Anguillians, from all over the island, joined in a two-and-a-half Service of Thanksgiving and Prayers on Sunday afternoon, November 29.
The well-attended event marked the devastation of Anguilla by Hurricane Irma in September 2017 and the quick recovery of the island; and the current threat by Covid-19, but without any community spread of the virus thus far.
It was a grand occasion in which the Government, the Christian Council, the Evangelical Association, and members of the public, came together in a spirit of nationalism, fellowship and thanksgiving.
The event, at the Gazebo, on the grounds of the Scouts and Guides Ruthwill Auditorium, was under the theme: “The Greatness of God”. The service commenced at 4.00 pm with an impressive drum parade by the Pathfinders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church; the Scouts, Cub Scouts, Cadets Corps and the Boys Brigade. They entered the Gazebo grounds from three directions adding much pomp and ceremony to the event. There they joined Roots Binghi, the emerging Rastafarian drum band.
The programme was under the chairmanship of Pastor Jerome Harrigan. It began with an opening prayer by Rev. Dunstan Richardson, and a Praise and Worship session by a Church of God of Prophecy team. The programme continued with Scripture readings by Premier Ellis Webster; Mrs. Sandra Gumbs; Pastor Juliet Simon; and Rev. Raliville Christian; the sermon by Pastor Howard Simon; and renditions by the Christian Fellowship Church.
The rest of the programme comprised a series of prayers. Those who prayed were Pastor Philip Gumbs for deliverance from the 2020 Hurricane Season; Pastor Denny Gumbs for education and the young people in Anguilla; Pastor Rosa Balbuena for the economy and hospitality workers; Pastor Cecil Richardson for health workers and essential services; Rev. Raliville Christian for the elderly; and Pastor Edmeade Allen for the Government of Anguilla. The Vote of Thanks was delivered by Pastor Gareth Hodge.
The Service of Thanksgiving was coordinated by Mr. Kenneth Hodge, Minister of Home Affairs.
There was not only a strong spirit of camaraderie and patriotism at the service, but also an overwhelming spirit of unity and fellowship among the churches, ministers, pastors and congregations.
