From Bishop Stephen Ollivierre, Pentecostal Assemblies of the West Indies St. Vincent and the Grenadines District

Let us be thankful that we can celebrate our 43rd Independence Anniversary. When I consider the issues that confronted us in 2021 and see how God superintended, we as a nation should offer thanks unto Him.

I could not help but consider the issues of 2021. It is essential for offering thanks to God as a nation.

There was an upsurge in COVID-19 cases nationwide. The nation was plunged into fear as many dreaded contracting this infection. We were saddened when our citizens lost loved ones to this infection. As ministers of the Gospel, we performed various funeral services for dearly departed family members.

Dengue Fever presented an additional challenge. Some of our children fell prey to this viral disease while others died, thus plunging the nation into another wave of sadness. Occasionally, I placed myself in the shoes of the parents who lost their children and the resulting sadness was somewhat unbearable. Today, we thank God for preserving our lives and for allowing us to, mourn alongside those who have lost loved ones.

A cross-section of our citizens were displaced as a result of the eruption of La Soufriere Volcano. The hearts of many were filled with dread. They had to endure the inconvenience of not having any luxury. Farmers from some of the affected areas lost their crops as well as their animals. The vast quantity of ash and the constant shortage of water are experiences which will remain with me.

We are grateful to those who provided financial assistance and contributed food and other necessary supplies during the challenging period in our nation.

The Bible instructs, quote: “In everything, give thanks to God,” unquote. Even though it was a difficult moment for our country, we are grateful to God that the situations the eruption caused were not worsened by the loss of life. I feel that all the individuals who warned us of the impending eruption and when it will occur were God-sent.

God has safeguarded and preserved us. Nevertheless, some have apportioned blame to God for causing the disaster. However, if we read Genesis chapter 3 in the Bible, we will realize that Adam and Eve’s transgression afflicted the entire world when they sinned against God by disobeying the command of not eating from a particular tree in the Garden of Eden.

As a minister of religion and a pastor, my prayer is for God’s protection on the island nation of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Let us commit to God and express gratitude to Him as a nation. Let us appreciate this achievement and thank God for getting us this far.