June 2, 2011 – Georgetown, Guyana…Barbara Savory/IAD
Executive President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, the Honorable Bharrat Jagdeo, joined members of the local Adventist Church at the commencement of their third quadrennial church session last week. The head of state, who was recently given the ‘Champion of the Earth’ award by the United Nations, not only delivered the feature address at the opening exercise on May 25, but also received an award from the church for his contribution to the nation.
As he proceeded to deliver the keynote address, Dr. Jagdeo made it clear that his acceptance of the appointment was not merely a matter of formality. Rather, although he was still in preparation for his appearance at the nation’s independence anniversary to be held later that evening, the president declared, “I wanted to be here because I wanted to personally say thank you to the Adventist Church for the tremendous work it has done in keeping faith alive in Guyana and for assisting with the complex social task we have set ourselves as a country.”
Dr. Jagdeo had some salient reminders and admonitions for both leaders and constituency. He recognized the role of the church in national development, noting that “Guyana will never be able to achieve its potential unless there is a partnership between the government and the church.” He emphasized that modern hallmarks of development and progress – such as better access to quality health care and education and better paying jobs – are inadequate to satisfy the core of intrinsic human need. National moral revival is essential to enable citizens to truly enjoy economic progress. He encouraged the Adventist church to seek “to strengthen the character of every Guyanese – both those who fear God and those who do not.”
President Jagdeo is a practicing Hindu, but he confessed, “The bible has all the lessons we need – whether we are Christian or non-Christian.” In speaking to the gathering, he used a number of biblical references and principles to outline his expectation of the Adventist church as a part of the Guyana society.
The Adventist Church’s community focus was mirrored by the president when he mentioned “Jesus’ life was characterized not just by prayer, but by service; so we need not just to pray in beautiful edifices, but go to the communities where the people are.” In order to transform the country, he said, the church needs to do more than preach to the converted every week. It needs to go to those who need the Gospel most.
The president further encouraged the church to intensify its role as a support entity for individuals at the crossroad. He cited the power of sources of negative influences in society that impact those who, faced with various social and economic challenges, are indecisive on the course they should take.
At times like these, “The church has to be there at that moment; the church has to be there to lend a helping hand,” he said.
The occasion was used by the head of state to promote better relationships between citizens and the eradication of racism. He cited the biblical principle of ‘loving your neighbor as yourself’ as laid out by Jesus. “If we follow this principle in our homes, in our society, here in Guyana, or in the world,” he said, “then this earth and the relationship among people will be significantly better.”
As a part of the opening ceremony of the Session, the Guyana Conference hosted an award ceremony. According to serving president of the Conference, Dr. Hilton Garnett, the gesture intended to recognize and honor professionals, men and women, and organizations that have given their time and expertise over the years for the uplifting of men and women in Guyana. President Bharrat Jagdeo headed the list of awardees.
The church session saw the election of Pastor Richard Avert James has been elected to serve as president for the church in Guyana. In making some brief remarks, Pastor James expressed his gratitude to the people and indicated his confidence in the guidance of the Holy Spirit as well as the continued support of previous leaders at large.
Re-elected administrators included Pastor Stanton Adams as executive secretary, and Margaret Ramsarran, as treasurer.
For more information on the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Guyana, visit http://www.guyanaconference.org/
