As a nation we must redouble our efforts on the road to 45

Independence Message from Archbishop Melford Pompey
Spiritual Baptist Archdiocese of St Vincent the Grenadines

“Surely his salvation is at hand for those who fear him, that glory may dwell in our land. Faithfulness will spring up from the ground and righteousness will look down from the sky. Yea, the Lord will give what is good, and our land will yield its increase. “ Psalm 85:9

As St Vincent and the Grenadines celebrates its 44th anniversary of Independence, we must commend those who ask, what can I do for my country and contribute to our progress today, rather than what can my country do for me?

Our accomplishments over the years cannot be measured by our goodness but by God’s grace and mercy.

As a nation, we must redouble our efforts on the road to 45 and pledge with joyful hearts, loyalty, love, and vow to always be free.

While the church is at the receiving end of much criticism, it must be applauded for its resilience and fortitude in leading the way through prayers. The recently held day of prayer was indeed a way of uniting our people and removing religious barriers, an example of how powerful the church can be. This can be seen as an encouragement to aspire to greater things.

As a church, it is time to pursue what is good for the land, to ensure its productivity. The war, hatred, murders, violence, immorality that is present today is not the positive answer to Micah 6:8 “What does the Lord require of you, but to do justly, and love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?”

He has shown us what is good and is not willing for us to have anything less, but we must be mindful “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people,” Prov. 14:34.

It is time to work together regardless of your religious pursuit, political affiliation, colour or race to ensure that good overcomes evil, peace defeats war, unity stands above division, love outshines hatred and righteousness puts sin to shame. “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his inheritance” Ps. 33:12.

As Spiritual Baptists we thank God for freedom of religion as we celebrate our people, our resilience and fortitude, our identity.

On a sad note, the passing of our esteemed Spiritual Mother, Matriarch Mona Pompey two months ago has left a void because of the impact she has made on our lives. May her soul rest in eternal peace and may light perpetual shine upon her.

On a brighter note, our Religious Academy will soon graduate its second batch of students after another successful year; “To God be the glory.”

I call on our people to be resilient amidst the struggle and come together to build a better St Vincent and the Grenadines. Through resilience, we can be over comers; and keep hope alive, our faith will see us through.

On behalf of my wife, Chermar, the Archdiocesan Council, and on my personal behalf, I wish the Government and people of St Vincent and the Grenadines best wishes on the road to 45 with God’s favour.

Happy anniversary of Independence and may God Bless you.

Melford