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  • 6 months ago
After days of speculation about her health and absence from the public eye, the Prime Minister made a surprise appearance at a major regional church gathering in Chaguanas. In her message to the faith community, she made a call for unity and hope amid rising crime.
Transcript
00:00The New Testament Church of God Biennial Caribbean Assembly is underway at Centrepointe Mall in Chagornas.
00:06Led by National Overseer Bishop Alonzo Jones, the event drew members of faith from across the region.
00:13And to the congregation's delight, a surprise visitor on Thursday evening, Prime Minister Kamla Passat-Bissasa.
00:21Her presence followed an invitation to her to visit the event which concludes on Sunday.
00:25The PM's arrival put to rest the public speculation over her health and recent absence from official events.
00:34In her address, the Prime Minister reflected on the power of faith and the vital role the Church plays in society,
00:41especially at a time when the nation is grappling with violence and despair.
00:46Moments like these remind me that governments can pass all the laws they want.
00:51They can try to build all the roads they want.
00:54They can try to build all the schools and all the hospitals that we want.
00:59But it is the Church. Often it is the Church which binds.
01:05After a full day of meetings, she said it was important to close the day with gratitude and fellowship.
01:11I am coming from a not very far place, from the Diplomatic Centre up in St. Clair.
01:21After a full day of Cabinet meetings, doing the business of the people and of course with the blessings of people
01:31and of course with praise in my heart, saying thank you God. Thank you God.
01:38The Prime Minister highlighted the need for churches to rise to meet today's challenges,
01:42to be more than just places of worship, but also pillars of outreach, guidance and healing.
01:50Unity will be more than a photograph.
01:53It will be a shared labour and mutual respect.
01:57Worship will overflow into justice, mercy and reconciliation.
02:02Every church will be a sanctuary for at-risk youth and a refuge for the broken and a launchpad for service.
02:12My government will safeguard freedom of worship.
02:15My government will protect denominational rights.
02:18She encouraged leaders to keep young people at the centre of their mission,
02:22especially as they face growing threats from crime and gang culture.
02:27Your resolve to unite, to unite clergy and laity.
02:32Your resolve to equip the church for mission.
02:36Your resolve is to serve our nations, especially our young people,
02:41in love, in truth, and in being an essential beacon of hope amid rising crime, violence and youth gangs across the region.
02:53She reminded the congregation that faith is not only personal, but communal, a force for national healing.
03:01These words are lived out daily in our individual lives, in collective service,
03:07binding wounds, bearing burdens, and raising a generation to lead with faith and to lead with courage.
03:16The Prime Minister pledged her government support for faith-based programs that feed, heal, counsel, and uplift.
03:25Aksha Galston, TV6 News.
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