By: Precious Mills

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts– Although the promised land controversy between the New Birth Gospel Tabernacle and the government was not the given focus as to why Bishop Cyprian Williams recently returned to the streets in demonstration, that particular matter has yet to be settled past November which the church did not want.

“…I’m just here this morning to pray for our land, pray for our leaders that God will; give them wisdom and guidance as they govern the affairs of this land of St. Christopher and Nevis and so that’s all I’m doing today because when we say safety, sometimes there’s sudden destruction and God says the watchman needs to watch and proclaim a warning to this land. It’s a time when we must turn back to God, turn back to the things of God not just having a religious activity but turn our hearts and I’m praying that our leaders will do just that and that we are here this morning just to pray and just to declare the scriptures of the Lord throughout this land that whoever will pass, our leaders will know that there are still a God and blessed is that nation whose God is the Lord”, he told reporters on Wednesday 6th November in the vicinity of Government Headquarters on Church Street on Budget Address presentation day.

When asked by this reporter about the land allocation issue, Williams responded:

“I don’t want to throw this conversation into because I’m not here for that but just one thing I would say on that- the government did not keep its side of the bargain in terms of the land for the church. They missed the deadline and that’s all I will say so it’s a matter between the Attorney General’s office and our attorneys at this time to try to see if they can get it resolved. With I am out of that, I am done because if you cannot respect  yourself to respect a date you have given; a month a half they had, they said the 30th (of November) and they did not so what can I say after that? I have no more comment to make with that land issue.”

In late October this year, it was publicised at a church press conference that the government had asked for an extension of time to process all documents, following a seven-month waiting period on the church’s part, to have the matter resolved in relation to that promised land in Cunningham Estate, Cayon.

The church responded indicating its willingness to wait until the end of November.

To date, worship sessions are conducted at a second temporary land space under a pitched tent located on the border region linking the communities of Cayon and Key’s.

Asked about his religious outfit choice for Wednesday’s demonstration, Williams stated: “It’s an outfit that I normally wear for an awakening-that’s what I do for service- and the cross is just to remind us what Jesus has done for us.”

The life-size cross Williams carried was made from planks. He was questioned about why he did not select a lighter option.

“It’s better because the cross that Jesus carried was not a light one. The things that we have to go through, the scripture reminds us that we must take up our cross and follow Jesus and so I’m thankful for the option. The only thing is that I wish they could let me keep it (stationed) instead of carrying it all around but I have no problem, I’ll carry the cross.”

Church member Malisia Benjamin was the only other church member seen on that demonstration day.

Speaking with her at the sidewalk opposite outside Government Headquarters, she stated in part: “This is about the Kingdom. We are on business for the King. The nation needs God.”

Williams informed reporters that he had been out and about since 7am. At the time of the media interview, he was took a break from circling the surrounding areas as he passed Government Headquarters.

Commenting on whether he was met with any opposition during his exercise, he said “just questions from the officers but I think they handled themselves well.”

He went on to point to his religious freedom in having the right to gather and pray.

“This nation needs prayer. I don’t care who is governing this country, our country needs prayer and one of the things I’m going to say right here is that I’m going to be here every budget morning as long as I’m alive and I’m able even if I’m in a wheelchair somebody bring me here, we are going to pray because this nation needs prayer. Our governments cannot do it by themselves; they need the hands of God to help them and that’s why I’m here. We can’t forget God and only need him in times of disasters.”

After that interview, this media house learnt that Williams was instructed by security personnel not to stand outside Government Headquarters but rather keep it moving hence the reason why he circled the area.