THA to help Baptists

TOBAGO House of Assembly (THA) Chief Secretary Kelvin Charles has given his commitment to assisting in the completion of the Spiritual Baptist Educational Complex at Signal Hill.

In March 2006, members of the Spiritual Baptist community were presented with three acres of land on a 99-year lease by former THA chief secretary Orville London to facilitate the construction of the educational complex.

To date, construction is yet to begin.

Charles, while addressing Friday’s Shouter Baptist Liberation Day and Good Friday celebrations at the Gardenside carpark in Scarborough, said he recently told secretary of the Tobago United Spiritual Baptist Assembly Maeda Cowie he wanted to have a meeting with the leaders of the faith. He said he would assist with fund-raising and technical assistance.

“I, myself am concerned about the progress of your building...I would have already spoken to an individual who was prepared to lead the effort in respect of fund-raising.

]Even in the meantime, I have kind of given her the permission to hold a conversation with one of my secretaries in respect of certain kind of provisions for technical assistance,” he said.

Charles called on the members of the Baptist community to unite.

“It is together that we would build that facility and part of ensuring that this happens is first of all, I would have to get a certain kind of cooperation and cohesiveness from those of us who, at this time, might be a little disturbed. I recognise that and I want to mend that, because I am saying let us do this together.”

Charles also spoke about the soon-to-be-established unit in the Office of the Chief Secretary with responsibility for ecclesiastical affairs which will collaborate with faith-based organisations.

“I can tell you that the Executive Council has indeed approved the establishment of that unit and that before long, that unit will be up and running.

“It would be collaborating with all the faith-based organisations as we seek to (give) the kind of support required for you to play the role that you play in the development of this society.”