Fri, Aug 15, 2014

Editor: I write concerning what transpired at the Holy Trinity Church, Georgetown, on Saturday during the funeral service of Elwardo Lynch. (I saw it on TV and heard remarks here and there).

The despicable behaviour which occurred raises the obvious question – WHO TO BLAME?

I will declare my ignorance and cannot pinpoint all those who might have been involved in a plot to embarrass and disrespect the Prime Minister of this our country prior to the funeral service.{{more}} Surely some voiced their objections earlier via Facebook and radio etc.

Someone wisely said that “men must choose to be governed by men who are governed by God.” Undoubtedly this can be applied both to the Government as well as to the Church. From what I have heard, it would appear that the Reverend who conducted the funeral service did not apply the foregoing, neither did he apply the apostle Paul’s teaching in Romans chapter 13, particularly verse 7. I quote from the King James Version “render to all their dues, tribute to whom tribute is due, custom to whom custom, fear to whom fear, HONOUR TO WHOM HONOUR.” The Living Bible puts it this way “and give HONOUR AND RESPECT to all those to whom it is due.” This too “the character of even a child can be known by the way he acts. Proverbs 20 :11.” Which translation does the Reverend read? Or does he only obey parts of the Bible? By the way, is this the same Reverend who refused to shake the Prime Minister’s hand some time ago when the same Prime Minister reached out to him?

WHO TO BLAME?

John Maxwell, prolific writer and internationally recognized leadership expert declared and I quote: “Whether your desire is to build a business, strengthen your child or reach the world, you can achieve it by raising your level of influence on the lives of others.” To this challenging declaration can be added – or building a nation.

Did the Leader of the Opposition, who is also the president of the NDP, demonstrate his leadership and influence in the throes of such hooliganism? Did he think that it didn’t matter if he even tried, because he had no influence on his own followers? Was he thinking, as Leacock declared, “the policy of NDP is no cooperation with the ULP?” Was it even possible for him to really rise above the level of the hooligans?

The Opposition Leader unashamedly told a reporter that he had no intention of calling on his supporters to stop their outrageous behaviour as they were expressing their democratic rights! What a leader!!!!! We can only then conclude that he aided and abetted this hooliganism. What a calamity. All Vincentians at home and abroad MUST take heed and ensure that come the next general election this hooliganism be kept far from taking the reins of power in our blessed land.

WHO IS TO BLAME ?

There is, of course, a public outcry against this display of hooliganism in the church. Most of it is focused on the callous attitude of those who refuse to deal with the outrage. Then too, those who actually participated in the uproar did not blush, despite the fact that it was done in the public’s view. Those who planned and instigated it via Facebook and radio should be ashamed of themselves. Is this really what we are to expect of the supporters of the NDP? Is this a part of their plan of non-cooperation with the Government?

The writings of the Apostle Paul are quite clear. In addressing the Christians in Rome, he declared: “For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.” (Romans 13:3,4) Does this verse correctly give the reason for the hooliganism ?

Apart from being invited by Mr Lynch’s family to be presented at the funeral, Dr Gonsalves, currently holding the office of Prime Minister and furthermore, as a bona fide citizen of St Vincent and the Grenadines has the privilege and right of freedom of assembly. And, as any astute politician would tell you, it does not matter who is dead, particularly if she/he is from his/her constituency.

I wish to highly commend the Prime Minister for the calm and fortitude which he displayed in the face of such reckless outburst of hooliganism.

Carol Vincent