Rev. Patrick McIntosh: OECS, strive for unity

The Organization of Eastern Caribbean States member countries should not seek to level out our differences but rather strive for a spirit of “unity in reconciled diversity”. This is according to The Very Rev’d Patrick E. Mc Intosh, Dean and Rector of the St George’s Cathedral, as he delivered the sermon at the Ecumenical service of thanksgiving held last Sunday, June 18 at the Cathedral.

This year marks the 25th anniversary since the signing of the Treaty of Basseterre in 1981. The theme for the celebration is “Building true Integration, Building for Success, Youth and Community.” A packed audience which included Acting Governor General, Mrs. Monica Dacon was admonished to foster unity and strive towards being of the same mind which is “working harmoniously for a common goal and purpose.”{{more}}

Mc Intosh suggested that the condition of the mind plays an important part in the quest for unity, therefore, the OECS was admonished to seek this singleness of purpose and ambition if the goals laid out are to be achieved, and the bond deepened and tightened between member states, hinting that our common history should help facilitate this bonding.

In his well-received message the clergyman warned those gathered that as an organization we must discourage laziness and worthlessness and encourage united thinking, opposing a concept of personal quests. “We most look at the longer good if we are to bring true and successful integration.” stated Mc Intosh.

In his prepared statement, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Chairman of the OECS gave thanks to God and reflected on the significant strides the OECS had made over the last 25 years including the pooling together of limited resources to improve the social and economic well being of all OECS citizens.

The message that was prepared by the OECS secretariat with Chairman Gonsalves’ blessing, was expected to have been read at all such services being held throughout the OECS member states, challenged citizens to focus on the road ahead and carefully fashion the organization as we prepare for the “new and bigger challenges of our time”.

Gonsalves said that chief among these challenges is an emerging international economic environment whose rules are often a direct threat to the survival of small states like ours.

“The OECS has withstood the test of time and has grown in strength and stature,” declared the proud chairman as he applauded the organization’s resilience through the testing of the various global dilemmas it faced over the years of it’s existence.

After the service the Prime Minister took a salute at a March Past of uniformed organizations in the Cathedral’s entrance.