Statement
Statement
Premier's Office
Release Date:
Thursday, 27 January 2022 - 5:09pm
This morning, 27th January, with the grace of God, your Government held a National Prayer Breakfast under the theme “Leadership for the people of Virgin Islands for such a time as this.”
Our Territory faces a number of challenges that we must overcome for our long-term success. It was important to invite leaders from all spectrums of our society to participate in this critical initiative as the issues we face must be addressed collectively and not Government solely. To that end, encouraging remarks were given by His Excellency the Governor, Mr. John Rankin and me Premier and Minister of Finance.
The keynote address and message was delivered by Pastor Calvin Mills of the Church of God(Holiness), Baughers Bay. His address was insightful, inspirational yet sought to hold each person in the audience accountable for their respective areas in which they lead. He emphasised that character is at the forefront of leadership and that it is what you do when no one is looking. Furthermore, he pointed out that in order for our character to be effective, it should be bathed in integrity “DAILY”. Continuing, he argued that if each of us simply just complain about the challenges we face then those challenges will remain. The audience was then encouraged to be the change they seek.
It goes without saying that he stressed a Holy relationship with God so that we may become the example that others would wish to emulate. He concretised one of the most profound definitions of leadership with an example of Jesus. He referenced that leadership multiplies influence and that Jesus inspired and develop twelve disciples to carry on the work of the Kingdom following his departure and that to this day that influence still continues. This is the type of leadership we must all strive for if we hope to have the Virgin Islands we envision.
Our hope now, for all of us who lead; households, businesses, Churches and Government is to leave a lasting impact on those we serve so that they too will be inspired to emulate the character that has been reflected in us. As a final note, we cannot afford to be aloof. As he quoted Matthew 5:13, in-order for salt to have its effectiveness it must come into contact with that which it intends to preserve and prepare. Therefore, we are constrained to have greater participation in our homes, communities, businesses and the wider society.
Each member in the audience was encouraged in this manner. We were indeed blessed by the Word of God and by the event which God ordained to make an impact on all the leaders in attendance. As the Pastor closed, he said we have heard now and the basket is empty. Therefore, let’s move to enact what we have heard. This is our great hope that each of us will continue to do our part and our best to advance these Virgin Islands. To God be ALL the Glory! One direction, one goal, one people! #BVILOVE
