constitutional of Mr. Robinson ought to be struck
Last week, the judge ruled Robin- motion was to be struck out but that out, but then proceeded to make
son’s dismissal as top cop was un- she would proceed nonetheless to administrative orders on the claim.
lawful and the appointment of Atlee issue administrative orders accord- The Police Service Commission, he
Rodney in Robinson’s place was also ing to PSC Chairman Kelvin John, as stated then, will ask the Court of Ap-
unlawful, null and void. there has been no defence filed by peal to review her decision to deter-
After being suspended twice over the Police Service Commission and mine if it was right in law.
allegations of questionable conduct, that it is clear upon a reading of the The judge’s latest order is
the now practising attorney was affidavit and exhibits of Robinson also expected to be appealed.
dismissed in 2019. In 2020, Robin-
FRIDAY 2ND APRIL 2021 LOCAL NEWS PAGE 9
ANTIGUA CRUISE PORT SOLIDIFIES
HOME PORT DEAL WITH P&O CRUISES
in Antigua. The vessel “Arvia,” into a concession agreement
which translates from Latin to with the government of An-
“From the Seashore,” is current- tigua and Barbuda in 2019 to
ly under construction in Germa- develop and manage Antigua’s
ny and will join the P&O Cruises cruise port. As part of this agree-
fleet in December 2022. ment, GPH recently completed
Antigua Cruise Port, led by Dona construction of the fifth berth,
Regis-Prosper, Global Ports which is the newest pier at St.
Holdings (GPH) General Man- John’s Port. Arvia is one of the
ager for Antigua, expressed her first ships confirmed to use the
excitement with P&O’s notice of new pier, which will enable Oa-
Dona Regis-Prosper- home-porting at the GPH Anti- sis class and Excellence class
General Manager gua Cruise Port. “We are thrilled vessels to bring tens of thou-
to partner with P&O and the An- sands of additional passengers
Antigua Cruise Port has final- tigua and Barbuda Ministry of to Antigua annually.
ised negotiations with Carni- Tourism in the return to cruise
val-owned P&O Cruises, the tourism in Antigua” said Re- “The anticipation of more cruise
world’s largest leisure company, gis-Prosper. ships coming into Antigua faster
to home-port a new mega-ship Global Ports Holding entered than originally projected means
Cont’d on pg 10
PAGE 10 LOCAL NEWS FRIDAY 2ND APRIL 2021
significant benefits that work-
ing with GPH has been able to
bring to Antigua and Barbuda.”
He added, “No matter which
destination we partner with, we
are always focused on support-
ing the success and welfare of
the community. Our strong re-
lationships with the cruise lines
helped us to support the final-
that we will push the start of the tion at the heart of the Carib- isation of home-port deals in
two-million-dollars uplift of the bean, Antigua boasts various Nassau, Bahamas and now, we
Heritage Quay Shopping Mall home-porting assets, includ- have delivered a similarly suc-
and the twenty-five-million-dol- ing the ability to facilitate airlift cessful opportunity for Antigua
lars commercial development at from major cities in Europe and and Barbuda.”
Point to begin as quickly as pos- North America, allocation of a Mrs. Regis-Prosper added that,
sible,” she continued. designated airport terminal for “Our booking rates for the sec-
In addition to a major transit home-porting, five berths, and ond half of 2021 and for 2022
port, Antigua is uniquely po- provisioning and other services remain steady, so we are truly
sitioned for home-porting for at the port. looking forward to resuming
cruise lines, offering key services cruising and helping our Heri-
that provide convenience and Colin Murphy, Head of Busi- tage Quay tenants, downtown
added value for cruise passen- ness Development in the Amer- stakeholders, and other port
gers and vessels. In addition to icas for GPH, heralded the new partners return to a sense of
its strategically beneficial loca- partnership as “one of the many normality.”FRIDAY 2ND APRIL 2021 LOCAL NEWS PAGE 11
STATE INSURANCE ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
SUPPORTS VACCINE SHIPS SARGASSUM
PURCHASE PROGRAMME SEAWEED TO FINLAND
Antigua and Barbuda from marine biomass.
has shipped samples This first shipment of
of the Invasive Sargas- seaweed will be used
State Insurance Com- to be motivated by sum Seaweed to Fin- by the company to
pany Limited (SIC) their own sense of civic land as part of a new do initial reference
is the latest business responsibility to help initiative being ex- trials of the Nauvu®
entity in the country the nation in a time of plored. process against the
to donate substantial crisis. The Antigua and Bar- benchmark feedstock
sums of money to the So far, the Hadeed buda Department of of Bladderwrack sea-
government’s vaccine Group of Companies, Analytical Services weed.
purchase programme. ACB Caribbean, Anti- shipped two hundred The collaboration be-
On Thursday, SIC’s gua Investment Group and two pounds of tween Origin by Ocean
General Manager, M. Ltd, and now State In- the invasive sargas- and the Department
Lindell Francis-But- surance are among sum seaweed to Fin- of Analytical Services
ler presented a cheque several companies land. On the receiving is made possible be-
for the amount of that have all respond- end will be Origin by cause of the synergies
EC$100,000.00 (one ed to the call to assist Ocean, a Finnish com- currently being estab-
hundred thousand) to the nation. There have pany being incubated lished between the
Prime Minister Gaston been several other do- within the United Na- UNOPS GICs across
Browne who accepted nations. tions Office for Proj- Antigua and Barbuda,
the gift on behalf of the Antigua and Barbu- ect Services (UNOPS) Sweden and Japan. In
government and peo- da has been shopping Global Innovation Antigua, the GIC is a
ple of Antigua and Bar- around for enough Centre (GIC) in Swe- collaboration between
buda. PM Browne has vaccines to inoculate den. UNOPS and the Anti-
said repeatedly that the the nation as soon as Thursday’s shipment gua and Barbuda Sci-
government does not possible. Unfortunate- is the first phase of ence Innovation Park
intend to formally re- ly, purchasing vaccines a project being de- (ABSIP).
quest assistance from on the world market is veloped by Origin by A second, larger batch
the private sector or proving to be a difficult Ocean to design a new of sargassum is ex-
those entities that can undertaking as larger biorefinery process pected to be shipped
afford to give towards countries are gobbling (Nauvu®) for the ex- in the coming weeks
the programme. up all available sup- traction of biomole- and will be used for
Instead, he wants them plies. cules for use in food, the initial process tri-
cosmetics, and do- als with sargassum
mestic detergent, all seaweed.PAGE 12 FEATURES FRIDAY 2ND APRIL 2021
Collective CARICOM voice for recovery
at IMF-World Bank meetings
Group (WBG) and the their heavy reliance on
Directors on the Boards, tourism”. This is an ad-
representing CARICOM mission that the Board
countries, deserve credit of the Bank has accepted
for advancing the region’s vulnerability as a crite-
interests. The inadequa- rion, that is superior to
cy of the IFIs response is high income, as a qualifi-
not their fault; it is entire- cation for concessionary
ly due to Board directors loans. It is to be assumed,
of some larger countries therefore, that, if these
who remain stuck to mis- loans are approved by
taken policy positions the Board in the coming
whose failures have en- weeks, this criterion can
larged the harmful effects now be applied to other
of the pandemic. high-income CARICOM
By Sir Ronald Sanders viewed, particularly re- One of these continu- countries such as Anti-
garding debt. ing unhelpful policy po- gua and Barbuda and St
(The writer is Antigua An unduly optimistic sitions is the application Kitts-Nevis. CARICOM
and Barbuda’s Ambassa- assessment of the extent of per capita income Finance Ministers at the
dor to the United States of damage to economies as a criterion to deny Spring Meetings of the
and the Organization and an overly confident high income Caribbean Bank and Fund should
of American States. He expectation of how long countries access to con- raise this issue collective-
is also a Senior Fellow the effects will last, have cessionary loans, even ly. Doing so, is especially
at the Institute of Com- resulted in inadequate in- though these countries relevant since countries
monwealth Studies at the struments to help Carib- are subject to the same that might have been
University of London and bean countries get out of vulnerabilities as lower “high income”, according
Massey College in the Uni- the hole into which they income countries. to IMF/WBG measure-
versity of Toronto. The have been sunk through Something of a break- ments, in 2019, are cer-
views expressed are entire- no fault of their own. Ca- through might have oc- tainly not so today. High
ly his own) ribbean countries did not curred. The World Bank unemployment, resulting
create the pandemic and Board has approved the from the pandemic, has
The response by policy they have been among preparation of loan doc- shaved as much as 30 %
makers of the Interna- the most successful in uments of $100 million from per capita income
tional Financial Institu- containing it at great cost each for the Bahamas in some countries and
tions (IFIs) to the depth to their Treasuries. and Barbados – two of the is likely to reduce it even
of COVID-19’s effects on The staff of the Interna- countries with the high- more as unemployment
Caribbean economies tional Monetary Fund est per capita incomes increases and poverty ex-
needs to be urgently re- (IMF) and World Bank in CARICOM – “due to pands.
Cont’d on pg 13FRIDAY 2ND APRIL 2021 FEATURES PAGE 13 Amid all this, the IFIs with their oil and gas re- to encourage new tech- enjoy with CARICOM response to high and sources will be better nology-based endeav- states runs into billions of crippling debt in many placed, but Post-COVID, ours. These will help with dollars perennially, giving CARICOM countries that many CARICOM coun- economic diversification them revenues and em- has spiralled because of tries will have much re- over time, but they will ployment, they should the COVID-19 pandemic, duced economies, high not be immediate large regard debt forgiveness has increased their debt debt, diminished reve- contributors to econom- and rescheduling, as service burdens. While nues, and little capacity ic growth or replace- well as concessional fi- the Bank and Fund have to recover. The UN has ments for industries such nancing, as investments explicitly stated that debt already said that the Ca- as tourism. The Spring in CARICOM countries levels were, for some, ribbean will face ‘a lost meetings of the Bank from which they derive more than 100 % of GDP decade’ with economies and Fund are an oppor- considerable benefits an- prior to the pandemic, and per capita income tunity for robust pre- nually. the debt instruments that declining to 2010 levels. sentations of the plight If the economies of CAR- they have provided are They will need access to of CARICOM countries, ICOM countries are not burdensome. low-cost financing and always recalling they did helped to recover, there As an example, the IMF’s grants from both IFI’s and not originate or spread will be a corresponding Debt Service Suspension donor governments. Im- COVID-19. They are in contraction in their abil- Initiative is only tempo- mediately, they need their current situation ity to continue to buy rary. It is also applicable debt relief in the forms because of their vulnera- goods and services from only to the poorest coun- of write-offs and deferral bility to their trading part- the rich. tries. Therefore only of repayments on easier ners which, without ex- Efforts must be made 5 CARICOM countries terms. ception, enjoy relatively to create a framework qualified. The initiative is If these initiatives are not large trade surpluses with that integrates debt sus- supposedly to help them taken, Caribbean econ- the region. Some of these tainability, growth-in- cope with the econom- omies will be caught in a same trading partners vestment, and building ic and fiscal constraints poverty trap from which are among the most vo- resilience for CARICOM caused by the COVID-19 they will not emerge for ciferous in the continued countries. Such a frame- crisis. But it gives only a a generation and, even application of mistaken work must also take full one-year grace with re- then, only if they expe- criteria that disqualify account of the region’s payment having to be rience no disasters such many CARICOM coun- vulnerability to destruc- made over 5 years. Clear- as hurricanes, prolonged tries from concessionary tive forces they do not ly, there will be an in- droughts, or flooding – financing and debt relief. create, such as Climate crease in the debt service all of which have a high At this month’s meet- Change. burdens of these coun- probability of occurring. ings of the IMF/WBG, CARICOM countries tries. The governments of Caribbean representa- should speak with a col- The duration of the pan- CARICOM countries are tives have an opportuni- lective voice in propos- demic’s effects on CAR- struggling to keep their ty to advance proposals ing such a framework to ICOM economies and economies afloat with for support. One of the the IMF/WBG meetings, its severe impact, will be policy initiatives either to points that should be omitting no country. longer than anticipat- revive dormant activities, made is that, since the Responses and previous ed. Countries, such as such as agricultural and huge balance of trade sur- commentaries: www.sir- Guyana and Suriname, fisheries production, or plus that rich countries ronaldsanders.com
PAGE 14 GOOD FRIDAY SPECIAL EDITION FRIDAY 2ND APRIL 2021
EASTER
MESSAGE
Dr Carson L. Greene Presi- ly restricted. Never before, after those things which are
dent, South Leeward Confer- in our lifetime, have we seen coming on the earth: for the
ence of Seventh-day Adventist. such a global halt to busi- powers of heaven shall be
ness, pleasure, face-to-face shaken.” Such is the condi-
learning, religious gatherings tion of our world today, but
For more than a year now, and social interaction. If this what does this have to do
COVID-19 has wreaked hav- were all, it would be bad, but, with Easter? Good question!
oc all over the world. There added to all of this is the sad Easter is about hope, healing
is a general sense of anxiety, reality that millions have died! and restoration. Sometimes,
fear and uncertainty. Just At present, the rate of infec- we focus on the death of Je-
about every aspect of soci- tion and death is climbing in sus and stop there. There
ety has been affected. Our many countries around the are two other important di-
children have had to adjust world. When we consider mensions to the Easter story
to the online environment. these things, the passage re- that must not be overlooked.
Our hotels are, for the most corded in Luke 21:26 comes First, Jesus did die, but he did
part, closed and even social to mind: “Men’s hearts failing not stay dead. He rose again!
interaction has been severe- them for fear, and for looking In rising from the dead, he
Cont’d on pg 15FRIDAY 2ND APRIL 2021 GOOD FRIDAY SPECIAL EDITION PAGE 15 demonstrated that he to follow Satan’s way celebration of Easter, along. If this cycle has victory and pow- and sinned against the death and resur- was all there was er over death. The God, the world was rection of Jesus, is a in life, we would all second dimension plunged into a state celebration of the ful- have need to despair. is equally important. of despair. Adam ex- filment of the promise Thankfully, Easter is This second aspect pressed this idea of of Genesis 3:15. So, about one who came focuses on the “why” fear when God asked as we celebrate this to inoculate us from behind His death. him where he was. Easter, I challenge the disease of all What was the rea- “I heard Your voice us to look beyond the diseases—sin. His son for His death? It in the garden, and I current state of tur- death and resurrec- is instructive to note was afraid because bulence in the world tion is guarantee that that Jesus did not I was naked; and I and see the Sav- the “jab of His grace” die primarily because hid myself.” (Gen iour. He has already is 100% efficacious. the religious leaders 3:10 NKJV) It was overcome death and The Seventh-day were jealous of Him in this context that soon He will come Adventist Church ex- and plotted against the promise of Gen- to put an end to sin tends a blessed Eas- Him. He came to esis 3:15 was giv- and suffering forever! ter to all Antiguans the Earth on a mis- en. At the moment COVID-19, like oth- and Barbudans and sion to die for the when Adam was er pandemics in the encourages us to sins of mankind. He at his lowest point, past, takes a heavy trust in the merits of came on a mission God assured him of toll on our lives. We the grace of Jesus. of redemption. His His love and desire hope that, like those Our prayer is that mission was one of to save him. God before it, it too will God will extend His rescue. He came to spoke hope to him. pass away. We cel- protection and heal- free us from the bur- God told the man that ebrate the develop- ing to us and bring den and penalty of the deceiver—the ment of vaccines and quick relief from the sin. The condition of enemy, would one trust that they will in- COVID-19 pandem- the world today with day have his head deed make a differ- ic. Our desire is that all the fears and un- crushed by the seed ence. Yet, we still live you will trust in Je- certainty and death of the woman—Je- in a world of sin and sus and accept His is a grim reminder sus—although in the we know that it is only saving grace and the of the result of sin. process, some suffer- a matter of time be- hope that very soon, When Adam and ing would be inflicted fore another dread- He will come to make Eve in Eden chose on the Saviour. The ed disease comes all things new.
PAGE 16 GOOD FRIDAY SPECIAL EDITION FRIDAY 2ND APRIL 2021
IN THIS TOGETHER
G O O D F R I D AY !
Algernon M. Lewis – Chair, Moravian Church
Eastern West Indies Province
On this holiest of days in the liturgical calen- cross, “It is finished” (John 19:30). Whereas
dar, we find ourselves reflecting again on the these verses may be used as platitudes by
significance of that first Good Friday and what some, they are real places of refuge in a time
it means for a world under siege. of uncertainty.
We are all trying to figure out these realities, Yet for some people, there are no words to ex-
wondering what is next. For the person of press their reality. They want to believe that
faith, we run to the end where the Bible prom- things will work out; they want to hope that
ises that “all things work together for good” they will land on their feet on the other side of
(Romans 8:28) or to Jesus’ sixth word on the the present disruptions. However, there are
Cont’d on pg 17FRIDAY 2ND APRIL 2021 GOOD FRIDAY SPECIAL EDITION PAGE 17
no certainties. The last year to help Jesus bear the cross my mind is Jesus’ fourth word
has provided cruel reminders to Calvary. As we go through from the cross, “Eli, Eli, lama
that trouble lurks all around these days of trial and uncer- sabachthani?” (My God, my
and strikes anywhere. Even tainty, there is that subtle inti- God, why have you aban-
though we know it, there are mation that we are all in this doned me?) (Matt 27:46). This
consistent chilling reminders together. There is a need for text never ceases to stir emo-
that each of is in the cross us to be willing to carry other’s tions in me. I cannot imagine
hairs. So how do we engage burdens even when it seems what Jesus felt having never
Good Friday 2021 with au- that this is not our fight. We been abandoned by my fami-
thenticity and hope? are all part of the human race. ly. I try to imagine that moment
Our stories intersect whether as Jesus never had to define
The synoptic gospels (Mat- we think so or not. Some per- himself outside of the intimate
thew, Mark, and Luke) carry sons contracted the COVID19 relationship he shared with
a story that has been recur- virus from persons with whom his Father. For the first time
ring in my mind – the story of they were not familiar. There he felt abandoned.
Simon of Cyrene being com- is a strong possibility that if
pelled to carry the cross of Je- the infected person thought There are people who have
sus (Matt. 27:32; Luke 23:26; more intentionally about their felt that abandonment in this
Mark 15:21). Mark even men- actions in relation to the other, last year. Some have never
tions Simon’s sons, Rufus the infection might not have been in want of work or re-
and Alexander, maybe hinting spread further. We are all in sources, and for the first time
to his readers to verify the sto- this together and our stories felt the coldness of abandon-
ry with them. Beyond the fact connect. ment. At those times, there
that Simon was from Cyrene are no words, just emotions.
which was a coastal city in Recently, I read a meme that At those times, one’s thoughts
modern-day Libya, Africa, it is might have been imported may not be one’s best friend.
what he did that keeps circling which told about people in cer- In times of desperation, peo-
in my mind. Simon was com- tain fast food drive through. ple have turned to practices
pelled to bear the cross with The person in the car behind that provide the necessities of
Jesus on the way to Calvary was impatient and even rude. life and numb the pain but may
where Jesus would do the ul- The person ahead in the drive not maintain dignity. Aban-
timate heavy-lifting of bearing through paid for and collected donment is real and it takes a
the sin of the world. the meal of the insolent pa- toll on its victims. Need I say
tron in the back. This act was it again? We are all in this to-
Simon could have taken a fall to force the insolent person to gether.
and pretended that he could go around a second time. I
not go on. He could have con- thought this was most unfor- As a person of faith, I have
cluded that this was not his tunate and lacked sensitivi- come to embrace Good Fri-
fight and there was no need ty for the moment we are all day, realizing that it is not the
for him to bear another man’s enduring. A better response end. We must journey through
burden. Rather, he chose to would have been to pay it for- Good Friday where Jesus
take his part in Jesus’s story ward by purchasing the food declared, “It is finished” and
and help to carry the cross. and leaving it, thereby help- keep listening for the voice of
There is no indication in the ing that insolent person carry God to speak a final word –
text that Simon was even a their burdens. We are in this He lives! The world will be in
follower of Jesus. He was together. Good Friday for a while. Let
just another black man in the us hold on together for Easter.
crowd. Even so, he was cho- Another portion of the passion
sen by God for this moment – narrative that keeps circling inPAGE 18 EASTER MESSAGE FRIDAY 2ND APRIL 2021
WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE
OF GOOD FRIDAY?
“Good Friday, observed before Easter, is the day when Christians commemorate Jesus Christ’s cru-
cifixion. Good Friday is observed by Christians as a day of penance, grief and fasting. Good Friday
also marks the end of the 40-day period of fasting for Christians, called the Lent.”
One of the things that we must be very careful of is that we do not want Good Friday to lose its sig-
nificance because of tradition and customs. As a result of the aforementioned I feel very compelled
to list all the players or affected groups of persons in this season.
God the Trinity
Mankind
Satan and his demons
1. God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy
Spirit constitute the Godhead. When God said in
Gen. 1:26 “And God said, ‘Let Us make man in our
image, after our likeness…” you would observe
God never said “Let there be” like the other aspect
of creation. You would also observe that in Gen. 2:7
“And the Lord God formed the man of the dust of the
ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breadth
of life, and man became a living soul.” I wish for
you to further observe that nothing is said about
God breathing into the nostrils of the animals and
them becoming living souls. So man was created
in the most perfect form and all that God required
of man was strict obedience to His commands. It
is my heart’s desire to show you that man was so
intimately connected to his God that God charged
him with the responsibility of naming the animals
and when he was done, none of the names were
changed. In the process of time, man was tempted
and disobeyed God and obeyed Satan. This act
of disobedience totally severed the relationship be- Olson Daniel (Rev. Dr.) District Superintendent
tween God and man but this loving, merciful and Wesleyan Holiness Church
gracious God would not allow man to live and die in
a lost, depraved and corrupt state. God’s plan was 2. Mankind: (For all have sinned and come short of
that of redemption and redemption really means to the glory of God) with this first act of disobedience it
deliverance of man from sin through a sacrifice. In totally corrupted man’s nature and as a result all the
this case man was lost and in sin so he could not, children that Adam and Eve would produce would
angels were created so they cannot; so only divine inherit this sinful and corrupt nature. Have you ever
could meet divine standards so a member of the wondered why we have to teach children to do the
Godhead had to be the atoning sacrifice. As is, God right thing but never have to do the wrong thing?
is Spirit and blood was needed to make the sacrifice It is because the man who was made with a pure
so that’s why Jesus had to take on a physical/hu- nature and didn’t know how to do wrong (Man was
man body so His blood could be shed and sprinkled created with free will, not a nature to sin), after sin
on the cross. The very first Good Friday was when crept in, man now has a dirty nature and don’t know
they nailed Jesus to the cross, pressed a crown of how to make it right with God. Man is not only lost
thorns upon His head and pushed a spear through but is headed to the lake of fire that was prepared
His side. for Satan and his angels. Man was disconnected
Cont’d on pg 19FRIDAY 2ND APRIL 2021 EASTER MESSAGE PAGE 19
from God by exercising his will ered by the determinate coun-
by obeying the servant (Satan) sel and foreknowledge of God,
so man, in order to be reconnect- ye have taken, and by wicked
ed to God must exercise his will hands have crucified and slain.”
to accept the offer of salvation byWe also know that, in as much
faith. Man is the biggest benefi- as the demons were delighted
ciary off all the pain and anguish in crucifying Jesus, they did not
that Jesus suffered on the cross. know that this was the way God
was using to bring about man’s
3. Satan and his demons: please salvation. It is stated in 1 Cor.
don’t think that I’ve lost my mind 2:8; “Which none of the princes
to even mention Satan and his of this world knew, for had they
demons in this Good Friday sto- known it, they would not have
ry. If Jesus crucified Himself crucified the Lord of glory.”
then it would have been said that
He committed suicide. No right So my dear readers let this Good
thinking and God fearing persons Friday be one of expression of
could do so the kingdom of dark- joyful delight that the man who
ness was enraged about the fact was lost, depraved and corrupt-
that Jesus came to redeem man- ed and on his way to hell can be
kind. Satan was delighted to do redeemed by accepting by faith
anything to get rid of Jesus so he the blood of Jesus Christ on the
sought the cruelest way: crucifix- cross of Calvary. Jesus did it just
ion. The Bible has made it clear for you!
that it was wicked hands that
Satan used, according to Acts Blessed Good Friday and God
2:23; “Him, (Jesus) being deliv- blessPAGE 20 EASTER MESSAGE FRIDAY 2ND APRIL 2021
INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGE:
REDEMPTION
made God’s love visible to man-
kind. It is easy to show insincere
love; but God’s love is real, and he
proved this to us by forgiving us our
sins and allowing his only son to
be crucified for no sins of his own,
but for our sin.Ephesians 4:32 “And
be ye kind one to one another ten-
der hearted, forgiving one another
Bishop Claudette Toby Greene, Senior Pastor, The even as God for Christ’s sake hath
Sacred Choice of Heaven, Mt. Lebanon Spiritual Baptist
forgiven you.”Today, as we experi-
Church, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.
ence the COVID-19 pandemic, our
“Egypt” while we struggle to get out
Every year at Easter time we ac- spent in the dessert which was fol- of that “Egypt” we should, in our re-
knowledge the celebration of Pass- lowed by his crucifixion whereby flecting and self-examination, ask
over in Hebrew – Pesach - the showing us that He is the Lamb of ourselves, who is our “Pharaoh”
Passing over of the force of de- God. In His dying He defeated sin, that is causing us to doubt our abil-
struction, sparing the lives of the by taking away the burden of our ity to press forward. Years gone
firstborn of the Israelites marking sins and setting us free, which was by, due to geographical location, it
their homes with the blood of an the greatest victory, and by his res- was a long process to connect with
unblemished lamb on the eve of urrection he also defeated death, each other, one had to depend on
the Exodus; their freedom from for he lived yesterday, he lives to- the snail mail system. Today, with
slavery in the land of Egypt. We day and forever. Philippians 2:10- improved technology we can stay
understand that after many years 11 tells us; “That at the name of in connection with our loved ones
of slavery God used one of their Jesus every knee should bow, of face to face through our commu-
own, Moses, to free the Israelites things in heaven, and the things nicative devices and make new
from bondage under Pharaoh.As in earth, and the things under the connections. Although challenging
we emerge from the Lenten season earth; And every tongue should at times, for many, the COVID-19
of fasting and praying and taking confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to pandemic has encouraged creativ-
time to re-examine ourselves while the glory of God the Father.”Jesus ity and adaptation. Churches are
we reflect on the suffering and sac- walked amongst men and made also conducting online worship and
rifice of Jesus Christ, and while we the ultimate sacrifice of being cru- many activities and events while
meditate on the forty days that he cified for our sins; by doing this, He we observe protocol as a result of
Cont’d on pg 21FRIDAY 2ND APRIL 2021 EASTER MESSAGE PAGE 21
INSPIRATIONAL
the pandemic.Since the world suffered the
onset of this pandemic over one year ago,
MESSAGE:
our ministry, The Sacred Choice of Heaven
Mt Lebanon Spiritual Baptist Church, based
in Trinidad and Tobago, has capitalized and
REBUILDING
engaged the online zoom communication
platform for scheduled Sunday worship, for
our members and well wishers, who resides
outside of Trinidad and Tobago as a beacon
of hope and faith in a time where creativity
and adaptation is necessary for the surviv-
al for the children of God.There is a say-
ing “with progress comes changes.” We all
should be willing and endeavour to accept
the changes in a positive light which we all
are facing and to seek the knowledge we Apostle Joseph Attzs, Senior Pastor, Mantle of Christ
need to align ourselves by assisting soci- International Ministries.
ety with some of their needs in the new and
next normal. By doing this we will also be Daily we experience God’s unselfish nature through Je-
honouring our responsibility to God and so- sus Christ and the presence of the Holy Spirit; however,
ciety. I urge you to stay faithful to God.Just we fail to reciprocate those acts of love. We overwhelm
like the Israelites we all have our “Egypt,” ourselves with the cares of the world, and our relation-
and like Jesus we all have a cross to carry. ship with the creator deteriorates. Today, there is an ur-
These might be a state of mind, but if we gency for us to re-establish our true sense of belonging to
humble ourselves, be persistent and place God as we engage in rebuilding our prayer and worship
God at the center of our lives and ask our experiences with Him.
Heavenly Father to lead us through every
decision we make and to accept the chang- The book of Romans emphasizes that we present our
es that come with the passing over, we will bodies as a sacrifice, holy and acceptable before God.
eventually achieve our place in that prom- By placing ourselves before Him articulating our rever-
ised land. ence and adoration, we make room to assume His ma-
jestic nature. Through focusing our attention on Him, we
In this season and today as we demand increase our awareness of being in the presence of God.
of God to urgently respond to our present Learning how to absorb God’s presence through worship
needs, the time for self-reflection, reas- is one of the most valuable things we can do with our
sessing and reconstructing to make a pos- time. God intends that we are drawn near to Him. When
itive turn is now and not be confused and He draws near to us, we will experience Him in ever-in-
indecisive while enslaved as opposed to creasing measures.
accepting what is promised to us.
The exploration of the Holy Writ is another way to seek
As leaders, our mandate must be guided by the presence of God. Saints are called to practise study-
the Holy Spirit through the body of Christ. 2 ing His Word. Jesus said, “if you abide in Me and My
Chronicles 7:14 encourages us to humble Words will live in you, you will ask whatever you will, and
ourselves before God, pray and seek God’s it shall be done for you.” Abiding in God means respond-
face. Let integrity and uprightness preserve ing according to His will. Jesus is always present with His
our nations, let us return and understand Word. Abiding in the Word always brings an increase in
the power of daily devotions, prayer and God’s manifest presence.
Godly worship. With joyful expectation of
the resurrection, have a blessed, holy and
peaceful day and weekend. Stay Safe.
Cont’d on pg 22PAGE 22 EASTER MESSAGE FRIDAY 2ND APRIL 2021
“Oh, how abundant is your good- lem should be rebuilt. Through ed that every knee will bow at the
ness, which you have stored up this gesture, Israel will once again Name of Jesus, and the tongues of
for those who fear you and worked have the opportunity to meet and men will testify of the Lordship of
for those who take refuge in you, maintain God-aligned standards. Jesus Christ. (Philippians 2: 10).
in the sight of the children of hu- However, Paul taught the church
mankind! In the cover of your pres- of Corinth that their bodies were Through our testimonies, God re-
ence, you hide them from the plots indeed the temple of the true and veals Himself to those that ear-
of men; you store them in your living God. If believers and unbe- nestly seek Him (Deuteronomy
shelter from the strife of tongues.” lievers alike can connect to a re- 4:29). If we want to walk in the light
(Psalms 31:19-20). lationship with God based on Ne- of the Lord, then we need to expe-
hemiah’s model, they will take the rience the presence of God. One
In our attempt to rekindle our rela- needed steps to rebuild a godlike of the major ways we can do this is
tionship with God, we need to be nature. through worship.
aware that we consult His lead.
We must fashion our approach It was the captivity of Nehemiah It was Nehemiah’s testimony to the
as Nehemiah did. “When I heard and Israel that impeded Israel’s Babylonian king that gave him fa-
these things, I sat down and wept. ability to rebuild the temple. Today vor even with enemies. Nehemiah
For some days, I mourned and we must be aware of what or who was Arterxerzes cup bearer, a sim-
fasted and prayed before the God has captured us and challenged ple captive lad who was enslaved
of heaven. 5 Then I said: ‘Lord, our relationship with God. It may and oppressed in a strange land.
the God of heaven, the great and be a friend, a job, and family mem- But after he presented the God, he
awesome God, who keeps his cov- ber, or an ungodly impediment. served to the king and testified of
enant of love with those who love Like Nehemiah, we are called to God’s greatness the heart of the
him and keep his commandments, prayer and fast our way out of the king’s heart was softened.
6 let your ear be attentive and your situation so the work of rebuilding
Today you are invited to never suc-
eyes open to hear the prayer your can begin.
cumb to the tragedy that created a
servant is praying before you day
setback in your life. Like Nehemi-
and night for your servants, the It is essential that at this Easter
ah, focused on the greater fortifi-
people of Israel. I confess the sins time that we seek to be revived.
cation and the reestablishment of
we Israelites, including myself and The threat of COVID-19 may have
relationship with God. The arms
my father’s family, have committed kept us captive, but with God,
of God are always ajar for the re-
against you. 7 We have acted very all things are possible. As Jesus
turn of His people. He expects that
wickedly toward you. We have not Christ rose from the grave, he al-
they do not cheat Him of worship
obeyed the commands, decrees, lowed all believers to rise from
and that they employ selflessness
and laws you gave your servant grave conditions they face from
time to time. All are exposed to in all efforts to honor Him. This is
Moses.’” (Nehemiah 1: 4-7)
the possibilities of greatness and achieved by rebuilding the foun-
Nehemiah was adamant that to an assurance that victory can re- dational beliefs that their worship
restore relationships with God and sult from the mere mention of His must be in spirit and truth.
His people, the temple of Jerusa- name. We are continually remind-FRIDAY 2ND APRIL 2021 EASTER MESSAGE PAGE 23
COMMEMORATION OF GOOD FRIDAY
2021 AND THE IMPACT OF COVID-19
we are becoming! The journey to As the Scripture says, “He was
becoming a SAINT begins with a wounded for our transgressions,
SINNER. It was for the sinner that he was bruised for our iniquity and
Jesus came to earth to die in our the chastisement of our peace
place, so that we may be saved was upon him and with his stripes
from the bondage of sin and have we are healed!”
eternal life. “God so loved the
world that he gave his only begot- Jesus was crucified, guilty only of
ten Son”. A record of Jesus’ earth- love, compassion and doing all
ly ministry shows that he did all manner of GOOD to human kind!
manner of good to help persons. It’s amazing that in spite of all that
In spite of all the good, however, Jesus went through he was still
his opponents – the chief priests, able to speak 7 Words from the
Scribes, Pharisees and teachers Cross.
of the law, felt threatened by him The First Word ... “Father, for-
since large crowds were follow- give them; for they know not what
ing him as a result of his unique they do”. After all that they did
teachings as one with authority. to Jesus, he still found it within
He performed miraculous deeds his heart to ask God to FORGIVE
Rev Derek Browne, Circuit of healing, casting out demons, them! Some persons find it diffi-
Superintendent Antigua Methodist Church raising people from the dead – cult to forgive others for far less
including his friend Lazarus after BUT Jesus shows us the way of
In 2021, a full year into the being dead for four days. He even
COVID-19 pandemic, we have love. If we want God to forgive us
exercised authority over the forc- we must be prepared to forgive
experienced setbacks, significant es of nature – speaking to wind
loss of life of family and friends, others. The Second Word ... “To-
and the seas to be still – and they day you shall be with me in par-
and our livelihood has been im- obeyed!Jesus’ ‘cleansing of the
pacted. We have also experienced adise”. One criminal crucified on
temple’ of its unjust practices and a cross beside Jesus came to the
an ever changing ‘new normal.’ its hindering of the Gentile wor- place where he saw in Jesus - the
shipers from finding peace and Christ, the Son of God. Even then,
It is within this context that we en-
quiet to encounter God also led he made his peace with God as
ter with reverence into the pres-
the religious leaders to seek ways he asked Jesus to remember him
ence of the Cross at this year’s
to arrest and kill Jesus. It is with- when he comes in glory. Jesus
commemoration and memorial of
in this context, and against this assured the dying thief, “today,
the Crucifixion of our Lord Jesus.
background, that Jesus having you will be with me in Paradise!”
In spite of our experiences, many
shared what turned out to be his It is never too late to turn to the
are resolved to acknowledge that
last meal with his disciples, went Lord! If you cry out to him he will
through the grace of God we are
to the Garden of Gethsemane hear and save you from your sins.
still here, and that ‘this too shall
to pray and was then arrested. The Third Word ... “Woman, be-
pass’! As Christians, despite the
A bogus trial ensued and Jesus hold your Son! Behold thy moth-
challenges, we have taken the
was condemned to death by cru- er!” In spite of what Jesus was
time to continue our Spiritual Jour-
cifixion. This was injustice at its going through, he still loved and
ney knowing that it is our Faith in
height. All of this was accompa- cared for his mother and sought
God that helped us keep it togeth-
nied by insults, abuse, being beat- after her wellbeing. He committed
er. Our reflections this year fol-
en, whipped, punched, slapped, her to the care of the beloved dis-
lowed the theme: “Soul Journey:
spat upon, and being pierced with ciple and him to her care. Jesus
Characters Around the Cross:
a crown of thorns. His experience demonstrated that his was a self-
Flawed but Faithful – Becoming,”
in one word was TORTURE! It less love.
noting that the Christian life is
was exhausting to say the least.
DYNAMIC. We are growing and
Cont’d on pg 24You can also read
