Religious leaders used the platform of the praise and worship ecumenical service at the St Lucy Parish National Shrine in Micoud to call for national unity, moral clarity and collective responsibility, as Saint Lucia marked its 47th year of Independence.
Speaking during the service, held as part of the island’s Independence celebrations, President of the Saint Lucia Mission of Seventh-day Adventists, Pastor Roger Stephen, reflected on the nation’s journey over nearly five decades and framed the anniversary as a moment of gratitude and recommitment.
“But here, 47 years later, we are… celebrating, and we have every reason to praise God,” he said. “I find the theme, ‘Douvan Ansanm; Nourishing our People, Strengthening our Nation’ most appropriate as we celebrate.”
He urged the congregation to reflect on the country’s progress with humility and thanksgiving: “We stand in praise and thanksgiving to God for the way he has led Saint Lucia. We praise God for the growth development and blessings upon our nation.”
Pastor Stephen also expressed appreciation for those who have guided the country’s affairs over the years. “We thank God for our leaders, both past and present. Those of you who have led and are continuing to lead this wonderful nation of ours,” he said.
Expanding on the part of the national Independence theme “nourishing our people”, the pastor stressed that the concept must be understood in its broadest sense.
“Some nourishing our people speaks to more than just physical nourishment. It goes beyond nutrition,” he said. “It underscores the importance of the physical, the emotional, the social, economic and spiritual well being of our nation Saint Lucia.”
He called for deliberate and sustained action to ensure that every citizen benefits from national development: “We must invest intentionally and ensuring that every household has access to healthy and affordable produce.”
Beyond food security, he highlighted the need to strengthen minds and skills. “We must nourish the intellect through quality education, technical training and innovation that prepares our citizens to compete globally while contributing locally,” Pastor Stephen said.
Also addressing the congregation was Archbishop of Castries, Most Reverend Gabriel Malzaire, who challenged Saint Lucians to embody the country’s identity as the Helen of the West and as an island of light.
“Light is meant for dispelling darkness,” he declared. “To be the island of light means that our national character must shine with generosity, kindness, care and hospitality.”
He said that national identity must be visible in everyday conduct. “It means that when others encounter st. Lucian’s , they encounter warmth, they encounter, integrity and dignity,” he stated. At the same time, he emphasised that light is not passive but requires moral courage. “It also means that our light must carry an in depth denunciation, a rejection of all that contracts who we are meant to be.”
The Archbishop spoke candidly about the social challenges facing the nation and called for decisive rejection of destructive behaviours.
“If we are to shine, we must reject the darkness of violence that steals our young men. We must reject the darkness of crime that breeds fear in our communities. We must reject the darkness of poverty that suffocates human potential,” he said.
In a direct appeal for solidarity across political and social lines, Archbishop Malzaire added, “We refuse to allow tribalism, political hostility or social fragmentation to divide us.”
He urged citizens to adopt a more responsible posture in shaping the country’s future. “It means we move beyond blame into responsibility. It means we understand that strengthening the nation is not the task of government alone. It is the vocation of every citizen in our country … and so we must ask ourselves honestly, are we capable of being that nation?”
