Spiritual Baptists honour former Prime Minister
Members of the Mt. Zion Converted Spiritual Baptist Church of Top Questelles, hosted a thanksgiving celebration for Opposition Leader Dr. Ralph Gonsalves in honour of him spearheading the declaration of a Spiritual Baptist Day holiday in 2025 while he served as prime minister.
“…his journey has been one of dedication, resilience, and vision. He has worked hard to move our nation forward. He has not only served as a political leader, he has also been a teacher, a mentor, and a defender of those in need,” one of the spiritual leaders of the congregation, Mother Cheryl, told SEARCHLIGHT following the activity.
During the ceremony, held on Sunday, March 15, 2026, two plaques were presented to Dr. Gonsalves- one in recognition of his 32 unbroken years as the parliamentary representative for North Central Windward, the inscription of which read: “In grateful recognition of 32 years of steadfast public service, principled leadership, and tireless dedication to the people of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Your vision and diligence have guided us towards greater progress, unity and opportunity with deepest appreciation, Mount Zion Converted Spiritual Baptist Church, Questelles, presented to Honorable Dr. Ralph E. Gonzales”.
The second plaque was for his works in assisting the Spiritual Baptists over the years, which resulted in a national public holiday, May 21, being established through an Act of Parliament. For the 20 years between 1981 and 2001, when Dr. Gonsalves became prime minister, he was the warden of the Spiritual Baptist Friendly Society, and the lawyer for the Spiritual Baptist Organization of St. Vincent and the Grenadines…“jobs I did free of charge,” he stated.
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