A message of national gratitude and reflection took centre stage Sunday as Apostle Dr. Stephen Andrews urged Antiguans and Barbudans to recognise what he described as God's continued favour over a nation persistently exposed to natural threats and uncertainty.
According to Antigua.news, Andrews delivered the address during a Thanksgiving Service attended by members and supporters of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP). Speaking as senior pastor of the St. John's Pentecostal Church House of Restoration, he called on citizens not to take for granted the country's progress as a developing nation.
Addressing hundreds gathered at the service, Andrews drew attention to Antigua and Barbuda's continued ability to thrive despite being among the world's most vulnerable nations to natural disasters.
"Despite being in a disaster zone with an annual 33 percent chance of a direct hit from a major hurricane, several earthquakes each year, including one on Saturday that measured 6.4 on the Richter Scale, and regular prolonged droughts, Antigua and Barbuda has been able to record one of the most impressive economic growth rates of any country in the Caribbean region," Andrews told the congregation.
The pastor said his research into the country's environmental history revealed a long record of destructive weather events that have tested the nation's strength. He referenced Hurricanes Hugo, Luis, Marilyn and Georges, and recalled the severe devastation Hurricane Irma inflicted on Barbuda in 2017.
Yet Andrews framed the country's story as one of perseverance rather than defeat. He said Antigua and Barbuda has repeatedly demonstrated the capacity to recover, rebuild and press forward with determination following each crisis.
He also cited drought data, noting that the nation endured 14 drought episodes between 2000 and 2020, all while existing within a highly active seismic region.
Beyond reflecting on past hardships, Andrews directed a message to the nation's leaders, urging them to remain grounded in faith, united in purpose and committed to public service. He offered prayers for Prime Minister Gaston Browne, Cabinet members and parliamentarians from both houses, describing elected office as a sacred responsibility shared between officials, citizens and God.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne, Senior Minister Sir Steadroy Benjamin, Works Minister Maria Browne, ABLP Chairman E.P. Chet Greene, senators, elected representatives and party officials were among those present. The service followed the party's recent election victory.
