Pastor laments church's inability to curb crime

The head of the Worldwide Full Gospel Ministries, Apostle Andrew Ramjattan, yesterday lamented what he said was the church’s failure to address rampant crime and delinquency among the nation’s youth and called on pastors and other religious leaders to do their part in the fight against crime.

Ramjattan made the call during the funeral of murdered SRP Richard Babwah at the Faith Assembly International Church in Five Rivers, Arouca. Babwah, 31, was shot dead on Tuesday when he challenged bandits who entered the Long Yuan Chinese restaurant at Eastern Main Road, Arouca. Three suspects were held moments later.

Ramjattan apologised on behalf of other pastors and pledged continued support and partnership with the police as they try to curb rising crime. He also praised acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams and National Security Minister Edmund Dillon for their efforts but said it was the duty of the church to cleanse the hearts of citizens and steer them away from crime.

“I still believe a nation is a reflection of the church,“ Ramjattan said.

”And if we are to look at our nation and say all these things which are rightfully so, then we are saying something is wrong with the church. We have failed, and no amount of legislation or laws will curb what is a problem that begins in the heart of man. And that is where God comes into the picture.”

He added while Babwah’s relatives are deeply pained by his death, he called on mourners to extend forgiveness and compassion to his killers as they try to move forward with their lives.

“We hear about gangs, but a gang is a cry for family from young people looking for identity and security. If we have strong families, we will have a strong church, and from there, strong communities and eventually a strong nation.“

He said Babwah was “a young man who sought to make a difference and we need to love and pray for these misguided souls.”

Babwah’s cousin Xavio Julien delivered an emotional eulogy in which he recalled Babwah’s early life and his love for his daughters, whom he affectionately referred to as his “stinkerbells.” Julien said his cousin was a dedicated officer and devoted family man who would call his daughters even while on patrol to ensure they finished their homework.

During his tribute, Supt Wendell Flaveny of Homicide Bureau Division 2 described Babwah as an exemplary officer who was firm but compassionate in his duties.

His nine-year-old daughters, Raianne and Renisha, delivered a moving reading of Psalm 23 to the man many affectionately knew as “Popey.”