Community leaders urge
island to keep praying
PHILIPSBURG--Like a family, a community that prays together, stays together. This was the message of the third annual National Day of Prayer ecumenical service held on Clem LaBega Square Sunday afternoon.
Some 400 people including Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards, Leader of Government Commissioner Sarah Wescot Williams, French Side Mayor Albert Fleming and other government officials from both sides of the island.
Richards, in his speech to the gathering, said it was a show of faith and strength that the community continues to pray together regardless of religious backgrounds. As the island embarks further on “its challenging journey to become a country,” the community and its leaders “must draw strength from prayer.”
Addressing those gathered in a passionate voice, Wescot-Williams called on the community to give thanks to God and to take all their burdens to Him. “Prayer has St. Maarten where it is today,” she said. “Our ancestors have been coming together in prayer and thanksgiving for years.” This is a tradition that must not cease, she added.
As long as the community stayed focused and on the right path, “God will continue to bless the country” and help the people “to grow from strength to strength,” Wescot-Williams said.
The words of the Democratic Party Commissioner and Richards were also echoed by the various preachers, including Minister Eulalie Meyers, Esmond Flemming, Elijah Singer and Emmanuel Carbon, who led the gathering in prayer and sermons.
Guest Pastor Clive Dottin of Trinidad urged the youngsters in the community to be closer to God as a means to battle the ills of society such as gang violence.
Several youth groups shared their talents and commitment to their faith through song, dance and skits. Singers such as the Laveist sisters, Karen Greene-Cadogan, and the Greenaway sisters lifted their voices in songs of praise and worship.
Commissioner Louie Laveist closed off the evening with thanks to the National Day of Prayer Committee, the artistes and other participants as well as the audience.
St Maarten vacation rental
