Kenyatta Lewis: Logos Hope visit a success

The visit of the Logos Hope to St. Vincent has been described as “amazing”, in terms of economic activity and ministry, by coordinator of local Logos Hope committee Kenyatta Lewis.{{more}}

The Logos Hope arrived in Kingstown, St. Vincent on Monday, July 27, 2009, and was opened to the public on Tuesday, July 28, 2009. Lewis disclosed that up to Monday afternoon, over 35,000 persons had visited the ship docked at the cruise ship berth. He said he expected that by the time the ship left on Wednesday evening, over 40,000 persons would have visited.

Although he declined to disclose just how many books were purchased by Vincentians, Lewis describes the number as “huge” and stated that the exact figure would be calculated after the final open night.

Lewis said that the more than three hundred crewmembers aboard the ship directly influenced the local economy during their weeks here on the island. “It wasn’t just a one way street whereby persons bought books. You had persons from the ship spending money here,” he said.

Lewis explained that some crewmembers visited many places across the island, including visits to twenty-five churches, Chateaubelair, Bequia and Union Island. He added that crewmembers also enjoyed local cuisine and engaged in sporting activities with locals, including volleyball, cricket, football, table tennis and basketball. Books were also donated to the National Library, the Lewis Punnett home the male and female prisons and the Mental Health Institution.

Lewis said that the support from the Vincentian public was exceptional. “I think it was really good, it was very timely.” According to Lewis, many young persons showed interest in working on the ships, with a number of volunteers signing up, four of whom have decided to join the ship’s crew on a short term basis.

Lewis also said that over 1,000 persons were invited on the ship and interacted with crewmembers; many gave their lives to Christ and made lasting friendships. “On a whole, I think it was very successful, being the first port in the Caribbean,” he said.

The Logos Hope left St. Vincent on Wednesday, August 12, 2009. It is expected to arrive in Grenada on Thursday, August 13, 2009, departing on the August 25. The Logos Hope will then travel to Trinidad, St. Lucia, Barbados and Guyana.(OS)