Turks Island Government Thanks God for the victory

Providenciales, Grand Turk — Archbishop of The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands Diocese, the Rt. Rev. Laish Boyd, preached on morality and the deliverance of governmental justice at the Ecumenical Church Service held November 28 prior to the opening of Parliament at St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral in Grand Turk.

Among the congregation were the British Governor of the Turks and Caicos, the Commissioner of Police, the newly elected members of the House of Assembly and a Parliamentary delegation from The Bahamas.

Archbishop Boyd offered advice to the representatives of the Defender of the Faith, to follow the instructions in the Anglican Book of Prayer, to mend the division of ideas in the decision making process. He petitioned the British to consider seeking justice appropriately for the citizens of Turks and Caicos Islands, so that they can live in peace.

“This is a wonderful occasion,” said the archbishop. This is a wonderful step in the life of this country. It is something about which we should be happy and proud and so I say again, it is a tremendous delight to be able to be here with you.”

The Archbishop greeted the congregation on behalf of the Rector of the Pro-Cathedral, Canon Mark Kendall, along with other clergy. He reflected on Psalm 33:11, which talks about the fact that God is faithful and that His word is dependable, therefore deserving praise and devotion. He called it a timely subject for human reflection because the mistakes of reliability and inconsistency of others on the human journey become frustration, vexation, disheartening and shattering.

“Many of us have been disappointed and disillusioned by the behaviour of other people. And, it doesn’t stop there, for we are even frustrated, discouraged, and disillusioned by our own inconsistency. We start off with good intentions and end up somewhere else, off course, where we do not really want to be or where we know where we should not be,” he said.

The regional Anglican Diocese representative, Archbishop Boyd said God created many countries, including the Turks and Caicos Islands, which has its challenges. Hemade reference to the Turks Islanders’ need for the British Government to exercise their role to bring closure to the controversy that clouded the deeds of those persons who left the country to escape facing justice for the impact of their irresponsible actions on the citizens left behind. Archbishop Boyd quoted the book of Isaiah to drive his point about the Government’s divine duty to ensure the safety and protection of its citizens.

He noted that the Turks and Caicos Islands have come through a period of interim administration, a period occasioned by the fact that certain elements of the country’s Constitution were suspended. He said elections have been held “And today, we open the new legislative season by the swearing in of members of the House of Assembly; a duly constituted body of legislators,” said Archbishop Boyd. He noted to the assembly that the main issue was to mend the inequity of allocating blame for the corruption practices that took were sealed by the Heads of Government and made legal, after the former Premier only approved them. His hinting at the fact that if the TCI Heads of Government have veto powers to act on behalf of Her Majesty, then why were those powers not used also to prevent the corruption from taking place in the first place. Archbishop Boyd pointed out that the reality of what happened places the country in a state of ambiguity and rightful uncertainty.

Archbishop Boyd spoke of the several “thorning” issues facing the TCI: The uncertainty about the new Assembly; the huge task of governing and administration in the country; the suspicions derived from the British government having much control over daily operations of the country, and the looming question.

He said that most people, from all walks of life and from all sides of the fence will have to agree that during the previous administration, some things went on that should not have gone on.

“This is not a condemnation. This is not an attempt to convict anyone, but we have to accept certain basic realities. We also have to respect the process of law. We pray that justice will be done in matters, which are now before the courts. We offer unending love and support and prayers for those who have been charged and for their families,” said Archbishop Boyd.

Archbishop Boyd addressed the verbal concerns of TCI citizens, who view the British occupation of their local governing and legislature practices as intrusive and incompatible with the wishes of the citizens.

He admonished them: “Do not forget God. And do not forget the place which God could have in your life.”

Archbishop Boyd offered the congregation intimate advice to help their political representatives simplify their work in public office. He advised TCI citizens to have compassion on their leaders and to remember their humanity and fragility as well, respective of their burden in making important decisions. They must solve problems for large populations, impacted by the free movement of people across international borders, which means that anything can happen at any time. He said to hold them at a high standard and watch their actions closely, but love them even though they make mistakes.