‘CA2013 evidence of a successful regional integration effort’

“IF I need any proof that the regional integration movement is alive and well, your presence here this evening is that proof.”

These were the words spoken by the Honourable Freundel Stuart, Prime Minister of Barbados, as he addressed regional delegates who turned out by the hundreds for the opening of the first ever Caribbean Assembly (CA) hosted by the New Testament Church of God (NTCOG) Barbados, in conjunction with Church of God World Missions, Caribbean Region. Held under the theme, “Living the Word: Empowering the Caribbean”, from November 7th through 10th, the special convention drew delegates from Church of God assemblies from approximately 29 countries, including those from French and Spanish speaking territories, to meet up with their local counterparts from the NTCOG 44 assemblies across 11 parishes in Barbados.

Local and regional delegates in attendance at CA2013.

The conference also saw a good turnout from a number of Barbados government ministers, including members of the Cabinet of Barbados – Minister with responsibility for Ecclesiastical Affairs, Steven Blackett, who is also Minister of Social Care, Constituency Empowerment and Community Development; Minister of Labour and Human Resource Development, Senator Dr. Esther Byer-Suckoo; and Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister, Senator Patrick Todd. Senator Dr. David Durant was also in attendance at the CA2013 Opening Ceremony at the Garfield Sobers Gymnasium. Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Richard Sealy, attended the Closing Ceremony.

In attendance at the New Testament Church of God Caribbean
Assembly was the Honourable Freundel Stuart, Prime Minister of
Barbados (third from left), and Minister with responsibility for
Ecclesiastical Affairs, Steven Blackett (fourth from left). Also
pictured is Administrative Bishop of the New Testament Church
of God Barbados, Bishop Martin Brewster and his wife,
First Lady Marlene Brewster.

“When we talk about the people of the Caribbean coming together, it does not mean the politicians coming together, or just the cricketers coming together or just the business people coming together. It really means too, ordinary men and women of the Caribbean, in our churches, in our schools, in all of our institutions, coming together under the flag of the Caribbean, under the sum of the Caribbean, under the charm of Caribbean civilisation,” Prime Minister Stuart observed.


“And I know that this Convention, this Assembly, is taking place under the theme, ‘Living the Word: Empowering the Caribbean’. Your conference is taking place at a time,of course, when every island in the Caribbean is facing very serious challenges. The world is facing its most serious crisis in the last hundred years. At no time, therefore, in the lifetime of any of us, has it been more important to live the word, with a view to empowering the Caribbean,” PM Stuart added.

The Honourable Freundel Stuart (left), Prime Minister of Barbados,
greets stalwart gospel singer, Sister Margarita Marshall, in the
presence of Minister with responsibility for Ecclesiastical Affairs,
Steven Blackett (second from left), while Senator Dr. David Durant;
Minister of Labour and Human Resource Development, Senator
Dr. Esther Byer-Suckoo; and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s
Office, Senator Patrick Todd, enjoy a rousing worship service.

The Prime Minister further told the delegates that at the close of the conference, when they leave Barbados, they must leave with the feeling that the conference was worth it and their faith is justified. He also wished them well in their deliberations.

Caribbean Church of God delegates also gathered at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre during the three-day assembly, to discuss such issues as human trafficking, education, leadership, family matters and finance. A special Caribbean Youth Extravaganza was also held at the Abundant Life Assembly, to bring the region’s youth together in one place, for fellowship, worship and to establish linkages for the future. (RSM)