The Association of Evangelical Churches of St. Vincent and the Grenadines on Friday called for “unity, prayer, and praise rather than merry-making” in the wake of Hurricane Beryl.
Beryl, a category 4 hurricane, impacted St. Vincent and the Grenadines on Monday, leaving at least two people dead and damaging 95% of the buildings in Canouan, Union Island and Mayreau, according to government estimates.
There was also extensive damage to the power and telecommunications grid on those islands, as well as St. Vincent, resulting in thousands of people being without electricity or internet.
“In the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, the Association of Evangelical Churches of St. Vincent and the Grenadines stands with our fellow citizens during this difficult time,” the grouping said in a press release.
“The devastation caused by the storm may leave us feeling overwhelmed, but we must not lose sight of the unwavering strength that resides within our faith.”
It urged all Vincentians to “embrace a spirit of unity and compassion.
“Let us turn our hearts towards prayer for those affected, for the safety of our communities, and for the wisdom needed to rebuild. In these moments of hardship, find solace in offering praise and thanksgiving for the blessings we still possess”
The association discouraged “succumbing to despair or seeking solace in festivities.
“The Association’s position is that true solace cannot be found in conventional merry-making. Furthermore, the association is concerned that there are many in our nation who are deeply distressed at this time.
“Consequently, the Association of Evangelical Churches of SVG strongly advocates a genuine national tone of empathy with those afflicted, which must not be conjoined with a season of festivities at this particular time.”
The grouping did not specifically mention Vincy Mas, which would go ahead this weekend, despite the impact of the hurricane.
The association, however, said:
“Notwithstanding the various benefits that have been suggested (of a national festival at this time), it must be clear that the Association of Evangelical Churches strongly disapproves the facilitation of such a season of merry-making for the people of this nation, at the time when the nation has experienced and is currently processing such significant loss.”
The association is encouraging all its members and fellow Vincentians to:
- Devote time to prayer for healing, guidance, and strength.
- Offer practical support to those in need, such as volunteering with relief efforts or donating to reputable charities.
- Uplift the spirits of their neighbours through acts of kindness and words of encouragement.
“May God bless St. Vincent and the Grenadines during this time of recovery,” the association said.
This is not “merry-making” it is car-nallity! Call it what it is.
Unfortunately, many will not see any wisdom in those sentiments. As a matter of fact, most will see it as foolishness because they would rather darkness over light because their deeds are evil. It won’t surprise me if they come under attack for making such statements.
We need to be sober minded at this time. Isn’t it a mockery that a section of our people are so called having fun whilst the greater majority are suffering in one form or another? And the big question is, Does carnival benefit the nation? Let’s get the empirical data to show. From my experience if you, just at a glance take into account the economic cost sustained by the medical profession, the human trauma, the personal losses, damage to homes by way of burglaries, theft etc, the cost associated with the aftermath of carnival, pregnancy ( unwanted) and other ills associated with that , I t doesn’t seem to me at a glance that there is any benefit. CDC could tell us whether they are able to show a net gain on their balance sheet. What about how much of tax payers funds are injected into the festival. It’s time for some soul searching.
Children ! children ! listen to your parents and learn !! ,sadly too many of the parents are themselves children . Start planning the next carnival for we are early in the season .
Evangelical Churches should call on the prime minister to talk with the opposition leader to address the hurricane issue. I haven’t seen any attempt by the church to demand the NDP and ULP leaders to work together to address the problem facing the island.
The churches are too involved in politics and have no influence on the population. I am not impressed with the attitudes and moves of many of these church leaders.
It’s my opinion that there are many demons in the churches in human form these last days and for reasons as a plane ride, duty free concessions, promotions, promises , scholarships and for many more hand outs. I truly believed that we are a very special set of people and we were carefully being studied. It is written, woe unto you who call good evil and call evil , good , very shameful on all ar yo. especially on at yo who sell aryo soul for plane ride.
So in the days of Noah so shall it be in the coming of the son of man. They were eating and drinking and giving in marriage and all sort of revelry until the flood came and swept them away.
Skeckpalmer, you are right on point!
You guys are morans