Churches are the next target- 2018 Speech from Throne; Did anyone listen?
Outside of the political class, and the media, not much attention was paid to the 2018 Speech from the Throne delivered by United Kingdom appointed Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert aka ‘Gus’ on Thursday March 1, 2018 at the First Sitting of the Third Session of the Third House of Assembly (HoA).
It was also the return of Parliamentarians to the HoA Chambers in Road Town, following the destructive hurricanes of September 2017, that left elected members homeless, as the building was gutted, leaving only the frame standing.
Short speech but….
One thing Governor Jaspert was given credit for by those who cared, or had time or interest to listen, is that the speech was short. However, it contained the same old laundry list of promises of legislations, but nothing will happen, according to political observers, unless of course it has to do with the financial services sector or a demand made by the UK or an election gimmick.
What the residents really want to know is a date for the next general elections and who can help them find jobs, fix their homes and businesses after the looting and the devastation of hurricanes Irma and Maria.
Residents also want to know when mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles will stop shedding endless tears over their loved ones, brutally murdered by gun violence in what the Police Commissioner Michael B. Mathews described as a “gang war.”
Churches look out!
The latest target of the speech was the religious community. The Queen’s Representative Mr Jaspert told the public that when it comes to Ecclesiastical Affairs “our Government embarked on a journey to put legislation in place to ensure we are in line with 21st century realities.”
He noted that “As we go forward in this session, regulations for Ecclesiastical Affairs will be introduced to allow for clear guidelines and a smoother, more efficient and transparent handling of religious affairs.”
Many residents are skeptical of this and asked out loud if this is a new attack on religious freedoms. Chairman of the Christian Council Bishop John I. Cline said recently that the church, hence the religious community, will be very active in the upcoming general election.
The Government, through the throne speech, also promised yet again the 10 year old and long awaited Consumer Protection Bill, and the Freedom of Information Bill; however, the public will not hold their breath.
More bills coming to a country near you!
We all remembered the ruling party slogan from 2003 to 2007- ‘government in the sunshine’- and we are now promised yet again a review of the Register of Interests Act, “a Code of Conduct which will govern the operations of Ministers of Government.”
Another important Bill that the public will wait to see, if it comes to past, is the Sexual Offences Bill, as sexual harassment in the work place, both in the public and private sectors, is on the rise, where both genders are now affected.
Also ‘coming soon’ to a country near you, according to the 2018 VI Government throne speech, are an Architects and Engineers Registration Bill, Flexible Working Arrangements Bill, Children (Care and Adoption) Bill, as well as a Disaster Management Bill, and Witness Anonymity Legislation.
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22 Responses to “Churches are the next target- 2018 Speech from Throne; Did anyone listen?”
Please protect and guide this country through these dark times. Government looking to control church affairs now?! Be careful and vigilent people, no un godly behaviours and regulations are welcomed here. In the n ame of he holy spirit i pray. AMEN...
Ecclesiastical Affairs “our Government embarked on a journey to put legislation in place to ensure we are in line with 21st century realities.
With that said I think “some” people of faith truly believe what they believe and whether it’s brainwashing or not it helps them cope, live well and help others, which is good. Then there’s the “other group” that use it as a crutch instead of doing something about a problem they just pray about it or they feel they can act badly and then just ask for forgiveness. Which is a crazy way of living and thinking.
If you look around the world the basis for so many problems......war, violence and unrest all comes down to their religion. Through all the worlds many religions it would be a much better place if the churches stopped stealing money from the vulnerable perishioners who look to them for guidance and to fill a void. And if people actually lived treating others how they wish to be treated and followed some of the basic teachings of Christianity regardless of god, heaven or hell and if everyone became proactive in helping themselves instead of just praying for help that is never going to come their way this world would run much smoother.
Help yourselves BVI!!!! Don’t pray for the shootings to stop. As a community stop them! Don’t pray for your country to be rebuilt get out and help do it.