Candidates in the seven electoral districts contesting the February 15 General Election in Anguilla have been exhorted, as incumbent and aspiring political leaders, to focus their attention on good leadership and to follow the example of the Biblical Nehemiah.

The majority of the candidates contesting General Election. Mr. Hughes and Mr. Lewis elsewhere in the Church

The strong admonition came from the Rev. Dr. H. Clifton Niles, Superintendent of the Anguilla Methodist Circuit. The occasion at which he delivered the meditation was a service for divine guidance and peaceful elections held at St. Mary’s Anglican Church on Thursday, January 14. It was organised by the Anguilla Christian Council and the Anguilla Evangelical Association for all political parties and candidates.

“The type of leader Anguilla needs is a man or woman who is tender enough to love and tough enough to keep on going,” the Minister stated, acknowledging that while it was a great privilege for him to admonish the candidates, it was also an awesome responsibility. He went on: “Many of us are moved when we see destruction, but a greater destruction comes from those destroyers who destroy peoples’ character, reputation and good name. We trust that during this election campaign such destruction will not take place and even if it has taken place already, it will cease after today.”

Rev. Niles said that in order to vividly get across his message he had chosen, as a pivotal example, Nehemiah “who was not only grounded in God, but also an effective political leader who had responded with love and patriotism to the national crisis which his nation faced at the time.” He stated that Nehemiah was a slave in Babylon but eventually won the favour of King Nebuchadnezzar, becoming his cupbearer. Yet, not withstanding being in that privileged position, he turned his back on royalty, preferring to return to his native Jerusalem to lead a team of workers to rebuild the city walls and other areas that were laid waste.

Rev. Niles said the outstanding Biblical character had displayed excellent leadership qualities, was a man of great integrity, prayer and piety and was not deterred by his privileged position from going back to his homeland to serve. He urged the politicians in Anguilla “to take a leaf out of Nehemiah’s book” as he had put love for country and others above self and, despite opposition and other handicaps, even in his homeland, had pressed on to accomplish his leadership work.

He called on the candidates to be a Nehemiah, to be well-grounded, honest and be objective in everything they did. He added that if they followed such an example they would lead Anguilla well into the future.

Rev. Niles’ presentation was followed by three prayers by other Ministers. They were Pastor Phillip Gumbs of the Church of God (Holiness), who prayed for the national well-being of Anguilla; Pastor Virgil Sams of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, whose prayer was for the political aspirants and peaceful elections; and Pastor Dr. Ambrose Richardson who prayed for public servants. Earlier, Rev. Joseph Lloyd, of the Methodist Church, gave the call to worship and delivered the opening prayer. Other participants in the service were Jillian Carty and Stanley Mussington who gave the Scripture readings.

Just before delivering the benediction, the Rt. Rev. Bishop Errol Brooks noted that such services for divine guidance and peaceful elections were not new as they had been held in several Caribbean islands over the years.

The Bishop then read the Code of Ethics previously issued to all the political parties and candidates and invited them to sign it with members of the clergy witnessing their signatures. All of the candidates present complied. Those not at the service were Edison Baird and Walcott Richardson, both of whom were off island.

It is necessary to add that the service was seen as providing a welcome respite from the heated campaigning and an opportunity for sober reflection. During the service there was a period for members of the congregation and ministers to greet each other. It was an encouraging sight to witness even the most bitterly opposed candidates shaking hands or embracing. Yet, away from the sanctity of the church, the political bashing resumed unabatedly on the platforms.

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