Basseterre, St. Kitts, June 02, 2023 (SKNIS): Persons from all walks of life across St. Kitts came together on Thursday, June 01, 2023, for a special service of intercession for God’s mercies and protection during the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season, which began on June 01.
The Ministry of Ecclesiastical and Faith-based Affairs organized the special service held at the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Molineux Extension. The service was held under the theme “Lord we come: Peace be Still.”
Elreter Simpson-Browne, Permanent Secretary responsible for Ecclesiastical and Faith-based Affairs, welcomed the gathering.
“We are a nation who believe that our God can do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we ask, and so we take the time out today, the very beginning of the hurricane season, to acknowledge God in all His wisdom and power to put Him first with the hope that everything else will fall in place,” Mrs. Simpson-Browne expressed.
The multifaith service featured praise and worship, the reading of scripture, prayers for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), national leaders, and for protection. The meditation was done by Pastor Ronald Taylor.
Minister of State, the Honourable Isalean Phillip, delivered remarks on behalf of the Honourable Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Ecclesiastical and Faith-based Affairs. She thanked persons attending the service and encouraged the public to be vigilant and support each other.
“The government has already initiated plans for disaster preparedness in all of our communities,” the minister stated. “Indeed, responding to a hurricane or any natural disaster is not only the government’s business. Of course, the government has its role to play, but responding to natural disasters requires an all of society effort. All hands must be on deck as each of us has our role to play. There is no role too small and none too large. Each one helps the other so that no one is left behind.”
Attending the ceremony were the Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, Cecile Hull; Commander of the St. Kitts and Nevis Defence Force, Lieutenant Colonel J. Anthony Comrie; National Disaster Coordinator Abdias Samuel, and other senior government officials.
Pastors and congregants from various church denominations and other interested individuals also attended the service.
The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 01 to November 30 each year. The National Oceanic Atmosphere Administration (NOAA) predicts a near-normal hurricane season for 2023 with 12 to 17 named storms, half of which are expected to become hurricanes.
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