BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – WITH a newly-installed executive, the St. Kitts Evangelical Association (SKEA) is ready to tackle social ills facing the nation.
Speaking exclusively to SKNVibes, new SKEA President Bishop Ron Dublin-Collins said the Association is coming out of a dormancy period with renewed vigour and a commitment to being a force for positive change. He expounded briefly on its agenda for the upcoming year, noting the main objective would be to motivate persons to become more “society and church-minded”.
“Our focus will be on rallying churches around the island to take more active roles in improving the social fabric. We will also be mobilising young persons to spread the word of God so they can hopefully touch some of their peers who are involved in negative situations,” said Collins.
The Bishop also referenced work done by the Association in conjunction with its tripartite partners, the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (CIC) and the St. Kitts Christian Council. The three non-government organisations held a march and rally against crime earlier this year, and just last week released a Declaration on the way forward in dealing with crime and violence.
“Some of the programmes we recommended within the document, such as the parenting classes and the rehabilitation of juvenile offenders, are projects we intend to play a major role in. We are concerned about improving the spiritual welfare of the nation and we are soliciting the cooperation of all pastors and ministers in our quest,” he informed.
Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Denzil Douglas, Deputy Prime Minister the Hon. Sam Condor, and CIC President Mark Wilkin were among the luminaries attending the installation which occurred on Thursday (June 4) at the Wesleyan Holiness Church in Basseterre.
In addition to Dublin-Collins, the executive comprises of Vice-President Rev. Dr. Eustace Rawlings, Secretary Rev. Lincoln Connor, Assistant Secretary Rev. Ericson Cumberbatch and Treasurer Rev. Leroy Matthew.
