A National Service of Thanksgiving, Prayer, and Praise will be held at Ellis Thomas Downs, Sea Cows Bay, on Thursday, May 30, 2019 at 4:00 pm. Photo: GIS/Facebook

Premier Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has called on pastors throughout the Virgin Islands (VI) to open their doors to persons who may wish to pray during the prayer and fasting period. Photo: GIS/Facebook

Ever since the Government rolled out its ‘fast track’ Residency and Belonger Regularisation Programme, there have been countless exchange of words between locals and expats on social media. Photo: VINO

Additionally, a National Service of Thanksgiving, Prayer, and Praise will be held at Ellis Thomas Downs, Sea Cows Bay, on Thursday, May 30, 2019 at 4:00 pm.

Premier Fahie, in a statement, today, reminded that earlier this year, on March 6, 2019 the Territory had its first National Service of Thanksgiving, Prayer, and Praise and he had promised to make it the norm as long as God granted his Government the favour to lead the people of the Virgin Islands.

“It is important to stay prayed up as we join in one accord to heal our hearts; mend our relationships, and blend our differences in a time when we all need to take unconventional and intentional steps to reshape our future together.”

“We need not lash out against each other”

Ever since the Government rolled out its ‘fast track’ Residency and Belonger Regularisation Programme, there has been much exchange of words between locals and expats on social media. Locals have also criticised Government of seeking to overpopulate the territory and give away their “rights” while the Government has said the persons being considered for status as those who are already among us. Further, Government has said one of the main objectives of the programme is to unite the territory.

“As a student of this world, I am often reminded that we need not lash out against each other, but embrace each other and remember that we have long been working to strengthen the BVI together. 1 Peter 2:17 reminds us that we must show proper respect to everyone. God gives us the power through his many acts of love to embrace differences and ensure unity among us as a people.

“That is why we are having a National Service of Thanksgiving, Prayer, and Praise on Thursday, May 30 at 4:00 p.m. at the Ellis Thomas Downs in Sea Cow’s Bay, to have us come together to petition God to heal and recognise that difference is important to unity, and in unity there is strength.”

“Territory needs all the prayers going up”

The premier extended appreciation to the Christian Council for its continued commitment and for partnering with Government “to make sure that God remains the centre of our joy as a Territory.”

Praise teams from Christian denominations are invited to be a part of this praise and worship experience “as we petition God for favour, blessings, wisdom, and discernment in facing and managing the affairs of this Territory.”

Premier Fahie also called on pastors throughout the VI to open their doors to persons who may wish to pray during this period.

“Also, I am encouraging employers to accommodate employees who wish to attend the service.”

Premier Fahie urged everyone not to miss the clarion call to collectively pray for unity in the Territory of the Virgin Islands.

“Our Territory needs all the prayers going up. Prayers for a loving BVI. Prayers for a crime free BVI. Prayers for protection for the BVI especially from forces greater than us but not greater than God. Prayers for a Peaceful BVI. Prayers for a prosperous BVI. Prayers for the BVI to rely on God to see us through the difficult times and lead us to better days.”