Very quiet and reflective in his beloved homeland of Anguilla on Wednesday, March 25, 2015. That is how, and when, the Right Reverend Leroy Errol Brooks, OBE, spent the Seveneenth Anniversary of his consecration as Bishop of the Diocese of the Eastern Caribbean and Aruba, at St. John’s Cathedral, on March 25, 1998.
Preferring to be based in Anguilla, serving and working among his people, as just another Parish Priest, rather than stationed at the exalted and historic Cathedral in Antigua, the Bishop is one of the busiest and most travelled persons in the Diocese – if not in the wider Caribbean region.
“I think so,” he agreed with The Anguillian. “I travel quite a bit because, apart from inter-Diocesan matters, there is also the Provincial work. For example, week before last, I was in Trinidad for the week chairing a Youth Commission meeting. Then, of course, we have the House of Bishops’ Meetings and the Provincial Standing Meetings. These meetings are held to decide on matters pertaining to the work of the church in the Province, in between the Provincial Synod. Then there are other travels outside of the Province dealing with our Communion matters and from time to time there are more invitations to special assignments in various parts of the Communion.
“Some time ago I was in Canada for a special assignment. Just last December I was in New York on an assignment and then somebody called the other day asking me to come back to New York in June; and then, of course, I am going to England in June because we have a Companion Diocese relationship with the Diocese of St. Albans – and they have a special festival which involves Bishops from the Caribbean. Plus, there is the work here at the local level.”
The Bishop continued: “I am one of these peculiar Bishops as I still have a parish. I like to keep my feet on the ground…Oh, I could have been there [at the Cathedral] sitting down having people running around me all the time at a flick of the finger. But I like to be among people. I feel privileged among my own people in Anguilla. This place is very dear to my heart. I want the best for Anguilla.
“I think people need to understand that they should leave things better than we would have met them. We have inherited much from our forebears and the responsibility devolves on us to leave things as we would have met them for those who are still to come.”
The Bishop was told that one of the things he is admired for is his religious tolerance. “Yeah, yeah, we are all God’s children,” he responded. “We are supposed to be working towards the same goal – encouraging our people to come closer to God. We call it ‘kingdom building.’”
Asked whether there was any particular area of his work which was a source of delight for him, the Bishop replied: “Well, the opportunity to go to the different islands and to meet the people in the various parishes, and to share with them is a joy to me.”
He acknowledged that parental influence and upbringing were a major contribution to his achievements in life and the ministry. “Oh yeah,” he stated. “The general public in Anguilla must also be recognised for its assistance. When I was a boy, people looked out for youngsters and encouraged us, and there were those who were involved as teachers in our lives at primary and secondary school, ensuring that we gave of our best and took in as much as we could. That was because of the love they had for teaching and to see us learn.”
What message does Bishop Brooks have for the people of Anguilla at this time of facing a general election, and various other challenges?
“I would say to them that in all that they do, seek God’s guidance. Don’t be carried away by sentimentality, but choose wisely; have this island’s interest at heart; be willing to serve – not for what you can get, but to serve the public for the common good.”
“I would also say to them that they should avail themselves of the opportunity to cast their vote. Many people have suffered years gone by in order to get that opportunity to vote and we shouldn’t just treat it flippantly. We should see it as a sacred part of life to cast our vote. Don’t stay home and say well there are other people to vote – why should I go? No, make use of that opportunity. And, regardless of the outcome of the poll, you should accept the decision of the people and work together for building up this little island called Anguilla.”
Bishop, how are you celebrating your Seveneenth Anniversary in that high office in the Diocese of the North Eastern Caribbean and Aruba? was the final question.
“Very quiet and reflective,” he replied.
