03272020 OBITS AND RELIGION

The Tribune

Thursday, March 26, 2020

The Tribune

PAGE 2 ● Thursday, March 26, 2020

OBITUARIES

THE TRIBUNE

In loving memory of

E. Eloise Moxey Rolle 1923 - 2010 - 1st March

Funeral Service for

RODERICK CLINTON “Barbie” TAYLOR, 52

a resident of Ross Corner, will be held at Southern Cemetery, Cowpen & Spikenard Roads, on Saturday, March 28, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. Officiating will be Rev. Dr. Ivan F. Butler Jr., assisted by other Ministers of the Gospel.

Cherished memories remain in the hearts of her children, Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren, relatives and friends.

YOU ARE LOVED AND MISSED.

Cherished Memories will forever linger in the hearts of his Mother: Mrs. Laurie Taylor.

Fiancé: Ms. Angelia Rolle. Children: Roderick Jr., Kristen (Mashanti Campbell), Valentino Taylor and Effort Taylor.

Brother: Jerome Taylor Sr. Sisters: Lanthamae Bootle & Bridget Evens.

Sisters-In-Law: Mellie Beatrice & Shenek Taylor. Brothers-In-Law: Albert Bootle & Michael Evans. Grandchildren: Kristen Jr., Krystal, Amari, Tino & Kino Taylor & Shario Campbell. Nieces: Michaelia & Deandre Evans, Symphony Cartwright, Catrell Taylor, Royann Rolle, Otimia Pennerman, Tenille Bootle, Tennessee, Dominique, & Dakota Musgrove. Nephews: Cadwell Jr., Khadero, Khajzan, Jerome Jr., Cardre, Delano & Danarrio, & Patrick Taylor Jr., Albert Jr. (Emmise) Bootle, Deangelo Evans, Andrew & Mario Bootle. Aunts: Joy & Dorthy Taylor, Ruthmae Rolle, Marguerite (Lester) Turnquest, Christine (Felix) Saunders, Beryl Morris, Iona, Eleanor, Carolyn & Lynda McKenzie, Gloria & Naomi Gordon. Uncles: Gladston (Myrtel) Taylor, Samuel (Brenda) Taylor, Fredrick Taylor. Cousins: Shazad & Olivia Ferguson, Ann, Shaquille, Santereque & Venque Bain, Chrisanta & Kirk Smith, Sherese & Craven Longsworth, Kevin & Bonnie, Kelsey & Cassandra, Kulem & Geniève, Sherean, Joyce, Quisheda, Keshnique, Kevaughn, Shanairj & Giimarri, Keiarj & Shantese, Leslie & Lavonne, Ricardo & Pamela, Lincoln & Sadaka, Deborah, Nyoka, Derek, Seran, & Dennis McKenzie, AlKhalBirNique Butler, Dianne & Jermaine, Khaliah & Katora Sands, Roger, Noelle, Shamara & Robert Turnquest, Shazaro Maura, Philip, Marvin, Lenix, Melbert, Collier, Lenisha, & Jayson Rolle, Shakera, Shazaray, Nadine & Collin Saunders, Rochelle Newbold, Maria & Fritzi Areiza, Terry, Michael & Thelma, Ithiel & Stacy, Paul, Andy, Neil, Margo, Naomi, Alfred, Samuel, David, Stanford, Tony, Patrice, & Cletus Taylor, & Shaba. Other Relatives & Friends Including: Leroy Rolle, Leroy McPhee, Betty & Sean Bain, Eddie Winder, & Leslie “Fat Boy”, Tiny & Family, The Ross Corner Community, & The ICS Construction Family. Special Thanks To: Rev. Dr. Ivan & Dr. Joanne Butler & Kemp Road Ministries Family.

Please know that it is not our intention to have left anyone out. However, if we did, we humbly apologize as we could not remember everyone during our time of bereavement.

Friends may pay their last respects at Demeritte’s Funeral Home, Market Street, on Friday from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Service will be live streamed on Demeritte’s Funeral Home Facebook page.

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OBITUARIES

Death Notice For Valencia Deandra Robinson, 34

Thursday, March 26, 2020 ● PAGE 3

Death Notice For Marjorie Margaret Cartwright, 61

of Culbert Hill East died at The Princess Margaret Hospital on Wednesday, 18th March, 2020.

She is survived by her Children: Pedriqua, Breyanna, Pedr,o Pachino, Brinique and Asia Tynes; Mother: Lorine Cartwright; Father: Aubrey Robinson; Step mother: Madline Robinson; Special friend: Pedro Tynes; Sister: Sharlene Munnings, Kendeisha Moncur, Latishka Cartwright and Aubreyann Robinson; Brother: Aubrey Robinson Jr and Occonell Seymour; Aunts: Marjorie Bonaby, Gomeise, Antonio, Edith and Reanay Robinson and Maryann Margan Smith; Uncles: Arlington and Robert Cartwright, Keith Benjamin, Howard and Cannon Robinson; Numerous Nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral arrangements to be announced at a later date.

of Kool Acres passed away at the Princess Margaret Hospital on Friday, March 13, 2020.

She is survived by her Sisters: Gwendolyn Cartwright and Jackuline Moss; Brother: Greg Cartwright; Nieces: Tien Sherman and Elexandria Moss; Nephews: Nelson Jr., Jamaal and Victor Cartwright, Avery Gomez and Ellis Moss Jr.; The Cartwright’s Community of Long Island and a host of other relatives and friends; Special thanks to: the Oncology Department of the Princess Margaret Hospital – Doctors, Nurses and Ancillary Staff.

Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.

PAGE 4 ● Thursday, March 26, 2020

OBITUARIES

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Death Notice For

Death Notice For

Prince Albert Symonette Sr., 88

Sylvia Louise Knowles, 90

of Adderley Court, Bacardi Road died at his residence on Monday, March 23, 2020.

He is predeceased by his parents: Luellen Duncomb and Victor Symonette; granddaughter: Tamara Rahming.

Prince Symonette is survived by his Wife: Shirley Johnson- Symonette; Sons: Prince Symonette Jr., Van Gibson, Godwin Taylor and George Brice; Daughters: Theresa Ford, Princess and Rose Symonette, Gertrude Ford, Donna Collymore, Bernadette Penn and Judy and Lucy Johnson; Grandsons: Justin and Aspenn Symonette, Marco Allen, Desmond, Neko Lockhart, Philip Moxey, Keno Saunders, Alvarez Plakaris, Danny, Dario and Dinasio Collie, Tevon Rolle Jr., Van Jr. and Joe Gibson; Granddaughters: Brianna, Brittany and Courtnie Ford, Jasmine Johnson, Ruth and Bianca Penn, Znovia Wright, Janielle Ford, Ralda Ford, Kistell Collymore and Shirley and Vanny Gibson; Sisterin-law: Rev. Marilyn Thompson; Daughter-in-law: Racquel Symonette; Sons-in-law: Andrew Ford, William Lockhart, Robert Ferguson, Danny Collymore and Eddy Ford; Numerous Great Grandchildren; Other Relatives and Friends including: The Bain and Grants Town, The Automall, The Sandilands Rehabilitation Center, The Royal Bahamas Police Force, The Aquinas and The St. Cecilia Families; The Wellington St. Crew, Adris Reid and Family, Nigel Bowe and Family, The McCartney Pharmacy and The Poseidon Table Families; Roland Pratt and Family, Maxian and Family, Brennen and Family, J. Carey and Family, Lewis and Family, The Plakaris family, Jason Deveaux and Family, The Adderley Court and The Rupert Dean Lane Families, The Rahming Family, Alfreida and Family and many others too numerous to mention.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date to be announced by the family.

of South Beach Estates passed peacefully away at Doctors’ Hospital on Sunday, March 22, 2020.

She was pre-deceased by her Siblings: Becky Chipman, Yorick Woodside and Eunice Bodie, She is survived by her Children: Keith H. Oliver, John Knowles, Deborah Oliver and Jennifer Treco; Daughter-in-law: Troy Oliver; Grandchildren: Kameko, Keisha and Dr. Ketroya Oliver, Ian and Erinn Treco and Ashley, Aaliyah and Christian Knowles; Great Grandson: Jakai Belle; Sister: Olga Pierre; Brother: Erskin Oliver; Brother-in-Law: Joe Pierre; Cousin: Marina Oliver; Nephews: Dr. Robin Roberts, Vincent and Christopher Deane and Augustus Saunders; Nieces: Donna Chipman, Sherri Saunders, Sonia Chipman-Godet; Darnell Chipman-Ward, Joan Glinton, Sharlisa Saunders and Mitzie Neely; Nephews-in-Law: Monty Ward and Wenzel Neely; Grandnieces and Nephews: Fontella amd Keith Rolle, Hon. Reece and Tara Chipman, Yolantha and Miles Yallop and Siraj Ward; Special Friends: Mary Mitchell and Mina Youte; and a host of other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.

Special thanks to Dr. Ross Downes, Dr. Don Diego Deveaux, Doctors’ Hospital and Inova Fairfax Hospital.

In compliance with ‘The National Emergency Orders’ a Memorial Service will be announced at a later date.

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OBITUARIES

Thursday, March 26, 2020 ● PAGE 5

Death Notice For

Committal Service For

Mr. Charles Hamilton, 62

Mr. Tyrus Johnson, 44

of Smith’s Hill, South Andros, will be held on Friday 27th March, 2020, at the Chapel of Cedar Crest Funeral Home and Crematorium Ltd, Robinson Road. Officiating will be Pastor Paul Scavella. Cremation will follow.

Due to the Government’s Orders and related restrictions placed on Funeral Attendance, as a result of the Covid-19 Global Pandemic, the family will comply with the government’s special regulations pertaining to funerals and apologize in advance for any inconvenience cause.

Tyrus was predeceased by his Mother, Edna Mae Porter-Johnson.

Left to cherish his memories are his Father: Joseph Xavier Johnson; Uncle: Roosevelt Porter; Sisters: Marina, Sherry (Van Johnson), Tametka, Lorna (Hendrick McIntosh), Paulyn (Leonardo Rahming), Cushionly, Simslee (Troy Saunders), Darlene, Charmaine (Edmond Symonette), Deborah, Garnel (Anville Sargent), Melonie and Katrinka; Brothers: Wellington (Lucy Farrington), Kevin, Christopher, (Tameka Johnson), Prince (Marzena), Carrington (Ariastacia Johnson), Reginald, Maxwell; 17 nieces, 12 nephews, 4 grand nieces, grand-nephew, and a host of other relatives and friends including the entire community of Smith’s Hill, South Andros, The New Macedonia Seventh Day Adventist Church and the Kemps Bay Seventh Day Adventist Church.

Arrangements entrusted to Cedar Crest Funeral Home and Crematorium Ltd, Baillou Hill and Robinson Roads.

a resident of Sea Breeze Estates, died at The Princess Margaret Hospital on Thursday, 19th March, 2020.

Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.

PAGE 6 ● Thursday, March 26, 2020

OBITUARIES

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Death Notices for

CAMILLE INEZ DORSETT, 60

SHEILA LOUISE SYMMONETT, 76

Retired Supt.

DUSTIN CECIL BABB, 84

of Yorkshire Street, Westward Villas, of Bethel Avenue, Stapledon Gardens, of Golf Course Blvd., Sea Breeze died at the Princess Margaret Hospital died at Doctors Hospital on Wednesday, Estates and formerly of Barbados, died on Wednesday, March 25th, 2020. on Tuesday, March 24th, 2020.

18th March, 2020.

She is survived by her son: Seron Lindsay; three sisters: Ingrid Johnson, Karen Cephas and Lloydia Dorsett; one brother: George Andrew Dorsett; one aunt: Sandra Rolle; two uncles: Drexel and Sidney Dorsett; one grandaunt: Theodoshia “Dolly” Dorsett and other relatives and friends.

She is survived by her six sisters: Yvonne Symmonett, Veronica Fraser, Angela Archer, Adesta Gooden, Eva Smith, and Mary Ferguson; six brothers: Lionel, Vernon, Geoffrey, Don and Oris Symmonett, and Vibart Wills, and other relatives and friends.

He is survived by his wife: Evelyn Babb; four daughters: Fayne Babb, Sandy Watkins née Babb; Endrenise and Melvern; four sons: Dale, Wayde, Kenrick and Melvin; one sister: Jane; one brother: Geoffrey; 12 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.

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OBITUARIES

Thursday, March 26, 2020 ● PAGE 7

Death Notices For Mr. Ronald Evan Lockhart, 61

Mr. Darren Leroy Johnson, 49

Mr. Prince Wilfred Williams, 56

affectionately called

“Pigeon”

of Duncan Town, Ragged Island died at the Princess Margaret Hospital on Saturday, March 21st, 2020. of Prison Lane, Fort Fin Castle and formerly of The Bluff, South Andros Mr. Lockhart is survived by his children: died at the Princess Margaret Hospital Tamar, Evan, Shanell, Garnette and on Tuesday, March 17th, 2020.

Joseph Lockhart; brothers and sisters: Romeo, Wilfrwx, Ora, Millis, Ellen Mr. Johnson is survived by his Daughter: and Juliette; grandchildren: Brooklyn, Roshanda Johnson; Stepdaughter: Tanae and Derek; numerous nieces and Juanita Hinds Archer, Kenisha Bowe; nephews and a host of other relatives Stepson: Roger Gibson, Carlos Cornish, and friends Robert Hinds, Hildred Hinds, Angus Hinds; Grandchildren: Stevana, Funeral arrangements will be announced Avanedian, Richard Gibson; Sisters: at a future date.

Kaynell Johnson, Candy Johnson, Abbey West, Alderine; Brothers: Where the Name is SERVICE ,and your Theophilus Johnson, Marvin Johnson, LOVED ONE OURS.” Patrick Johnson, Perry Johnson, Bursel Johnson, Rodger.

of Williams Drive , Cowpen Road died on Monday, March 16th 2020.

Mr. Williams is survived by his mother: Iris Williams; children: Travis and Kristopher Williams; 2 brothers: Godfrey Sr. and Ricardo Williams; 6 sisiters: Kathleen and Esther Williams, Winifred Tetteh-Owuso, Wilda Kennedy, Francita Gould and Jacqueline Dorsett; 1 aunt: Evelyn Williams; 3 brothers-inlaw: Voxmus Tetteh Owuso, Benmore Kennedy and Gerald Gould Sr.; sistersin-law: Monica and Marsha Williams; staffof L.A.V Rentals; 12 nephews; 26 nieces and a host of other relatives and friend too numerous to mention.

Funeral arrangements will be announced at a future date.

Funeral arrangements will be announced Where the NAME is SERVICE and at a future date. your LOVED ONE OURS. Where the NAME is Service, and your LOVED ONE OURS.

PAGE 8 ● Thursday, March 26, 2020

OBITUARIES

THE TRIBUNE

A Priviate Service For and Family, Patrice McPhee, Roslyn Ferguson, Agatha Althea Eleanor Baker-Rolle, 65 Dorothy Farrington, Shirley Farrington, Javarah Williams, of Datura Avenue, South Beach, Bernadette Wells, Sharon Smith, Pearlene Hepburn, Cathlean Johnson, Charles Steven Farrington, Judith New Providence, Bahamas.

Horton, Shirley Rolle, Joanne Dorsette, Fredrick Rolle, Left to cherish Althea’s fond Standly and Judith Woods, Roslyn Ferguson, Shirley memories are her Children: Omar Rolle, Gloria Lewis, Kathlene, Irene, Gloria, Lionel, and Rolle & Nikira Rolle; Daughter-in- Family, Delsie Johnson and family; numerous grandnieces law: Ardeen Rolle; Grandchildren: & nephews, great grandnieces & nephews and other family Jayden and Jamir Rolle; Sisters: and friends inclusive: Pastor Howard Stuart and the Miracle Vivar Penn, Vernie Stubbs & Lydia Revival Fellowship Family and all other person that gave Baker; Brothers: William, Vincent support including the doctors & nurses at Princess Margaret and Philip Baker; Adopted Sister: Hospital and many others too numerous to mention.

Sharon Fernander; Sisters & Brothers-in-law: Patrice Baker, Zerma Lightborne, Laverna Baker, Clifford Stubbs, Ernest Penn & Romel Winters; Aunts & Uncles: Luciel Johnson, Death Notice For Betrum Johnson, Zenith & Rose Mackey, Abner Mackey, Vernica Mackey and Rochelle Mackey; Nieces & Nephews: Nathaniel Baker, Natasha Francios, Tavia Baker, Tashan of Butler Street, Nassau Village died Baker, Travantae Baker, Terell Stubbs, Terrance Penn, at the Princess Margaret Hospital on Dedree Penn, Mark Penn, Monique Penn, Zulima, Jethro, Thursday, March 19th, 2020.

Etienne, Tenovia & Kyle McIntosh, Deondra & Demarco Smith, Ernesto Penn, Demetrious & Pheona Stubbs, Avaon She is survived by her daughters: & Shanell Sands, Kenyouth & Bianca Stubbs, Vernon & Anna Demeritte, Olivia Edwards Merlene Stubbs, Delton & Nadia Stubbs, Nekie Baker, Daavis, Lesley Edwards and Estella Labresha Baker, Sario & Annette Baker, Tari Baker, Edwards; sisters: Regina Adderley, Carerra Baker, Donnavan Baker, Kennedy Baker, Julian and Kim Smith; brothers: William Penn, Raynard Baker, Ian & Tonacia Thompson, Ricardo Green, Edwin Knowles, Oscar & Patrika Sweeting, Ruth Baker, Philip Baker Jr., Vandeco Knowles, Kevin and others too & Lashawn Stuart, Morriece & Carra Fawkes, Tiffany numerous to mention.

Swain; Cousins: Paula Ellis, Cyprianna, Van Mackey, John Jolton, Michael Florine, Patrica Morton, Pandora, Michael Johnson, Rudolph & Joycelyn Curtis, Christine Adderley, Arrangements for the funeral service are being finalized Jan Mackey, Cecil Mackey, Keith Smith, Livingston Parks and details will be announced at a future date.

Elder Barbara Mae Edwards, 63

MISSION STATEMENT: To provide consistent, sympathetic, caring and professional, “Service with Excellence” serving the Commonwealth of the Bahamas and worldwide, with the highest level of consideration to the personal desires and financial comfort to our client families.

OBITUARIES

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Death Notice For

Thursday, March 26, 2020 ● PAGE 9

NOTICE

Mr. Herman Gurstivous Brown announces the death of his Wife

Matriarch Mary Jane Sturrup-Brown

of #6 Zinnia Street, Kennedy Subdivision, who died on Monday, March 23rd, 2020 at Home.

She was predeceased seven months ago by her Son: Dwayne Brown Also mourning her passing are her Children: Christine Miller, Kermit Brown, Wendy Morley, Gregory Brown and Marilyn Brown Son-in-law: Michael Morley Daughter-in-law: Dornell Brown Grand son-in-law: Jerveto Mackey Sister: Helen Clarke-Coverley Brother: Gordon Sturrup Grandchildren: Shenika Morley, Kristal, Tamara and Ashley Miller, Azaria, Johnette, Danielle Brown-Bodie, Deja Brown, Brickell, Angel and Michael Morley, De’ Carlo Brown, Orthnell Miller, Olaniyi and Olufemi Jimoh and Justin Brown Sisters-in-law: Aldora Curtis, Nathalie “Nettie” Sturrup and Doris Sturrup Brother-in-law: Eric Curtis Numerous great grandchildren, nieces and nephews and other relatives.

The Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.

t c e l l o C Photos The Tribune unfortunately CANNOT be held responsible for photos left over 30 days

Collect Photos

Card of Thanks In Loving Memory Death Notices

PAGE 10 ● Thursday, March 26, 2020

RELIGION

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THE TRIBUNE

RELIGION SECTION C

RELIGIOUS NEWS, STORIES AND CHURCH EVENTS

THE FIRST “SOCIALLY DISTANT” CHURCH SERVICES HOW WAS IT FOR YOU?

BY ALESHA CADET | TRIBUNE FEATURES REPORTER | ACADET@TRIBUNEMEDIA.NET

M

ANY Bahamians experienced their first socially distant church service this past Sunday. And while it may have been strange to worship without the presence of fellow members, the connection to God was still the same.

Roman Catholic Church member Jessica Rolle told Tribune Religion that her mother woke everyone up early on Sunday as she usually does, to remind them of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Nassau’s live church service that was to be streamed on Facebook and on YouTube.

“She reminded us all on WhatsApp that no matter how we spent our Saturday night, Sunday was to be spent reflecting on God and His works. So together as a family, we all tuned in live,” she said.

What stuck most with Jessica from this service was the responsorial psalm, which

last Sunday was psalm 23. Jessica said more now than ever, the psalm is uplifting; to know that even though the world is facing a crisis, people always know that the Lord guides us all to the right paths.

In the service, Archbishop Patrick Pinder said: “ The circumstances of our world today lead us to reflect on today’s responsorial psalm. It is the most familiar, and perhaps best loved of the psalms, and one of the best known passages of sacred scripture. In this time of danger, uncertainty and fear, this psalm is most fitting for us. It brings us that word of comfort and assurance we so desperately need right now. Even though I walk through the dark valley, I fear no evil. For you at my side with your rod and your staff that gives me courage.

The psalm says beloved we can be confident of the Lord’s protection, as we face the dark valley which is COVID-19,

we do so responsibly and sensibly; confident of the Lord’s protective presence.

This is the time to take all of the proper safety precautions and the protections as the proper health authorities advise us. It is also a time for us to look out for each other, especially the most vulnerable among us; the old and the very young.

This is also a time to pray; let us pray for global leaders, our own national leaders; our Governor General, prime minister, minister of health and the entire cabinet.

We should pray especially for our health care providers, our physicians and nurses and all those who are at the front line in the response to this pandemic.”

Betty Turnquest said this past Sunday she felt as though she had the opportunity to be a few places at the once; tuning into various local churches as they performed services on a digital platform.

“I missed getting ready to physically go out and praise God, but I hope this also teaches people that praise can be performed anywhere; it is deep within us at all time. Even before this, sometimes I found myself in praise sessions at work in the restroom, while driving my car, anywhere I want it to happen. That is how powerful our God is. But one of the services I tuned into was Neil Ellis’ live service at Mount Tabor. What stood out to me most was his reflection on the Lord’s prayer. It was so powerful and much needed. I had everyone tuned in,” said Ms Turnquest.

Bishop Neil Ellis, senior pastor of Mount Tabor Church, opened his remarks noting that this wasn’t the kind of service his congregation is accustomed to, but God will be glorified whenever they have the opportunity to do so.

“From the beginning of this year we have been dissecting what many of us have come to know as the Lord’s prayer, and we have concluded that this prayer that Jesus taught his disciples and by extension, us, is a framework, a model, and guide for praying,” he said during the service.

“When we pray, my friends, we ought to pray knowing that our prayers will be answered. Not because of who we are, but because who God is. He is our father, and we are his children. He is our father who lives in heaven, which gives him a

vantage point that is greater than ours.

Consequently there is nothing going on in my life and in your life, that God does not know about. That is good news.

Especially today, as people are in a state of panic, fear and uncertainty because of COVID-19. I want you to know that wherever you are today, there is nothing going on in your life that God does not know about. And so that is why everyday of our lives, we ought to hallow his name because his name always reveals something about his nature.”

Judith Dorsett tuned into Pastor Matthew Sweeting of the New Providence Community Church’s online service, and remembers his words of not letting go of each other during this time.

“He quoted Romans 12.5 that says we belong to each other, and each needs all the others. And just like it would have touched me in the four walls of the church, it touched me while sitting on my couch in my home. The message is always the most important. I am happy so many pastors did this for us believers this past Sunday. I thank them all for it, because like Pastor Matthew said, we need each other right now,” she said.

Pastor Sweeting also preached: “As we come together in the days and weeks ahead, because we are going to come together, we are going to unite in love, service, and we are going to get through this. As we come to terms, all of us, of what we are now calling our new normal.

I challenge you this morning in your personal lives, your jobs this week, with your families, let’s see this moment as an opportunity to reimagine our future. If you are watching the news every day, you are seeing so many amazing things going on around our planet right now. Families are being reunited, nature is being reclaimed, people are polluting less. It is interesting that you have to go home for the planet to do well. I also say this morning, let’s collectively evolve. This is an amazing opportunity that God has given us to take this opportunity and to come out on the back end a few months from now far better. From our church to yours, we are going to get through this because God has always been faithful.”

RELIGION

THE TRIBUNE

Faith vs fear in the face of coronavirus

BY TIFFANY GRANT IN THE midst of the COVID-19 pandemic an expected level of fear has hit globally. Here in the Bahamas people have been stocking up on medications, especially vitamin C, hand sanitisers and cleaning supplies in order to shield themselves from contracting the virus.

While the nation takes the necessary health and hygiene precautions to defend itself from COVID-19, a local Anglican priest urges the nation to be prayerful and to put into practice faith over fear during this time.

The Rev DeAngelo Bowe, pictured, rector of Holy Spirit Anglican Church, in his sermon on March 15, urged his parishioners that while protecting themselves from COVID-19, they must hold fast to their faith and not replace it with fear.

He asked the church-goers the question: Fear or faith, which one will you allow to be the dominant figure in your life?

“I have always been a firm believer that as a man who believes in God, faith is what I turn to. In moments of crisis, in moments of disaster, I turn to my faith,” said Father Bowe.

While faith is a vital component in the Christian’s life, especially now, Father Bowe pointed out that “faith without works is dead.”

“It is God who has given man the knowledge; it is God who has given man the ability to find cures and vaccinations.

All things come from God. But faith without works is dead. So,\ why are we in the midst of fear when we have already been instructed by the physicians, who God has inspired, and who have told us what to do,” he said.

In practicing faith, Father Bowe

said,one must adhere to the health and hygiene guidelines outlined to prevent the transmission of the virus, such as the proper washing of hands.

“In the midst of this new thing, it is time for us to pray, to go to God in prayer and ask Him to keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls as we practice proper hygiene,” he said.

Anglican churches in the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands have temporarily suspended church services, Bible studies and meetings for a period of two weeks, starting from Thursday, March 19, in order to comply with social distancing. This was noted in a pastoral letter from the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of the Bahamas and The Turks and Caicos Islands, the Rev Laish Boyd. The matter will be evaluated before moving forward, he said, In the letter, Bishop Boyd also said that the coronavirus is “upsetting and frightening, but scripture challenges us to ‘fear not.’”

“This does not mean that we must not or will not be afraid, because fear is a normal human reaction; it is an unpleasant emotion caused by danger or threat.

‘Fear not’ means that we must not be overcome by panic, hysteria and the loss of control. Why? Because God has given us cognition, learning and wisdom to moderate and subject fear, and that is what we must employ in this challenge,” said Bishop Boyd.

As the nation comes to grips with the reality of the coronavirus pandemic, it is adopting the principles of faith versus fear that will sustain us.

Thursday, March 26, 2020 ● PAGE 11

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PAGE 12 ● Thursday, March 26, 2020

RELIGION

Gospel artists offer encouragement during quarantine

THE TRIBUNE

ADRIANNA MUNNINGS

BY JEFFARAH GIBSON | TRIBUNE FEATURES WRITER | JGIBSON@TRIBUNEMEDIA.NET

When praying, be sincere in our prayers to God. That means making a true change in our lives.

MR J

F

OR the working class, free time is a rarity that does not come often and usually doesn’t last for an extended period of time.

Thanks to the restrictions put in place to stem the spread of COVID-19, most of us have found ourselves with much more free time at home than we are used to.

People have been encouraged to use their time to engage in personal development activities, grow spiritually, and to catch up on things they don’t usually get a chance to.

This is also the case for several Bahamian gospel artists who have been using their spare time, in quarantine in their homes, to focus on various projects, fellowshipping with God and their families.

Gospel singer Adriana Munnings said she has been doing everything to keep herself at peace.

“Fear is our worst enemy, but let’s evaluate our faith and use wisdom, too. God is still faithful and he’s still on the throne, still in control and he is still well able,” she told Tribune Religion.

Like many Bahamians, Adrianna said she is using this time to connect with family.

“I have been spending time with family, cooking and serving them,” sh said. “Every evening we have family devotion - that’s giving God praise,

singing, reading and sharing in the word. Everyone gets to testify and pray.”

She is also taking the time to create more music which she hopes will touch the hearts of all those who hear it.

“I am working on some new pieces of music and spoken,” she said.

Local gospel reggae artist Gesner “Mr J” Dalmond said now more than ever people need to be encouraged, and that is what he has devoted his attention to.

“I’m releasing videos of encouraging messages via my Facebook page. I’m also sharing insights of what this current crisis is pointing to, which is the bigger picture we should be focused on,” he said.

“My word of encouragement to all is to follow the protocols set by our prime minister in order limit the spread of this virus, thus ridding the country of it. When praying, be sincere in our prayers to God. That means making a true change in our lives. Not because we fear this virus, but let it be because we truly recognise our need of Him and that we have sinned against him.”

Meanwhile, Stevenson Jacques, a member of the Men of Grace gospel group, said it’s time to reflect and also to show gratitude to God for some of the blessings he has received.

STEVENSON JACQUES “I must first say that God is good and his mercies endureth forever. It’s not just a trying time for The Bahamas but for the world at large, and even though we are out of work I’m grateful that we are in good health and thankful to be home with my family; to just to sit down with my wife and kids has been a joy for me through this quarantine. We’ve been listening to the word of God and sharing old stories,” he said.

Mr Jacques hopes during this time of quiet and stillness, God inspires him in new ways so that when he has a chance to perform again people lives will be visibly touched.

“As an artist, I’ve been meditating and thinking of new ways I can use my gift to touch people’s hearts by the way of music. So through it all we’re keeping a positive attitude, knowing that we will get through this because our God is a keeper and he never fails,” he said.

As for DJ Counsellor, a youth leader at the Emerge Youth Church, he has been keeping the youngsters engaged during this time.

“Using our social media platforms and WhatsApp messaging to uplift, encourage and to make sure they are taking this very seriously, so despite us not meeting physically, we are still keeping them engaged. We have launched a weekly online show called EYC TV, it can be viewed on Facebook,” he said.