Fr Ronald Branche & wife bestowed with Honourary Belonger status
To standing ovation and loud rounds of applause, the announcement and presentation were made last night, September 19, 2015, by Acting Premier Dr The Honourable Kedrick D. Pickering at a farewell banquet held in honour of the couple at Maria’s By the Sea.
“Government of the Virgin Islands – Be it known to all that Father Cannon Ronald Branche has on this the 19th day of September 2015, being declared a Honourary Belonger of the Virgin Islands and in recognition thereof, is being presented with this certificate. Dr D. Orlando Smith, OBE Premier of the Virgin Islands,” it was stated in the certificate.
Speaking at the gala style banquet, Hon Pickering alluded to the unswerving commitment of Father Branche, not only to his duties over the church and its arms but also to the House of Assembly’s monthly prayer breakfast.
“Some of you may or may not know, we hold a prayer breakfast in the House of Assembly on the first Thursday of every month. It started back in 2003 and Father Branche has been the only chaplain for the prayer breakfast in the House of Assembly. And one of the most amazing things about that prayer breakfast is if one person shows up Father Branche is there on time,” said Acting Premier Pickering.
He further said that Father Branche would be sincerely missed now that he is returning to his homeland Trinidad and Tobago and that the prayer breakfast committee of the House of Assembly will have to meet to decide on a successor.
Thank God I didn’t win the government
The night’s activity was one with an even mixture of remarks for political leaders and the church but it was a light moment when Leader of the Opposition Honourable Julian Fraser RA (R3) took to the podium.
Addressing the gathering, Hon Fraser expressed that he was hard pressed to understand, despite him having the highest appreciation and admiration for what they do, why people like Father Branche choose to subject themselves to serve in that profession. “Even though it appears to be thankless and glamourless, I must admit, however, that I am convinced beyond any doubt that the two more humanly service driven professionals are preachers and politicians.”
He explained that in his view they are both committed to serving the people and are obviously under remunerated.
There was more laughter when Hon Fraser said that he had just cause to relate to the first line taken from William Cowpers hymn, “God Moves in a mysterious way”.
“….I say it is yet another good reason for me to say thank God I didn’t win the government because I could hear you Anglicans blaming me, a Methodist, for him (Father Branche) leaving,” joked Honourable Fraser as he complimented Father Branche for being an excellent preacher and a good man.
Others who spoke were Mr Audley Maduro, Senior Warden of the St George’s Episcopal (Anglican) Church and the Rt Rev E. Ambrose Gumbs.
Entertainment for the night included performances by the church’s group God’s treasures, the St George’s Liturgical Dancers, Ms Bridget Bristol who did storytelling, Miracle Touch Steel Orchestra and Mr Cave Stoutt.
Among others present at last night’s banquet were First Lady Mrs Lorna G. Smith, OBE, Honourable Delores Christopher and husband, Speaker of the House Honourable Ingrid A. Moses and Former Premier and former Leader of the Opposition Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE.
22 Responses to “Fr Ronald Branche & wife bestowed with Honourary Belonger status”
Father Branche composure, decorum, and banking background was just what we needed as a congregation. The first project he completed was rebuilding the church (we had church services for just about a year every Sunday under a tent on the Cay). Next he envisioned having a secondary school as we already had one of the top private primary institutions (and believe it or not today St Georges Secondary School is one of Father Branches living testimonies). And lastly the rebuilding of the primary school after the school suffered from asbestos for years and was very hazardous to the health of our children. the things mentioned are only what you can see, but there are many other things he was instrumental on as being party of the Christian Council board he did a lot for religion in the territory.
So my dear friend you see, I am sure your record of contributing to anything in the BVI is not as accomplished as what Father Branche has done in the 13 years he spent here. He came here and served selflessly he saw needs and acted on them. He not only elevated his church and congregation but also the BVI community, and for that we can not thank him enough. So he is very deserving of Honorary Belonger Status.
Yours sincerely,
Proud Member
St. Geroges Anglican
Boasting about his faithfulness
You are just another roach, who hate to see any thing good you must give the man some credit. He came originally for two years, he has been here for 13 that says something. pick the beam out of your eyes fix you own family business first. Some of us ar nothing but detractors and confussion makers.
Father Branche is a good dude.
I know on many occasions I saw Father Branche on the compound on Saturdays helping the kids prep for CXC, look how he rebuild the church, school and create the high school. There are so much more we can list the great he have done.
Hope he comes and visit us.