Anguillians were astonished to hear a radio announcement on Wednesday morning to the effect that Chief Minister Hubert Hughes has invited a Minister of Religion from Kenya, who will be accompanied by a Minister from the United States, to pray for the people of Anguilla.
The announcement reads as follows:
“The Honourable Chief Minister and Minister of Finance, is very concerned with the level of crime and violence on the island. He believes that there needs to be a spiritual intervention so that the island can progress amidst everything that is happening including the economic woes of the country.
“Therefore in an effort to address the situation from a spiritual standpoint, the Chief Minister has invited Reverend John David Matengo from Kenya to have a prayer session for the people of Anguilla. Reverend John Matengo is being accompanied by Reverend Deborah Williams from the USA. Both of them will minster to the people of Anguilla on Thursday, March 14 2013 at the Coronation Ball Park starting at 7.30 p.m.
“This is being held in collaboration with the Chief Minister and Minister of Finance the Honourable Hubert Hughes, Pastor Gerard Gumbs and the Storehouse of God and the Ministry of the World International Inc. led by Reverend John Matengo.
“The Chief Minister is therefore extending an invitation to all the people of Anguilla and visitors to be present at the Coronation Park on Thursday March 14, 2013 at 7.30 pm. Let us unite in our prayers for the country. It is promised to be a blessing. Please be there: United westand divided we fall.
“May God Bless Anguilla.
“The Honourable Chief Minister & Minister of Finance, Hubert Hughes.”
Commentators have remarked that the announcement has not addressed such pertinent matters as who will be paying for the travel and accommodation of the two Ministers; what consultation, if any, has there been with the Anguilla Christian Council and the Anguilla Evangelical Association and what, if any, will be their involvement in the prayer session; why were they invited to Anguilla when there are Ministers and Pastors of much religious prominence and fervor – and who have been praying against crime on the island; and what consultation, if any, was made with groups and individuals in Anguilla who have been involved in public meetings, including meetings with Government officials, on the crime situation.
The commentators state that it is not that anyone is against the visit, as such, but they are of the view that there was a need to take into account the above, and other matters, as part of an effort aimed at public cooperation and involvement. The commentators added that the announcement tended to give an impression of a panic situation on the part of the Chief Minister, and wondered why it was made so late without time for discussion or representation by religious and civil society individuals and groups.
