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One Nation, One People event goes political and backfires
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| Published on Saturday, May 30, 2009 |
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A group of local and regional church officials organised a togetherness programme, which was widely advertised and promoted for May 25 through May 28. The programme was called “One Nation One People”. The three-day affair solicited contributions from local businesses and had reported a need to raise $100,000 to pay for advertising and other expenses. A representative has gone to the public appealing for more assistance, as the fund appears to be $30,000 short of the goal.
While the full page newspaper ads did not indicate any political affiliation with Michael Misick or his pastor Bishop Colleta Williams, it appears Williams and possibly Misick was behind the affair, which appeared to be structured as a means of marshalling political support for former premier Misick.
A local notable known as “Jimmy” has recently told his story of conversion from serious drug use to a Christian life in a full page TCI Weekly News article. “Jimmy” had been interviewed and revealed he had a vision from God of bringing the people of the TCI together. It appears that he, along with Bishop Williams, organized the three-day event. “Man in the street” promotional interviews were aired on channel WIV TV, which is managed by the granddaughter of a former Progressive National Party (PNP) Chief Minister.
The programmes have aired live on WIV and on Radio Turks and Caicos. On Wednesday evening the final programme was held at a public auditorium in Provo. With cameras rolling, Misick, current Premier Galmo Williams and Bishop Williams were seen in the front row. Bishop Neil C. Ellis from Nassau was speaking and he told the crowd and Bishop Williams that he (Williams) was selected by God to achieve greatness. He asked Williams when he was last present in the TCI and Williams indicated it was seven years ago.
At that point, Ellis became political and said that this country has shown a lot of progress since then and “we cannot let the Commission of Inquiry ‘Stop the Progress’”, which was a repeat of the PNP campaign slogan of 2007. “We all have leprosy,” Ellis was heard to say, referring to the population of the TCI, but only Misick is being singled out, he said.
At that point, large groups of people were seen on TV walking out and the cameras momentarily caught the large exodus then turned away. However, Bishop Ellis shouted in front of the camera admonishing those leaving calling them “Sissies and punks.” Then he turned to the remainder of the crowd, telling them, “Go on all you sissies and punks, get out, get out!”
Sources had told TCI Net News that Misick also had attempted to stage a demonstration outside the building where the Caribbean Development Bank officials were meeting this week. However, the demonstration did not occur.
Misick has been calling for a referendum for the population to vote on possible independence but it appears he is seriously lacking support. Bishop Williams himself had been mentioned as being the recipient of 200 plus acres of land in a former reserve area of Provo for the purpose of a massive development, which was described as a Christian Centre. However, in prospectus plans it appeared to be a beautiful resort.
Premier Galmo Williams also has been speaking out against the anticipated takeover by the British in forming an interim government that will set his government aside. | | | | Reads : 1546 |
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Winston:
This country is so polarised between PDMs and PNPs, and Mike lovers versus Mike haters. It is to the point that conspiracy theorists will make a story out of dirt, and all this is for no greater purpose than to continue the politicising of everything under the sun. And meanwhile, the country burns to the ground every day. I hope everyone stops and takes a look at what is becoming of Turks and Caicos. All this animosity and anger [sometimes misplaced]. We are architecting our own demise!!! |
| Patricia:
Mr. Editor:
These are the traps we, as a people, will always get caught up in when we do not use the wisdom God gave us. First of all; if this event was truly one nation, like the slogan says, then in my opinion there would of been the nation pastors and bishops participating, as far as preaching; but not so. I believed it was on purpose. Bishop Neil Ellis; I have known him before he entered into the Ministry. I used to attend his services back in the Bahamas. Bishop Ellis should be the last person to call people sissy and punk. What a great shame and insult to the people of the Turks & Caicos Islands.
I guaranteed you; not one Turks & Caicos Islander could ever attempt to do such ignorance in the Bahamas. Well, our people are much more intelligent then that; we know what to say, and when and where to say it. That big blow-up about Jesus in their advertising; I have not heard anything like it. The people of the TCI were fooled by the politicians. Everyone that is responsible for this false and lying event will have to give an account to God. I say to the people of the TCI; let this be an awakening for you all because more of this kind is coming. |
| Adel:
There goes to show you why no one goes to church. I can’t believe a pastor, a freakin pastor, doing and saying those things. Now it is all about the money...hmm. |
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