Responsible governance key after landslide win, says clergyman

A church leader has urged the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) administration to practise good governance and responsible leadership as it begins another term following its clean sweep in the February 11 general election.

Reverend Dr Adrian Smith of Calvary Moravian Church delivered the charge during the BLP’s thanksgiving service at Golden Square Freedom Park on Sunday, which also marked the first Sunday of Lent.

Framing his message around the theme of responsibility, Reverend Smith told ministers that leadership demands careful stewardship of the nation’s resources.

“We have to be responsible with the resources that God has entrusted to us, ministers [and] leaders. You have to be responsible with the people’s patrimony, the people’s money, the use of taxes. The greatest resource that you also have is the human resource of this country. You must be responsible.”

Prime Minister Mia Mottley (front – third from left) and other members of the BLP at the service on Sunday. (LG)

He reminded them that governance must prioritise the most vulnerable.

“Don’t forget the children in this country. Don’t forget the elderly in this country. Don’t forget the sick in this country. Don’t forget those who are struggling to make ends meet.”

Quoting from the books of Matthew and Luke, the Moravian minister said public office is an act of stewardship.

“We must be responsible because the future is in our hands… what God has blessed us with, it is not ours. We didn’t own it. It is given to us by God.”

He cautioned leaders against becoming consumed by status or public approval.

“You have to be a leader that leads by the vision that God has entrusted you. You’ve got to lead out of purpose,” he said. “We’ve got to stay focused, stay humble, don’t laud titles, don’t flex the muscles, but serve the Lord… You weren’t born leaders of a country. You’re not going to stay here forever.”

Warning against bending to public pressure for validation, he added: “Your life is not about performing and impressing, jumping through hoops and trying to please people… Be careful that you’re not doing things to validate people’s whims and fancy.”

Reverend Smith also stressed the importance of self-care amid the demands of leadership.

“At some point you have to take care of yourself… you have to eat, you have to sleep, you have to rest. It is okay to enjoy yourself.”

Encouraging unity and faith, he reminded ministers that their leadership extends beyond the present.

“You have confidence of people. You have trust of me, but you’re a leader of the nation… not just for now but for the future.”

In closing, he offered a prayerful blessing for the Prime Minister and her team.

“May you always work together as a team, united with synergy, have love and compassion, justice and righteousness, and may the vision of God be implanted in you to steer and direct this nation.” (LG)