Bassterre, St. Kitts - I have taken a decision to speak to the issue of the Customs Situation that has mushroomed into a drama in the media and has allowed for evil to manifest itself on the internet and other circles, carefully orchestrated to bring further division and confusion in our nation.  While it is true that there is a very dark cloud hanging over our beloved nation, and there is a great evil at work in our nation, we are assured that it is the will of God that we prosper and be a great nation for His honour and glory.

I am also very convinced that many who proclaim the healing of our nation are not serious.  By their divisive actions, we are seeing a further eroding of our national unity.  Our actions give some a false sense of unity and security.   God is not the author of confusion.  I will also wish to add that it is my desire to help to bring healing rather than promote confusion.  Thus, I believe it has become necessary to unravel the mystery around this incident and seek to bring clarity to the minds of our people.

Let me address the concern of some that I might now be fearful because of what is being said and done.  God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, of love and of a sound mind.  I lost the fear for man since I embraced the Holy and reverential fear for my God.

The debate of the misguided, and the premature, irrational actions of  some persons in the Customs Department is been used by some on the internet to delay the process of healing in our nation.  Let me say upfront, that I was indeed alarmed and upset by the visit of the security squad to my school.  That is way I, at 7:30am the next morning, sought to address the matter and lodge my disapproval with customs. 

Please note that prior to this incident, I have not had any trouble with the Customs Department.  I have in the past requested exemption from customs taxes, some approved and some not approved.  I am not one of those who have sought to deceive Customs with importation of goods under the Church’s name.  It is my belief that duties which are due should be paid.  It is scriptural that we give unto Caesars what is due Caasar.

Late December last year, the SKEA was invited to coordinate a programme whereby almost 3,000 excellent gifts items were made available to the children of our nation.  There was somewhat of a rush to ensure that the container of gifts was cleared in time for a 23rd December 2009 distribution in some five zones throughout St Kitts.  Letters were sent to the Prime Minister, Ministry of Finance, Customs Department, St Christopher Air and Sea Ports Authority informing all of the charity donation, with certificate of donation enclosed in said correspondences.  Please note that the items were not for my local congregation and not for my personal use, but gifts for children.  And wow, there were outstanding gifts.

Over fifty evangelical churches and a few our sister Christian Council Churches benefited.  Several youth outreach groups in Basseterre, particularly in Newtown and Village areas were also recipient of the gifts.  It was our hope that as was requested by the International Ministry and the SKEA, that we would have been favoured with full exemption.  However, in a meeting with Prime Minister Douglas held late December to address a number of concerns of the Evangelical Community, I was informed that we will be required to pay the Customs service charge. It was still my hope that the 6% charge would be lifted.  That however, was not approved. 

On the arrival of the container, we sought to secure release to ensure that the gifts were available for the time and date agreed for distribution on the 23rd December.  The Operations Officer assigned to the project advised the SKEA that a Pre Release was agreed between Customs and the agent.  Our understanding was all that was required was a cheque, which would be held for a period of time. 

The Customs has informed me that although this information was shared with our operations officer the cheque was still processed the same day.  Additionally, in a haste to process the gifts,  the second signature on the cheque was not affixed.  Subsequently, the cheque was returned to the Customs department and I was advised by a Customs Officer.  We acknowledged the error and accepted their explanation for their processing of the cheque. 

At the time when I was approached by the Customs I was heavily involved in a number of matters including coordinating a service of consecration of a cemetry, the delivery and distribution of gift items and meetings coordinating efforts of the NGO Coalition, and of course it was Christmas.  I therefore requested time to have the matter remedied.  The reality of what I have shared was accepted and it was agreed that I will get back to them after the elections.

In the meantime, Zone coordinators were encouraged to receive a small contribution from participating churches to help defray the charges by Customs.

On Tuesday of last week, 02 February, (three working days after elections and its holidays) I was visited at the Guidance Counsellors Office by two customs officers who advised that they were instructed to inform me that the same day was the deadline.  The other Guidance Counsellor was present and can testify to my response to, attitude and conduct to and with the officers.  I inquired of them to whom I may contact so that I can assure the finance officer that the funds would be paid.  I was advised to contact an Officer (whose name I have withheld) at the treasury department.  I spoke with one of the officers about my concern over the decision to apply the customs service charge to us and about my concern over the same thing happening again this year. 

I have explained my reasons for my concern including but not limited to the promise by the donors to make available a gift for each child in St Kitts and Nevis. That to me is quite an undertaking but the idea of the charges are frightening.

On the advice of the officer, I made a call to the Treasury Department and spoke to the officer whose name I was given.  Our conversation concluded with the officer granting a date to which the outstanding funds should be paid, February 15, 2010.  I promised the officer that even if the churches did not make available the funds I would make the payment personally.

I was required to attend a workshop that same afternoon but had to leave due to illness.  Later that night, around 10pm, I was working my phone to contact parents whose children got in two different incidents that day.  It was then I learned from one of our senior officers in management that the group of security personnel about seven had visited me at the school and advised the same senior school officer that they came for me due to an outstanding payment to Customs. 

I visited the Customs department the next morning about 7:30am and waited until the doors opened.  After speaking to a few of the senior officers, I was escorted to an office and sat in a meeting with some four customs officers. After we exchanged our concerns and positions, on what transpired the senior officer apologized and I advised them that I did not wish to have the extension that was granted but made the payment immediately in cash, some $1505.00. 

I questioned the officer as to whether or not I was uncooperative, rude or disrespectful when they approached in the morning prior and his response was continually NO.

He however, was concerned by the comment I made that I would speak to WINN FM about the project to advocate for full exemption for this year.  The senior officer said when he learnt I mentioned WINN FM his immediate response was that Customs would have to defend itself.  I went on to explain that it was not an issue with customs but I was seeking to get the relevant authorities to see the need for full exemption. 

The officer further stated that in light of what happened they would cancel our charge for the returned cheque.   On leaving, the officer again apologized for the incident. And I left the Customs still very confused as why that incident occurred in the first place and who instructed them to come to me.

Information about this matter seemed to have spread and I was approached by  a media house and ask to clarify the matter.  To date, I am still at loss as to why this incident occurred and what prompted the visit of the security personnel and why such a force was required. 

The reckless comments posted on the internet by a few individuals, one of whom I know very well and ought to be ashamed of himself, are true reflection of the evil that is in the midst of us.  I have been in receipt of text messages that are threatening and disgraceful.  For such I pray. 

It has been the opinion of some that I should not even be employed by government because I speak on issues.  The record will reflect that I do my work at school, I am committed and I produce by the help of God even though I am favoured like some with being appointed.  We need to collectively reject those who propose that individuals lose their rights as citizens due to their stance.  My role in the elections was without partiality and prejudice.  I have sought to allow my Christian conscience to guide my efforts to see righteousness established in our land.  I am however concerned as to why this incident occurred and the motive. 

Please be advised also that the Evangelical Association did not boycott the Swearing-In ceremony. Members of SKEA were in attendance but the SKEA was not requested to play any part on the afternoon’s programme.  In response to inquires by some of our evangelical pastors, I telephone the chairman of our sister Christian body and he informed me that he was asked to participate in an individual capacity.

Let us as a people try our best to disagree and not tear our nation apart.  Let us seek every forum available to resolve conflicts and rebuild the unity of our nation.  Let us stand together ask God to remove anything in us that displeases Him.  Under the anointing of the Holy Ghost, let the Church be the Church.  I have been humbled by the divine privilege to serve our nation in the NGO Coalition, not just as the Chairman during a very heated campaign but also as God’s Voice crying out for peace, justice and seeking to point our people to God. 

It has taken much strength and courage in the face of great opposition even within the Church community.  I am encouraged that He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater.  I am not called to say what is politically correct but what is morally and spiritual right.  The time has come for us to stand up for Jesus, shun sin and darkness, bind the forces of evil and fight, yes, fight the good fight of faith.  For far too long politics has divided our communities, our churches, our school our nation.  We must act in a national interest and not party interest. 

I am calling on our people to speak their mind on the real issues in our nation.  Let us expose our weaknesses and celebrate our strengths. Our country faces serious challenges, let us use the resources of our nation responsibly to fight crime not fight people.   The Church should never sell out.  Politicians are not Gods, Pastors are not God.  God is God all by himself.  The Church has a role to play in the healing process.  Note it is a process, that call us to be real.  Some would want us to experience healing without attending to the wounds.  Well, healing does not come by just banding up ‘sore foot’.

I, for one, will join the public debate on any matter, exercising the same right that any other kittitian Nevisian has, to speak out on matters of concern to the nation.  It is clear that there are some in our country who do not want the truth. 

I trust that we will be guided by a sense of decency and fairness and love one for another.  Much of the hurt could have been avoided.  Let us seek to revive peace, provoke love, and admonish righteousness.  God is not impressed with our pomp and ceremonies.  Regardless to what has been wrong, let’s find strength in God to correct the wrong in our nation.  I am not called to rubber stamp evil, or soothe sin.  I am called to rample up the enemies plans, destroy his agenda and save souls for the master. The rhetoric used in this post election period is still a serious concern.  It continues to cut deeply into fresh wounds.  But Jesus is our Deliver and healer.

I have accepted the apology of the Customs Officers but if there is any truth to the idea that it was motivated by anything else then that is cause for concern and action.  Our nation is not settled.  There is great uneasiness in our state and it will work against us when we address the challenges we face, like crime and the economy. 

I have availed myself in service to God and my nation.  I consider my service in the leadership of the St Kitts Evangelical Association, St Kitts Teachers Union, the St Kitts Guidance Counsellors Network and the New Covenant Tabernacle and the Church of God of Prophecy as service to God first and foremost.  I am always reminded that only what’s done for God will last.  

For the Glory of Jesus -Alluta Continua