Caribbean Press Releases - http://www.caribbeanpressreleases.com
Anguilla Government Declares a Day of Mourning, Repentance and Prayer
http://www.caribbeanpressreleases.com/articles/2207/1/Anguilla-Government-Declares-a-Day-of-Mourning-Repentance-and-Prayer/Page1.html
S Coward

 
By S Coward
Published on 15-Aug-07
 
August 15, 2007 -- "If my people who are called by my name would humble themselves and pray, seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, forgive them of their sins and heal their land.”
Crime is everyone's business
August 15, 2007 -- "If my people who are called by my name would humble themselves and pray, seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, forgive them of their sins and heal their land.”

 

The Government of Anguilla has declared Thursday, August 16, 2007 as a Day of Mourning, Repentance and Prayer.  It is the day when all religious groups, civic organizations, parents, teachers and the general community on Anguilla are being asked to participate in a Rally at the Webster’s park as a declaration of our intention to STOP THE VIOLENCE ON ANGUILLA.

 

A half-holiday will be given and all who understand the pain of this violence and want to see a solution are asked to come out and support the move to take back Anguilla. 

 

The Rally will commence at 2:00p.m.  Further details will be provided at a later date prior to the Rally.


Chief Minister's Response to Latest Gun Violence in Anguilla

Fellow Anguillians it is with a heavy heart that I address you.  Recently there were several gun crimes in our communities that have left me sadden and perplexed as to the direction of our youth.    I extend my best wishes to those who are recovering from wounds and other injuries.   I also wish to extend my condolences to the parents, immediate and extended families of the young man whose life was taken.  There is no rationale or justification for the taking of life.  I condemn these senseless acts of violence.  These acts are not acceptable on any level, for human life is irreplaceable and invaluable.  This is a season for deep introspection and retrospection for us as a people.  

These crimes must be the concerns of everyone living in Anguilla.  I must reiterate that one crime committed in Anguilla is one crime too many.  I call on all persons to pledge their support to the police’s efforts to curtail and by extension to eradicate the criminal activities.  I call upon all Anguilllians, residents and visitors alike to support the Police in their quest to apprehend the criminals and to put measures in place as we address this serious problem.  No effort must be spared in bringing the criminals to justice.   I also wish to appeal to those in our midst who have suffered psychologically, emotionally, mentally and otherwise as a result of these violations.  I urge you not to give in to the natural tendency of retaliation.  No one amongst us can truly ease your pain or can truly say we feel the real weight of your afflictions.  However, as a body of people we all suffer and any further duplication of our suffering will only further entrench us into darkness as a nation.   I continue to pray and ask all who know the power of prayer to earnestly pray that our God will comfort all aching hearts and ease all troubled minds and to let peace reign.  

Anguilla is our home it has always had a reputation of being one of the safest destinations in the world. Let us go forward in restoring the good name that Anguilla had.  I again appeal to all Anguillians, residents and visitors to realize that crime is everybody business and it behooves all of us to do all in our power to eradicate this surge of gun crime in Anguilla. 

I also take this opportunity to wish everyone an enjoyable and safe Festival Season. 


Source: gov.ai