Government
‘Give more than You Receive,’ Archdeacon to new Parliamentarians
Deandrea Hamilton
Editor
Turks and Caicos, February 26, 2025 – The Progressive National Party and its 16 elected candidates are still settling into their second consecutive term in office by setting up for action on the ambitious plan laid out in the party’s campaign manifesto and extended to the Throne Speech.
Mere days ago, these members and three others also elected to the House of Assembly were the center of attention at the Opening of Parliament staged in the country’s capital, Grand Turk on Friday February 21.
February 21 is also the anniversary of the PNP Party’s election to office in the 2021 General Election.
In convening the first ever “Parliament” in the Turks and Caicos Islands, customs were adhered to amidst a stellar staging of the opening in the outdoors. Among those important to-dos, was the naming of a Speaker of the House and agreement upon a Deputy Speaker.
Hon Gordon Burton was returned as the Speaker of the honourable House for a second stint and first time elected, previously appointed to the HOA, Hon Jameka Williams took the oath of service to become the Deputy Speaker of the TCI House of Assembly. Hon Williams is the first woman to hold this position.
Ahead of these proceedings, which welcomed the likes of superstar singer and actor, Tyrese Gibson and parliamentary colleagues from nearby, Bahamas including Hon Glenys Hanna-Martin, Hon Michael Pintard, Opposition Leader; Senators Ronnie Duncombe and Darren Henfield and Hon Kingsley Smith, the member for West End and Bimini, there was a service of Thanksgiving held at St. Mary’s Pro Cathedral in Grand Turk.
Addressing the men and women in the cathedral, was Archdeacon Keith Cartwright of the Anglican Diocese of The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
“In the eyes of our Saviour, greatness comes in service. Greatness is not reducing other men to one’s service but in reducing one’s self to the service of others,” said Fr Cartwright, Archdeacon.
From reference to the raising the dead to life, to healing the lame and the Feeding of the Five Thousand; the miracles conveyed in the Holy Bible were, he said, acts of service, borne out of love.
“Our business in this life must be one of service and Jesus Christ is the perfect example for us to follow. His life is one of total service and as we read in the Gospel stories, we see that life of service at work. Giving of himself to God and giving of himself to fellow human beings.”
The Archdeacon admonished his hearers in his message to “take time with others.”
It is taking time out to hear and meet the concerns of people, which is a symbol of love in action, he reminded.
“Mr. Premier, Mr. Deputy Premier, Mr. Leader of the Opposition, all the members of Parliament, who will you follow? Will you put God first in your lives?”
Archdeacon Cartwright communicated that all are expected to be great by being the servant of all, by loving God and loving your fellow man and serving night and day, sacrificially, as did the Saviour of the world.
Prayers and greetings for success were delivered by Fr. Curtis Robinson and Rev Wilbert Jennings, President of the Turks and Caicos Islands Christian Council.
The Parliamentarians lining the altar were: Hon Washington Misick, TCI premier; Hon Edwin Astwood, TCI Leader of the Opposition; Hon Jamell Robinson, TCI Deputy Premier; Hon Sharon Simons; Hon E Jay Saunders; Hon Rachel Taylor; Shaun Malcolm; Hon Arlington Musgrove; Hon Shavago Jolly; Hon. Randy Howell; Hon Otis Morris; Hon Tamell Seymour; Hon Willin Belliard; Hon Audric Skippings; Hon Samuel Been; Hon Kyle Knowles and Hon Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles, KC.
Each was anointed with oil, a gesture of faith signaling that one is now ready and bolstered with the spiritual muscle to accomplish the work ahead.
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