A teacher who has since returned to the classroom after being dismissed under the Unity Labour Party (ULP) administration’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate says no Christian should vote for the party in the upcoming general election.
Palmore Wilson expressed the view as he campaigned in Buccament Bay in support of Conroy Huggins, the opposition New Democratic Party’s (NDP) candidate for Central Leeward in the upcoming general election.
Huggins, a former teacher, also lost his job under the vaccine mandate and is making his first bid to win the seat, which the ULP had held continuously for 30 years.
Huggins, a preacher, is seeking to unseat Orando Brewster, another preacher, who is seeking a second five-year term as MP for the constituency.
Wilson, who is a member of the executive of the NDP’s group in Central Leeward, said that some people have criticised him and Huggins, saying that Christians should not get involved in politics.
“Then who should?” Wilson said, adding that the Bible is about God seeking good leaders.
“The entire Bible is about God looking for leaders who would be true to him and serve His people and lead them well,” Wilson said.
Wilson pointed to the Bible account of Rehoboam succeeding his father, Solomon, as King of Judah.
“… and he should have been the one that would have led the people of Israel, but Rehoboam was not willing to humble himself — just like the leader now,” Wilson said.
“The people sent another man to him and said, ‘Listen, your father was harsh to us. Make our burdens lighter.’ He told him to come back.
“He went to the old men who used to advise Solomon, and the old men told him, ‘Listen, if you treat these people well, if you lighten their load, they will serve you and they will obey you.”
(WATCH: Palmore Wilson protests in Kingstown against the vaccine mandate in December 2021)
Wilson noted that Rehoboam, however, disregarded the counsel of the old men and he went to the young men.
The young counsellors told him to tell the people that his big toe would be thicker than his father’s thigh and his thumb would be greater than his loins.
“That means, he said, ‘My father beat you with whips. I will lick you up with scorpions’,” Wilson said and asked the audience to read the account themselves.
“Christians should not be part of politics? That’s what I’m talking about,” Wilson said, adding that the people overthrew Rehoboam and another person took over.
Wilson said that Huggins “is not a politician, so don’t class him with a field of what you have experienced or what you’re experiencing. He’s, first of all, a man of God. He’s a preacher and a servant of God, and he’s not here to fill his pocket, because he and I know that we have brought nothing into this world, and my Bible says it is certain that you can take nothing with you.”
He said Huggins “was called; he did not push himself in the line.
“He was called to serve, and he took that call. And I want to say this also, and I say it without apology, any person that associate themselves with Christianity should never vote for Ralph,” Wilson said.
“They should never, ever, ever associate themselves with this wickedness. And I say it without apology, you cannot be a Christian and associate yourself with wickedness and victimisation.
“A man who is fighting to the neck with his own people, have them in court, … spending your money, … wasting people’s money instead of humbling himself.”
Wilson said he and Huggins grew up as neighbours in Kearton, Barrouallie, adding, “… we have not become affiliates or friends because he is in politics.
“… and I want you to know that he’s not the same as the others, that he’s an astounding young man.
“His reputation in his own neighbourhood far exceeds any that you might think of. Go and find out for yourself for those who do not know him in this community and ask about him.”
Wilson said Huggins is a polite and respectful person who is “of unquestionable character.
“I have no doubt in my mind that Conroy will deliver. I am telling you that it is not going to be the same,” Wilson said.
“This is what you have been waiting for. This is a young man who will not reject you. He will not ignore you. He will not turn up his vehicular window and drive through as though he don’t know you.”
He also noted Huggins’ education, including that he is an agronomist with a master’s degree.
My brother, that’s my concern for a very long time , especially the accused rape and young woman sent mental home and other wicked things .., It makes me question which Bible they read. It was voiced that I don’t believe in God but will call his name to get what I want and I can proudly give you 7 reasons. Remember, a plane ride, duty free concessions and other gifts makes us very gullible. It is written, many that will go down to hell will be numberless as the sand on the seashores.