Bishop Berkeley: Achieve equilibrium like Max

Anglican Bishop Claude Berkeley hoped the nation could overcome the disequilibrium that causes a high murder rate and instead achieve the equilibrium enjoyed by former president, the late George Maxwell Richards. He gave the sermon at Richards funeral yesterday at NAPA, Port of Spain.

Berkeley said Richards had achieved personal equilibrium “to the max” and his life was an exemplary model for the better health of the nation.

In an apparent jibe at United States President Donald Trump recent disparaging of certain nations such as Haiti, Berkeley said Richards would never have done such. “President Max would never describe other nations or communities or peoples as ‘shhhhh’.” Several guests giggled softy and nervously.

“He was not given to bouts of ignorance, intemperance or outbursts, but instead exalted us in his speeches to do the best we could and embrace dignity, integrity and hard work.” Urging an emulation of Richards, Berkeley said, “We who remain in this vale of soul-making have work to do, to set a nation right.”

Richards was a good family man, gracious not pretentious, honourable, patriotic and noble, the bishop said. He hailed Richards for being demure and for his dignity and statesmanship. “He gave up what could have led to rich returns for a life of service and fulfilment.” Richards lived much of what is in the scriptures, Berkeley added.