Normally, young people from Anguilla and the other islands, making up the North Caribbean Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (NCC), would have met in masse over the past weekend in one of the ten territories – but they were obliged to hold their separate events in their own homelands instead.
This was a result of Hurricane Irma, in September 2017, which affected all of the islands in the sub-region and interrupted the plans for the Pathfinders, according to Dr. Vincent David, the Youth Director of the NCC. He has been visiting Anguilla and the other islands addressing and investing the Pathfinders at the various churches.
The Anguilla young people in the Ambassador, Conqueror and Eager Beaver Clubs, first met for their Youth Ministries and Pathfinder Congressoree at Jireh Tabernacle at South Hill on Friday night, November 30. The following day they met at the Mount Fortune Seventh-day Adventist Church at East End where the Congressoree was declared open by Mrs. Cora Richardson-Hodge, Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Labour, Human Rights and Gender Affairs. She was thanked by the Pathfinder Director, Mr. Malcolm Webster.
On Sunday morning, December 2, the Pathfinders, Coordinators, Directors and Counselors met at the James Ronald Webster Park where they were inspected by Dr. David and Inspector Kenneth Millet of the Royal Anguilla Police Force.
In addressing the youngsters, Inspector Millet commended them, on behalf of Commissioner Paul Morrison, for their work as Pathfinders and their positive contribution to the community. “This is part of our strategic objective to build partnerships with the community to enable us to serve you better,” he said. “I must say all of you look fantastic. I have seen you before when I served as Commander of the Anguilla Day Parade. I know you are involved in drills, and the aim of those exercises is to build individuals and is the basis for teamwork. Whenever you are coming out for drills, you must be sharp and always early because your readiness is important.”
The Inspector went on to advise them to stay away from crime. “Just like you, I am a Biblical man. Colossians 3.23 says whatever task your are doing, do it heartily as if you are doing it unto God and not unto men,” he added.
Inspector Millet was thanked by Ms. Catherine Brooks, Area Coordinator for Anguilla.
Meanwhile, the Youth Director, Dr. David, said there had been a reduction of Pathfinders in Anguilla largely due to migration. “There is some rebuilding and restructuring that we are currently working on for the ministry of the Pathfinders here in Anguilla,” he stated. “In about the second week of January coming, Pastor Hall, the Director of the Union, will be coming with me to do some training for the leaders. We are now closing Pathfinder year and are looking forward to launch into the New Year.”
