Church services have been making newsworthy stories in The Anguillian lately, as communities come together to give praises to God, our Creator. Local residents of the St. Lucian Diaspora celebrated their country’s 42nd anniversary of independence with a special church service on Sunday, February 21st, at the Kingdom Gospel Global Outreach Ministries (KGGOM). The church is located upstairs the office of National Caribbean Insurance.
The church’s Leader, Pastor Bernard Joseph, also a St, Lucian, extended a courteous welcome to his many fellow-natives, after he had led a great, lively session of worship. Songs like Israel Houghton’s “Lord You are Good”, and Marvia Providence’s “We are Standing on the Solid Rock”, motivated the St. Lucians, in particular, to sing out and rejoice with zest — praising God who had enabled them to be celebrating yet another year. A stirring prayer by a St. Lucian brother, Denfield Baptiste, was offered in St. Lucian Patois.
Pastor Kimaro Smith
Gilda Gumbs-Samuel, a St. Lucian who has lived in Anguilla and worked in its tourism industry for many years, made a special address that highlighted the richness of St. Lucia’s culture, the significance of its traditions, as well as its beauty and the courageous pride of its people. Extracts from her presentation follow:
“With our French Creole and British heritage, we continue our tradition in our worship, celebration, culture, language, and more. Our landmark, the majestic Gros Piton and Petit Piton, towering over the picturesque villages of Soufriere and Choiuseul with their bubbling, soothing and relaxing sulphur springs, welcome all.
“Our main industries of tourism, exports, agriculture and manufacturing are a source of pride and economic sustenance for our growing island. Our people, 82 percent of whom are of African heritage, remain humble and consistent in the values of our upbringing. As an appreciative people, we stand resolute in our care and passion for each other and for the virtues of our sweet little island.
“We are proud of our flag with its colours of vibrant yellow, pure white, ocean turquoise blue, and midnight black. It proudly waves in the wind, representing who we are as a patriotic people. Uniquely and beautifully situated between the islands of Martinique and St. Vincent, with close proximity to Barbados, we are truly blessed and well positioned geographically.
“Today, though we are not celebrating personally in our beloved island, our hearts remain there. I join together with my fellow-citizens of our LaBelle St. Lucie, ‘Beautiful St. Lucia’, and we say ‘Thank You’ to the land of our birth.
“I stand in solidarity to congratulate you on our independence. May God continue to richly bless you and our entire nation’s fellow-citizens, at home and abroad. Happy 42nd Independence Day, St. Lucia.”
The Honourable Minister of Home Affairs, Mr. Kenneth Hodge, then spoke in commendable tones of the church. He said: “Indeed I have been here so many times before. This is a beautiful, wonderful, warm church.” He went on to congratulate the St. Lucians on the occasion of their country’s independence celebration and expressed his love for St. Lucia and its people. He recounted his experiences of travel to the island, noting that it was there that his late mother received her training — as an accomplished teacher many years ago:
“There are three islands that are very dear to me,” he declared. “The first is Anguilla, the land of my birth, the second is Antigua where my wife was born, but the third really is St. Lucia. My late mother attended the Teachers Training College up at the Morne in St. Lucia, and many years ago I had the opportunity to drive up the steep hills to visit the place of her alma mater.
“But over the years, as a civil servant, I have been privileged to visit Lucia for many conferences organised by the OECS Secretariat, and I have made some very dear friends there, like Dr. Didacus Jules, Lucy John-Charles and so many others.”
After bragging about the serene hotels and the delectable restaurants that he had the opportunity to experience in Rodney Bay, Mr. Hodge said: “So, if anyone hears me talking about St. Lucia, it’s because I have had the personal experience. I have been there many times, and I love it.”
He then told the St. Lucians that in his capacity as the Minister having responsibility for immigration, he considers population growth as a subject that is very dear to his heart. With that in mind, he encouraged them to ensure that they make every effort to invest in a piece of land in Anguilla, settle down here, and encourage others of their peers to do likewise.
Next was the singing of St. Lucia’s national anthem by all St. Lucians in attendance — prior to the message. The sermon was delivered by Pastor Kimaro Smith, a proficient and anointed Jamaican minister. His text was taken from Mark Chapter 4, and centred on the theme “Let’s go over to the other side”. That was a resolute statement that Jesus made to his disciples after he had been teaching a multitude of people once by the Sea of Galilee.
As Jesus crossed over in the ship, because He was tired, he fell asleep. Suddenly, a fierce storm enveloped the boat and the disciples were at their wits end for fear. However, because Jesus, the Prince of Peace, was on board, He was able to speak peace to the troublesome winds, and waves, and the sea became calm and tranquil again.
Pastor Smith encouraged the St. Lucians that whatever decisions they might make, to enhance their lives while living in Anguilla, they must ensure that Jesus is “in their ship”, for it is He who will calm the spiritual storms of adversity when life’s journey gets rough. He advised them, nonetheless, to venture out by faith and be determined to “cross over” into the blessings and favour which God has prepared for them. And he echoed the admonition of the Minister of Home Affairs, motivating them to invest a piece of Anguilla’s land and settle on it.
The St. Lucia Association in Anguilla was established recently to, among other things, look into the interests of St. Lucians living here. The official name of the Association is the St. Lucia Anguilla Association. Its Leadership includes: President, Joseph Williams; Vice President, Keith Antoine; Secretary, Lisa Hippolyte; Assistant Secretary, Laricia la Corbiniere; Treasurer, Winnie Davis; Assistant Treasurer, John Charlery; Public Relations Officer, Gilda Gumbs-Samuel; and Assistant PRO, Samson Edwards.
– Staff Reporter, James R. Harrigan
